I Samuel 7:12 – BSB – Then Samuel took a stone and set it between
Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the
LORD has helped us."
Romans 12:2 – BSB – Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to
discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
I
think we all can look back at a point in our lives where everything
changed. Maybe it was powerful and astonishing, accompanied by dramatic
demonstrations of the importance of the moment. Or, perhaps it was
more subtle, just a shift in direction that eventually led you to
a whole new world. Either way, when you ask yourself how you got to
where you are now, you can trace it all back to that hour. That was
a turning point. This passage in Genesis 35 was, in my opinion, the
most pivotal turning point in Jacob's life. It's why he built a pillar.
I think he learned this practice from his father and grandfather.
Whenever something happened that was life changing, these men built
memorials. They were usually altars, so that they could honor God
with a sacrifice. Then, from that point on, whenever they passed by
for generations to come, they never forgot what happened there.
So what happened here at this pillar? The Lord God changed Jacob's
name. He was no more Jacob, the liar, the deceiver, the supplanter;
he was now Israel, the one who had wrestled with God and come out
changed. This wasn't his first encounter with God, nor would it be
his last. However, this was what he wanted to remember. So why now?
Before, his relationship with God was secondary to his personal will
and desires. He served God, and God, in turn, blessed him. However,
after this night, Jacob's direction had shifted. He didn't just have
a new name, he had a new attitude. We know it's true because once
he returned to his family, he went through his household and destroyed
every idol. Heretofore, everyone had simply served the God of Abraham
alongside all of their own household gods. Now, Jacob will allow this
no more. Even their clothes had to be cleaned, so that none of their
influence remained. This reflected the drastic change inside of Jacob.
No more the influence of this world, he had decided. Then, he built
a pillar so that he would never forget.
Philosophers
had debated for generations if it is possible for a person to truly
change; to reset their course and leave behind their old ways. This
month is January, and the world is full of people resolving to change
their lives for the better but they will be back to their old habits
by February. It seems like change is a hopeless cause. However, while
I am no philosopher, there is one thing I have come to believe. A
turning point is possible if you are willing to lay down your will,
wants, and desires and cling to Jesus just like Jacob did. It begins
at a holy place just like Bethel where you and God meet together.
Then, you don't let go until your direction changes. You'll know it's
real, because you'll start digging out all those old gods that you
thought were so precious and casting them away. It’s called repentance
and it’s available today, if you are looking for a change. ah