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 (KJV)

In Genesis 34, some of Jacob’s sons killed the men of Shechem for defiling their sister, Dinah. Jacob heard of it and, at the direction of the Lord, moved on to Bethel. No one harmed Jacob or his family on the journey because the fear of God fell on those around them. Jacob then built an altar to the Lord and the covenant was renewed there- but he had to be in Bethel for it to happen. They had to be in the land that the Lord wanted them in.

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. Genesis 35:2-3 (KJV)

This passage gives us insight in how to position ourselves to receive from God what He has promised.

• We are to cleanse our lives, removing the things in our homes and lives that may offend God.

• We are to renew our vows and commitment to the Lord., committing to a life of personal holiness to the Lord.

• Spend time fellowshipping with the Lord.

• Live lives based on the Word of God, offering ourselves as a living sacrifice to Him.

When we live holy unto the Lord, we become closer to Him. We’ll hear Him speak to us in our time of need. We’ll experience His presence like we did when we were first born-again. And we’ll see Him turn things around for us when we face difficulties.

Bethel means house of God. God is the God of Bethel. As we spend time in God’s house, we arrive where He wants us, experiencing His presence, His promises, His names, and His provision. Go where God directs and be where He wants you. As a result, you’ll experience His covenant of blessing.