While attending large Christian gatherings at the University of Delaware, I was introduced to the concept that God is in the house tonight. Perhaps this was merely a hip expression student leadership was trained to say to energize the crowd. Yet, the phrase “the House of God” was first used by Jacob in the passage below.
And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock; 12 The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and to your descendants after you I will give the land. 13 Then God ascended from him in the place where He talked with him. 14 And Jacob set up a pillar (monument) in the place where he talked with [God], a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it and he poured oil on it. 15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God had talked with him Bethel [house of God], Genesis 35:11-15.
God spoke to Jacob directly, calling him to go to Bethel. Upon reaching this destination, Jacob built an altar as God had requested and called this El-bethel, the House of God. Jacob wasn’t dreaming or hallucinating, the God of his fathers was reminding him of His promises made to Abraham and Isaac. This one moment likely stuck Jacob for the rest of his life.
But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name. 17 For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God? 18 And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the godless and wicked? 19 Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with God’s will must do right and commit their souls [in charge as a deposit] to the One Who created [them] and will never fail [them], 1 Peter 4:16-19.
Unless you attend a spiritual retreat or outdoor chapel, modern altars are typically found inside of traditional sanctuaries. Over the years, I have been inside of a church when God was truly present. Whether through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or a Spirit of Confession, the House of God isn’t limited to Bethel. May you find a church where the presence of the Lord is sensed like in the days of Jacob.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 