Dear Ones:
For Jacob, it was Bethel. For Moses it was Horeb. What happened in these two places that was so significant? For Jacob, fleeing his brother’s wrath, but obeying his father’s instructions, he was on his way to Haran. As far as we know, he was alone, as there is no mention of others accompanying him. There, God would reveal Himself to him in a dream. The first thing he saw in the dream was a ladder reaching into heaven, and angels ascending and descending on it. Certainly, this caught Jacob’s attention. But then, he would see God standing above the ladder, and identifying Himself as the God of Abraham “thy father,” and the God of Isaac. Then would be unfolded to Jacob the plan of God, and his role in that plan. As a result, Jacob would make a vow, a commitment (conditional), but a commitment none the less. The revelation of God would have its effect in capturing the attention of Jacob, confirming to him that he was not alone, and putting the seed in his heart concerning an eternal purpose that God would bring about in and through him.
We see a certain parallel in the life of Moses. Eighty years have passed since his birth. He is a shepherd, tending his father in law’s sheep at the base of Mt. Horeb. (Sinai). It is there that he will see the burning bush, yet, not being consumed. Again, we see that God arrests his attention, identifies Himself: “…I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac…” (Ex. 3:6) The Lord then proceeds to speak to Moses concerning His plans, His objectives, and the role that Moses will play in the grand scenario of the circumstances. In both places, Bethel, and Horeb, we find that God reveals Himself (…different means..) to the heart and the mind of the individual. That revelation always carries with it a call to faith and obedience. The lives of both of these men were changed forever because of the revelation. And though both men, with feet of clay, made mistakes, sinned, and were “failures” to some extent, yet God accomplished through their imperfections His eternal will.
Why do we consider the “happenings at Horeb,” and Bethel? It is because of the issue of “revelation.” The Spirit of God is the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ.” (Eph. 1: 17) Paul would write to the Galatians,” …when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace, TO REVEAL HIS SON IN ME, that I might preach Him among the heathen…” (Gal. 1:15-16) Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: “…(concerning the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him…), But God hath REVEALED them unto us BY His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, even the deep things of God.” (1 Cor. 2:9-10) The same God that revealed Himself to Jacob, and Moses, has given US the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, that we might know the things of God. What are those things? Most certainly they are the riches of/in Christ. This thought is consistent with our examples, for He reveals Himself, not only by identifying Himself, but by unveiling to heart and mind the beauty, glory, and goodness of God. (Ex. 33) With that revelation also comes the knowledge of His GOOD will, “…in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” (Col. 1:9).
Dear Father, God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses…and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant to each of us today, like a fresh anointing, that blessed Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Thee. Open the eyes of our understanding to behold Thee, and in beholding, understand what Thy will is according to Thy word. Grant us also to be transformed by beholding, that the reality and likeness of the living Christ will shine in and through us this day for Thy glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad