Mark The Place

The next morning Jacob got up very early. He took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it. He named that place Bethel (which means “house of God”), although it was previously called Luz.

Genesis 28:18-19

WE UNDERLINE KEY QUOTES IN BOOKS. We use pushpins on maps of places we’ve visited. We take pictures of people who are important to us. We record significant events in scrapbooks. We hang our diplomas on the wall. If it matters, we mark it or commemorate it.

It was no different with Jacob and his “certain place” in the wilderness. Though barren and desolate, this place had special meaning and significance to him. He placed a stone, a marker, like we do with monuments or markers at national historical sites, as a reminder of his encounter with God. He renamed the place Bethel, meaning “God’s house.” In renaming the site formerly known as Luz, Jacob made a lasting statement about the meeting he’d had there with the living God. This place was a sanctuary—a place where he met God, and he marked it for future generations to see.

That’s not a bad idea. We can’t erect Stonehenge in our backyards, but we could place a small rock on our desk or coffee table to remind us of a time when God’s presence and protection were tangible. Drawing a picture or writing a poem could remind us that God is never more than a prayer away. A plaque with a meaningful Scripture passage placed in a prominent place can serve as a reminder of God’s promises to us. Reminders of the Lord’s presence can be helpful because it’s easy to get caught up with everyday tasks and responsibilities and forget that He is with us to help us and work through us.

BOTTOM LINE

The next time you have an encounter with God, mark that place. Every time you see that marker, it will remind you of God’s faithfulness.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 89:1