What steps can we take to purify ourselves as Jacob's family did? Shechem Snapshot Jacob had heard God’s call to “Arise, go up to Bethel” (Genesis 35:1). Before taking another step, he gathered the household and dealt decisively with everything that defiled them. Verse 4 records the turning point: “So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods, and the earrings in their ears. And Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem.” The same pattern still purifies hearts today. Step 1: Recognize the Idols Among Us • Hidden or obvious, anything treasured above the Lord becomes an idol (Exodus 20:3). • Idols may be physical objects, sinful habits, secret affections, or misplaced priorities (Ezekiel 14:3). • Ask the Spirit to expose what competes with Christ’s rule (Psalm 139:23-24). Step 2: Hand Them Over Completely • Jacob’s family “gave” every foreign god to him—no partial surrender. • True repentance involves a transfer of ownership: we give up the idol and yield our rights (1 Thessalonians 1:9). • Confession brings cleansing (1 John 1:9); concealment prolongs bondage (Proverbs 28:13). Step 3: Bury What Once Bound Us • Jacob “buried them under the oak.” They did not keep souvenirs. • Burying signifies finality—those idols would never rise again (Romans 6:6). • Practical parallels today: – Deleting files, contacts, or apps tied to sin – Discarding ungodly media or paraphernalia – Ending relationships that lure us back to compromise Step 4: Wash and Change Our Garments • Earlier Jacob told the household, “Purify yourselves and change your clothes” (Genesis 35:2). • Outer washing mirrored inner cleansing (James 4:8). • Fresh garments picture the new life Christ provides (Ephesians 4:22-24; Revelation 7:14). Step 5: Move Toward the Place of Worship • Once purified, the family traveled to Bethel—“House of God.” • Purity is not an end in itself; it frees us to draw near and serve (Hebrews 10:22). • Consecration flows into adoration: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). Step 6: Renew the Covenant • At Bethel, Jacob built an altar and God reaffirmed His promises (Genesis 35:7, 9-12). • After cleansing, revisit God’s Word, rehearse His covenants, and let assurance replace shame (2 Corinthians 1:20). • The Lord delights to meet a purified people with fresh blessing (Isaiah 57:15). Living the Pattern Today 1. Identify competing loves. 2. Yield every idol. 3. Eliminate access points. 4. Embrace Christ’s cleansing. 5. Pursue corporate and personal worship. 6. Stand on God’s covenant promises. Promises for the Purified Heart • “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8) • “If we walk in the light… the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) • “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Jacob’s family left Shechem lighter, cleaner, and ready for God’s next chapter. The same sequence—recognize, surrender, bury, wash, worship, renew—still opens the way for unhindered fellowship with the Lord today. |
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