And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel. And they journeyed from Bethel.
Genesis 35:15–16
To this man who experienced devastation in his family, God said, “Go to Bethel and dwell there. Go to Bethel and stay put.” Bethel literally means “house of God.” Jacob went to Bethel and found refuge and renewal, revival and refreshment, and then he left! Why? Why do people leave Bethel? Why do people leave the house of God? Let me give you the only answer we see in the text: After talking about Jacob’s revival in Bethel in verse 7, verse 8 says, “Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died.” In other words, although he had met God, heard the promises of God, and fellowshipped with God at Bethel, Jacob evidently couldn’t deal with the fact that his nanny was no longer there.
Both Abraham and Jacob would leave the house of God because of changes. Abraham left Bethel because of famine. His grandson left Bethel because of family. Abraham left because things were changing financially. Jacob left because he couldn’t handle it emotionally.
Why did Jacob’s nanny die? Why do things change? Because God is not static. Spiritual life will always be in motion. Therefore, it is the unwise man or the foolish woman who says, “If nanny’s not here anymore, I’m not coming either.” Precious fellow pilgrim, on our spiritual journey, we must build our altar, offer our praise, receive instruction, and remain in Bethel—in the place of fellowship with God.
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Note : This devotion is penned by Pastor Jon Courson.
