This passage is not just Jacob’s story; it is an invitation to every one of us to recognise that God’s promises do not expire, and that the God who met you even over 20 years ago is ready to meet you again now.
“And God said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. ‘ ” A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. 12 The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” 13 Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him. 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.” (Genesis 35 v11-15)
Look again at verses 11-12. These are true for you.
You are here to grow. Wherever you are, God is responding to your YES.
Your life reaches beyond your life. What God has started in you won’t end when you leave this earth. Your legacy will continue beyond you.
You will receive what others have sown. It is not only that others will benefit from you, but that you can still reap where the previous generations have sown.
You may not think these promises apply to you because no one knows you better than yourself!
But God does not rule out these blessings for Jacob despite the way he lived his life of deception.
Jacob’s response may seem rather strange to us in 2026. But this is worship in ancient form and a recognition that God was here. Jacob named that place Bethel, ‘the house of God’.
Hold on!
Wasn’t it already called Bethel? Yes, Jacob had named it Bethel around 20-25 years previously. There are moments when we need to rededicate our lives to being the house of God.
Perhaps you remember the Bethels in your life, and God may be waiting to meet you again. Even 20-25 years later!
Missions Paul 