1. When Jacob fled from his brother, God revealed Himself to him. Jacob’s vision was expanded; it was no longer just about the God of Jacob, as if everything were centered on him. Now, God wanted to reveal Himself as the God of Bethel, for His purpose was to build up the church. Our focus also needs to change: from egocentrism to the house of God. The focus is the building up of this house—it is El-Bethel (Genesis 28:20-21; 35:7).
2. At a certain point in our process of transformation, El Shaddai reveals Himself to us. When the Almighty God appears, it is because we have already exhausted our means, devices, capacities, and abilities to accomplish things. When we tire of trusting in our own efforts, God manifests Himself and declares: “I am Almighty God” (Genesis 17:1; 35:11).
3. Shortly before arriving at Ephrath, Rachel—Jacob’s natural choice—passed away while giving birth to Benjamin. We all have natural choices and preferences. We need to learn that they must go to the cross and die so that we may gain more of Christ. Let us allow the divine life to grow in us, preparing us for the building up of His house (Genesis 35:16-21; Galatians 2:20).
4. “Let us not use logic or human reasoning to give opinions about the word of God. The word of God does not need human opinion, filter, or evaluation, but only faith—a simple faith that believes without questioning. This must be our posture: to follow the Lord, obey His word and execute it, without adding or subtracting anything from Him. This is the secret to being blessed” (Romans 4:3; Hebrews 11:6) (Daily Food, book 6, week 3, Wednesday, p. 47).
Did you know that we also have kids’ immersion? Click here to do it with your child: KIDS IMMERSION