Three Aspects of Jacob’s Faith
(Ge. 28:18-22)
While we are living, we should be acknowledged and accompanied by God. When Jacob fell asleep at Bethel during his long journey, he received the Word of God in his dream and he prayed.
1. Faith serving God
Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey. I will worship you forever.” (Ge. 28:20-21) When he was living, idolatry was prevailing. However, he confessed that he would not serve the idols and decided to Keep his faith by serving God. Likewise, we should love God, seeking the righteousness and the kingdom of God. We should learn from the faithful ancestors who were not afraid of persecutions and loved God only so that we serve God.
2. Faith building a church
Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and prayed that the place would be the house of God. (Ge. 28:18-19) It means Bethel would be the temple. He decided to worship God only where he met God personally. When we are God-oriented and church-oriented, the blessings of God come to us. However, when we are away from God and churches, God judges us. It is proved by the history of Israel. We should love and serve church, the body of Jesus Christ.
3. Faith offering the tithe
Jacob promised to offer a tenth of all that he was given by God. (Ge. 28:22) He was not rich but he realized that God would meet his needs. Offering the tithe is the action of faithful confession that God is the master of our life and fills our needs. As our God becomes the King of our life, we do not have to be worried about anything at all. Always do your best and offer your best things to God. We need to offer the tithe of our time as well as the tithe of our incomes. The God will bless us.