Genesis 35:1–4 (ESV)
God Blesses and Renames Jacob
35 God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2 So
Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. 3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that
I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” 4 So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had, and the rings that
were in their ears. Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree that was near Shechem.
As much as Jacob has
gone against God, we have a loving and merciful God who still speaks to Jacob. Jacob not only listens to God, but responds to his words. He goes to Bethel and builds an altar to God. He also disposes the foreign gods/idols that they have.
We to listen to God and respond to his Word.
I pray: O Lord, help me to listen and to respond to your Word. Amen.