Title: From Ruth to Bethel
Contents
Considering the life of a man named Jacob, it cannot be explained at all except by the grace of God. More than anyone else, Jacob lives in a worldly and human way. God did not forsake him, but held him to the end. And change his life. When you look at Jacob, you can realize that even the most desperate people can change.
Imagine the figure of Jacob in the text. While walking in the wilderness to avoid his brother trying to kill him, the sun goes down and it starts to get dark. Because there is no place to sleep, I stop on the way and take a flat stone and use it as a pillow. and lay down Will you sleep that night? ‘How did I come to be like this? How did I have such a low life?’ He must have experienced severe setbacks and disappointments that night.
At this very moment, God comes to Jacob. The moment Jacob had nothing left, and when all he had was gone, God came to Jacob. Jacob meets God for the first time that night. In the meantime, he must have received religious education through his father and mother. You must have heard a lot about God. However, it was the first time Jacob had met God. I want all of you to have this grace.
Jacob met God. No, I found a God who never left me. “Surely the LORD is here, and I did not know. I am afraid of this... “Jacob's first reaction to discovering God is fear. In spite of the poor life he had lived, he became in awe of the holy Lord who came to give him new courage and hope. A life that meets God becomes a temple. Why is this place of worship called a temple? Because they experience the presence of the Lord. If you experience God's presence not only in this chapel, but also in your home, at work, at school, or wherever you are, that place becomes a holy place, a temple. So Jacob called this place the house of God, that is, Bethel.
The original name of this place was Ruth. Why did Jacob change that this place that was Luz is called the house of God, Bethel? His environment hasn't changed at all. still alone It's still cold. It has not changed to an environment that is bursting with jackpots. If there is one thing that has changed, it is that I met God. has been blessed After receiving grace and seeing God, his life became God's house, Bethel. The environment has not changed. situation is the same The problem still weighs on me. But in your heart, you must be Bethel. The moment you become Bethel, even if the same difficult situation remains, thanksgiving comes out. Hope arises You gain confidence that you can do it. The environment of life that used to exhaust me is approaching as a mission.
Everyone, you can't live a life like Ruth forever. When you give grace, you should receive grace. When Jesus wants to meet you, you have to open your heart wide and let Him in as your Savior. Walk with Him and your heart will change from Ruth to Bethel.