House of God

House of God.  Jacob was on his journey back to his mother’s family and fleeing from his brother, Esau.  While on this journey, Jacob arrives at a certain place.   While sleeping, he dreams and sees a stairway that was set on the ground with its top reaching the sky, and God’s angels were going up and down on it (Genesis 28:12).  The Lord was standing beside him and said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac.  I will give you and your offspring the land on which you are lying” (v.13).  Jacob took the stone that was near his head and set it up as a marker.  He poured oil on top of it, as if to consecrate it, and named the place Bethel – which means the “house of God”.   The stone served as a marker and a memorial as to what Jacob witnessed.  As God had made a vow to Jacob, Jacob also made a vow to God and that the Lord would be his God.  Jacob promised to give a tenth of all that God would give to him (v.22).  One might say that a stone can’t be a “House of God”, but the House of God is a place set aside where we meet with God.  Jacob didn’t need a building; he needed God and to be in the presence of God was the most important.  Our church building should serve as somewhat of a memorial, reminding us of God’s presence with us.  He is with us everywhere and at all times, but a reminder can be helpful.  Also, each time we tithe to the Lord, we should also be reminded of His presence, His promises, and our covenant to serve such an amazing God.