Go Back to Bethel
David Wilkerson's sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to our spiritual roots and trusting in God's faithfulness amidst fear and uncertainty.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of returning to our spiritual roots, as illustrated by Jacob's journey back to Bethel, where God first met him. Despite facing the fear of Esau's wrath, Jacob demonstrated obedience and a contrite heart, pleading for God's mercy and recalling His promises. Wilkerson highlights that even in moments of great fear and uncertainty, God's faithfulness prevails, and He honors His covenant with us. Jacob's experience serves as a reminder that God is with us through our trials, and we can trust in His promises. Ultimately, Jacob's life reflects the assurance that God is present in our darkest moments, guiding and protecting us.
Text
God came to Jacob in a dream and said, "Go back to Bethel, the place where I first met you. Build an altar there, as you promised you would" (see Genesis 28:10-22 and 31:13).
Jacob had heard a clear word from God, and he acted in full obedience to that word. He knew that God would keep him, be with him, and fulfill His plan. Yet Jacob faced a peril that brought him to the very brink of destruction.
He was going back to face his brother, Esau, and his father, Isaac, both of whom he had deceived. At one point, a messenger came to Jacob, warning him, "Esau is coming this way with an army of four hundred men. He's out to get you!"
Scripture says, "Then Jacob was greatly afraid . . ." (Genesis 32:7). He quickly divided his clan into two groups, thinking, "If Esau kills one group, at least the other can escape." Yet, even in this most fearful experience of his life, we see proof of Jacob's broken, contrite heart:
"Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.
"Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude" (verses 9-12).
Jacob was holding to the covenant God had made with him. He was saying, in essence, "Lord, You made me a promise. I know I'm not worthy of it but You said You would go with me. But now I'm about to lose everything. I'm not claiming any goodness on my part but I love You and am obeying You. So, where is Your covenant, God?"
At the end of his life Jacob, a man with a contrite heart, could look back and say, "When my brother Esau threatened me, it looked like my life was over but God brought me out. My Lord was there the whole time!"
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Jacob's journey
- God's call to return to Bethel
- Significance of building an altar
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II
- Jacob's fear of Esau
- The warning from the messenger
- Jacob's response to fear
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III
- Jacob's prayer and acknowledgment of God's mercy
- The importance of holding onto God's promises
- Contrition and humility in seeking God's help
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IV
- Reflection on God's faithfulness
- Lessons from Jacob's life
- The impact of obedience on our lives
Key Quotes
“Go back to Bethel, the place where I first met you.” — David Wilkerson
“Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him.” — David Wilkerson
“My Lord was there the whole time!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on your spiritual journey and identify your 'Bethel' moments.
- In times of fear, turn to God in prayer and remind yourself of His promises.
- Practice humility by acknowledging your unworthiness and relying on God's mercy.