Beth El

He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” – Genesis 28:17 (NIV)

Jacob, journeying from Beersheba to Harran, had stopped “when he reached a certain place” to rest. It was at that point that he had an encounter which proved pivotal in his life.

What Jacob experienced caused him to exclaim, “How awesome is this place!”

A certain place where spiritual awe is found.

A certain place where heaven meets earth.

A certain place where life circles open and close.

A spirit-filled place.

A certain place where holiness is awakened.

A certain place where the Presence is tangible, and the ladder of pure light that reaches heaven is erected.

A certain place where angels ascend and descend.

A certain place where the spiritual realm enters the physical realm.

A certain place where you gain direct access to God.

A certain place where you have no choice but to proclaim it Beth El, house of God.

Like Jacob, all the running and hiding must stop. You need to spiritually leave Beersheba and set out for Harran (v 10) because the time has come for you to reach that certain place in your life where you must face the fight.

We often say that the battle is not yours, but this one is.

In this certain place there is no protection from your past because your past is laid bare, open wide where nothing is left covered.

In this certain place, pure light shines on all your “demons” – exposed for your benefit and not for everyone to see for this is a closed event, a private and personal internal wrestling match between you and God. No-one but you can fight this battle. You are on your own.

In this certain place, issues deeply imbedded inside you over the course of time, are thoroughly uprooted and discarded.

As you know, mine is Beth El at Balata but wherever you are, can be Beth El too.

Open yourself to that possibility. Open yourself to the encounter even if afraid, let that fear be one of reverence as you proclaim and claim where you are, holy ground.

Be willing and be prepared to wrestle with God – Father, Son and Spirit, where Father is Referee, Son is Coach, and Spirit is your opponent. Get ready to rumble! Ready…fight!

An unfair fight? Yes, but you win.

Okay, so you won’t be fully prepared for such a beating but enter the ring knowing that it will be worth it. The first round will be the most difficult but with every proceeding round, it will get easier so don’t give up. Focus on your Coach and keep on wrestling.

Whenever the match ends, you’re going to feel defeated, beaten badly, exhausted, bruised, and severely battered, but you still win because your wounds will be healed, your mind set on the path to renewal and your relationship with all Three vastly improved. You will realize that you've become a brand new and better version of yourself (eventually), regenerated and alive.

You win at Beth El!

You are blessed at Beth El!

With the circle complete, you can move forward with the life God Himself planned for you.

Step out of the ring beloved and continue your journey.

Amen? Amen!

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Beth El” © February 9, 2025