14 Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. 15 Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel. (The Message)
Twice in this chapter Jacob sets up a stone monument as a way to remember significant events. In the Old Testament these are often called Ebenezer's. These monuments are important to the history of the people and they manage to keep the stories alive as generation after generation passes along the reasons for their presence.
In our fast pace world stories of of the past seem to fade quickly from our awareness. When we lose these stories we lose the connection to those who have paved the road for us to travel, their wisdom, and their life struggles. It means that we have to relearn the lesson's, both good and bad, of life in our own ways. When that happens we miss out on the long history of God's walk with His people on His time and not on theirs. Without that historical perspective of a God who sometimes takes centuries to answer the prayers of His people we risk losing faith in the steadfastness of God and the promises that are yet to come.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you think it would have been like as one of Jacob's children to hear him tell the story of his encounter with God.
- How might you tell Jacob's story to someone today?
- What markers do you have in your family that remind you of events of the past?
- How might you establish an Ebenezer with significant people in your life to bear witness to how God has been active in a significant way in your lives?
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