Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 33:12-20. Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+33&version=NASB1995
I quote only the following verses.
“Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and camped before the city. He bought the piece of land where he had pitched his tent from the hand of the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.” Genesis 33:18-20.
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Jacob, pitching his tent and erecting there an altar to worship God, his God, reminds us of the following Scripture.
“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:8-10.
How can we like Jacob live by faith?
Like Jacob, we can be patient and content with what we have, pitching our tent, so to speak, and meditate on God’s promise, being a fellow heir with Jacob of the same promise, namely that we will receive an inheritance, heaven, “the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Like Jacob, who viewed God as his God, the God of Israel, through the name that he gave his altar, we can view the Almighty God as our God, “my God”, like in the following Scripture.
“O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1.
Like Jacob, we can believe that God is with us wherever we go.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.
Like Jacob, we can view where we are at, even if it is in a wilderness, as the sanctuary of God, and so to speak, build an altar there and meditate on God day and night.
“2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches,
7 For You have been my help,
And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:2-8.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 