Genesis 33 God- The God of Israel.
(Gen. 33:20 KJV) And he erected there an altar, and called it El-elohe-Israel.
Jacob had learned to honor God in his life. He worshipped from the heart, and took the time to build an altar for family worship. “El-Elelohe Israel” means, “God, the God of Israel”, and He was to be the God of Jacob’s family also, with the future intent of being the God of the entire nation of Israel.
Jacob came to Shalem (Salem- “peace”), the same city where Melchizedec was the high priest , and the king, (See Gen 14), the “city of peace” as it is called. Jacob had found peace with his brother, Esau, and now, peace with God. Notice in v.5, that Jacob realized the grace of God in giving him children, as well as flocks and riches. Jacob knew how to praise God, and be thankful for His blessings, and did not mind telling others about it! Oh, that we might be so today. Note too that he first reconciled with his brother, then made peace with his God, he had already made peace in his heart with Esau.
Witnessing to family members can be very hard for us. Christ Himself said “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.” (Mt. 13:57), but it all begins, many times, with establishing a “family altar”. Jacob had no problem giving God the glory for all that he had, and had become. We would do well to do the same! Do you see the heart of Jacob? He did not strive for riches, or for wells earlier with Abimelech’s people, but moved on, and gave way to them. God was moving him on, back to his people, in spite of fear, resentment, or whatever else may have kept him away. That is the boldness that God loves, the fearless obedience to Him. When we seek to please God, He pleases us by His great blessings and wonderful favor. Let us all seek to reconcile with our family first, then our friends, and even our enemies, and we will please the Lord mightily as we do.
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