Scripture: Genesis 35:14-16
Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with God, a pillar of stone; and he poured out a drink offering on it, and poured oil on it. So Jacob called the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.
Thought for the Day: As we talked about yesterday in worship, the Israelites remembered the place where they crossed the Jordan River with a 12 stone marker. It was, in part, a way of designating the place as holy. It also provided a conversation starter so that when their descendants might ask about the marker, the people could tell the story of how God had acted on their behalf.
In the above passage from Genesis, Jacob raised a marker at the place where he and God had a major encounter. Those who might have seen it would know something special had occurred there, but for Jacob and his children, that place would forever signify God’s blessing of love that came upon their family.
For those who take faith seriously, symbols and reminders help to keep us on track. For most of us, even the most powerful God-moment can easily slip away as the day-to-day grind happens. We need little reminders to bring those memories into the forefront of our attention. Yesterday in worship, everyone received a bag of 12 rocks (thanks to the CraftCrowd for putting them together), and my hope was that those rocks would find a worthy place to call home; a place that would regularly catch your attention. Below, you will see a picture of the 12 rocks that came home with us. They rest upon the mantel where they will remain as a reminder for at least a couple of months.
Prayer: For all the little reminders that make my faith crisp and present, I thank you – my Lord and my God. Amen.
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