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The Faithfulness of God to His Word – one of the resounding refrains throughout the book of Genesis -- contrasts itself against the backdrop of a patriarch’s self-interest. In our last sermon in Genesis (ch. 34) we observed Jacob’s silence concluded by a speech of self-interest as he watches his family sin and be sinned against. All the while, no character mentions, seeks after, prays to, or worships God. However, God has made promises to this family of patriarchs and He demonstrates his faithfulness in Genesis 35 even when they have demonstrated anything but faithfulness.

God arrives on the scene again in the beginning of chapter 35 to remind Jacob of a previous commitment which he had made. In Genesis 28, when leaving his father’s homeland Jacob makes a promise – “God if you take care of me and bring me back to my father’s homeland, then you will be my God.” Jacob’s current state demonstrates the opposite as he and his clan had accumulated many false gods (35:2). Though it is easy for us to criticize Jacob for his forgetfulness of his vows, it would be wise for us to consider, “How often do I need reminded of the commitments that I have made before the Lord?” Here are some realms in which I have considered this question.

  • In Marriage. When I married my wife, Katie, I made a commitment to love her as Christ loves the church: sacrificially, unconditionally, laying aside my interest, and willing to give up my own life. Though I meant it when I said it, frequently, I find my own flesh telling me that what I want matters more than loving my wife. When we are both tired and the house is a mess, what do I do? Do I clean it up (my flesh sure doesn’t want to)? Or go to bed allowing an unfinished burden of the day pile onto Katie’s to do list for tomorrow? Being reminded of my commitment before the Lord helps me to love my wife, as I ought.

  • In the Local Church. For those of us who have joined in membership to a local church we have made a commitment to the other members of the church. We have committed to gather together, to encourage one another, and to engage in discipleship with one another. When I do gather with the church, do I gather as often as the church gathers or am I guilty of forsaking the assembling of the church (Heb 10:25)? When I do gather, do I arrive at the last minute and leave early (as is my temptation, after all I have a lot going on!), or do I stay a few extra minutes to engage in fellowship and discipleship? When I do gather, do I hope that others will come and talk to me, or do I go out of my way to engage with others in conversation with the intention of encouraging and building them up (Eph 4:12)?

As Jacob prepares to depart for Bethel, He remembers a truth about God’s character and faithfulness. God is the one who answers us when we call out in our distress – a truth he obviously forgot when he feared his reputation would stink before the Canaanites (Gen 34:30). How often do we forget to call out to God when we are in distress? Sometimes we spend days or weeks stressing about trials in our life. Maybe it is something big:  a wayward child, a relational rift with a coworker, a tight financial position, or a chronic health condition. Maybe it is something small: keys locked in the car, an alarm overslept, a stubbed toe, or a crying baby. Do we call out to God, no matter the circumstances (Phil 4:6-7), or do we worry about our circumstances as Jacob did in Gen 34:30? May we remember as Jacob did that our God is one who answers in our distress.

Consider one final thought of application from Jacob’s reaction to the Word of God. God speaks and reminds Jacob not only of the commitments that Jacob had made 25+ years ago, but God also reminds Jacob of the unconditional promises which He had made to Abraham and Isaac. Jacob responded to God’s Word by repenting. This is evidenced by his return to Bethel (Gen 35:16). Jacob’s example prompts us to consider the question -- How do I respond to the Word of God?  Week after week, Pastor Danny faithfully preaches the Word of God. I read the Word of God as a part of my daily routine. But, when confronted with wrong thinking by God’s Word do I repent? Or maybe the truth is too hard to apply, as it would require too much change on my part. Do I remain indifferent? Or do I yield to what God wants to change in my life? Maybe, I lack the discipline or care to take heed and listen (or read) carefully God’s Word. May it not be so with me.

May God be pleased to work in our hearts and lives so that we are ready to hear and respond rightly to the Word of God.