Then they journeyed from Bethel; and when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and she suffered severe labor. When she was in severe labor the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for now you have another son.” It came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Jacob set up a pillar over her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. Then Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
It came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it. Genesis 35:16-22 NASB
Some people describe our life on earth as a journey and each day is a ‘walk’ with God. I look through that lens often as well. I try to discern where God is leading me and our family while engaging in the struggles and joys of each day. For instance, I know God is preparing me to defend Christian liberties in the courtroom. So, I have completed four years of law school and will take the Bar exam in October. But, yesterday- I know He wanted me to walk alongside a very special family as they honored their father at a funeral. And then to complete the day swimming in the pool with my sweet grandchildren and hearing my three year old shout to my wife “Momo, Momo, I love you!”. This is my walk on a longer journey toward Christlikeness as God transforms me day by day, more and more, into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. I got a long way to go. But, by the grace of God (literally, His grace), I am becoming the person He wants me to be. How about you? Jacob, had an amazing quality to hear God’s voice, discern His will, and move ahead where God was leading. Never perfectly, as we see here. But, with faith like his ancestors Abraham and Isaac, Jacob is on his journey.
What is ahead in my walk with God today? Am I staying on the path God has for me?
God, as this day begins- I can already see where You may be leading me. I pray for our church members, lead team, fellow pastors… please have Your hand upon us. Guide us. Encourage each. May the gospel go out to places unknown. In Jesus name, and for his sake. Amen.
