Scripture Focus:
“And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto
God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.” Genesis
35:1
Jacob had delayed returning to Bethel, the place where God had first appeared to him. Instead
of moving forward in obedience, he settled in Shechem; a place that brought momentary
comfort but ended in sorrow. After the tragedy with Dinah, God repeated His original command:
“Go up to Bethel.” This time, Jacob obeyed.
Sometimes, it takes disruption to birth obedience. Painful seasons may not come from God, but
He can use them to bring alignment. If Dinah had not been defiled, would Jacob have remained
stuck in compromise? God doesn’t orchestrate evil, but He permits moments that jolt us out of
disobedience. What the enemy meant for harm, God uses to direct, refine, and restore.
And when Jacob finally rose to return, he didn’t go alone, he led his household in repentance,
laying aside idols and recommitting to God. That return to Bethel marked a fresh altar, a
renewed covenant, and a repositioning into divine purpose. Obedience is costly, but delay can
cost more.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive my delay. Let pain never be my only motivation. Help me return to Bethel by
choice, not just by pressure. Amen.
Further Reading: Genesis 28:10–22, Genesis 34:30–31, Romans 8:28