Today I read Genesis 35 and 36, which talked about Jacob returning to Bethel, Rachel and Isaac dying, and the territories of Edom. Today I considered how sometimes God calls people back to receive their blessing, people deal with death in different ways, and those blessing the chosen receive blessings in return.
Jacob’s Return
When God calls us to return to a location, it could be for our good. Jacob prepared for the journey and obediently went to Bethel as God directed him. Before beginning the journey, Jacob insured those with him got rid of their idols and cleaned themselves. Bethel was where Jacob promised to follow God if God provided for him and brought him back peacefully. God reinforced his promises to Jacob and renamed Jacob, Israel. We sometimes have to go back to receive the blessing God called us to receive.
Rachel’s Death
Death is not easy, but we choose how we face it. As Rachel faced death in childbirth, she tried to name her second son Benoni, meaning son of my pain. Jacob did not accept that name and called him Benjamin, meaning son of my days. Rachel was focused on her pain but Jacob was showing his favor for the child. We can choose to dwell in our pain or to love and watch out for the ones a person leaves behind.
Isaac’s Death and Edom
We can choose to be peaceful after the death of parents, like Esau chose. Isaac died after Jacob came back. Both Jacob and Esau buried their father. Esau chose to leave so both of them had enough land for their cattle and people. Esau was blessed to establish Edom including dukes and kingdoms through his descendants. Choosing peace and blessings towards God’s chosen can result in blessings to you.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
I have heard of people hanging on to life until they see their loved ones again. I wonder if Isaac was making sure he lived until he saw Jacob again.
Do you have a story of someone holding on to life for their family member?