A Forgotten Vow
Thirty years have passed since Jacob made his vow. Fifteen to twenty years since he has returned home. Notice that he is in no hurry to fulfill his vow, but has settled down in Shechem and bought land. He seems to have forgotten all about his vow at Bethel.
The Lesson of Negligence
A. We are prone to forget vows when God has fulfilled His side of them.
- Resolutions are made in times of trouble and soon forgotten.
- Religion is in many men’s judgment for stormy weather only.
B. We often make vows of sacrifice in the beginning of our Christian journey than afterwards.
C. Youth is often full of enthusiasms which after-days we forget.
The Reasons for Negligence
A. Jacob’s impression of his need gradually faded away.
B. He was comfortably settled in Shechem.
C. He was surrounded by a wild, godless household who cherished their idols, and he knew that if he went to Bethel, idolatry must be given up.
The Essentials to Communion and Service
A. Surrender
B. Purity
C. Bury idols
The Reward for Sacrifice and Duty Performed
A. Renewed experience of God.
B. Confirmation of Jacob’s new name / new nature, Israel.
C. Enlarged promises.
Applications
A. God holds us accountable to fulfill our promises to God.
B. God will do whatever it takes to bring us back to Himself, chapter 34:
- Dinah raped.
- Jacob’s sons deceive the Shechemites and murder them.
- Jacob’s security is threatened.
C. If we repent and return to God, God will forgive, protect, and bless.