Genesis 35:1-29

The word that came to my mind as I was reading this chapter was separation.  Jacob has been back in Canaan for some time and changes are taking place that are a part of God’s plan for Jacob who’s name has now been changed to Israel.

SEPARATION FROM IDOLATRY: God calls Jacob to move away from the land where he had settled and to move to Bethel where God had first appeared to him.  Remember that the survivors of the attack of Shechem had been taken captive and become a part of Jacob’s household.  They certainly brought with them their idols and beliefs, so I believe that God is calling Jacob to get away from this area and restore the worship of God as the standard in his family.  Jacob calls all the members of his household to give him their idols and objects of worship.  These are then confiscated and Jacob calls the tribes to purify themselves for the journey in order to make a fresh start.  It seems that every now and then in my own life it is necessary to stop and evaluate how I am doing spiritually.  I seem to constantly need to confiscate the idols that my heart naturally collects, turn from them to worship anew God and God alone.  I think it is health for us as individuals and as families or churches to step back and have a “house cleaning” on a regular basis.  It is easy for us to get into ruts and over time allow false gods to occupy spaces in our affections that ought to be reserved for God alone.

SEPARATION TO BLESSING: As Jacob leaves the land and the idols behind to establish an altar in the place where God had originally appeared to him, God once again affirms His promises to Jacob.  This is the time where once again God changes Jacobs name to Israel and He promises the lands and the blessing that had been given to both Abraham and Isaac.  We may think that these promises are somewhat repetitive but it is important for us to realize that decades had passed between the confirmation of these promises.  If we are going to be successful in our walk with God, it is vital that we constantly remind ourselves of the promises of God to us.  It is easy for us to forget them and live in light of our present circumstances.  We often adopt pragmatic philosophies of life during these times where we doubt or forget God’s promises.  God reminds Israel and us that a constant focus on the promises of God are important so that we can live in light of them and find hope through them.

SEPARATION THROUGH DEATH: There are several deaths that occur along the way in Israel’s journey.  Rachael’s maid dies and is buried, then Rachael herself dies in childbirth and finally the death of Isaac is recorded.  Death creates sorry for loss as we face separation from loved ones.  Death also is a constant reminder of the frailty of our lives and the reality that one day each of us will pass from this life into eternity.  These times of separation are difficult for us to face, but they are often used of God to help those who remain on earth to remember God and His will and be humbled before Him.  Thankfully, in Christ death is a glorious event where we are finally introduced to our eternal home with God.  It is our job to make sure that we are prepared for death and to help others to prepare for that eventuality as well.  May each death we are forces to face cause us to become better prepared for the day that we will stand before God.