Last week, we looked at the steps Jacob took to help revive his faith and his relationship with God. Before leaving for Bethel, Jacob made some key preparations. In Genesis 35:2, he says, "Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments."
1. Put away the foreign gods. After chapter 34, Jacob had a number of foreign slaves to care for, and naturally they brought their gods and their religious practices with them. Jacob ordered an immediate end to that. In our day, we think it's foolish to worship little statues and we're far too sophisticated for that. But… we do have our attention drawn away from God. We do pour our energy into other pursuits.
2. Purify yourselves. This is as simple as confessing sins so God can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
3. Change clothes. In the New Testament, Paul talks about exchanging our righteousness for the righteousness of Christ, depicting it like a change of clothes. Later, in Revelation, white garments represent the righteous acts. Changing clothes signifies changing our behavior. The confession in point 2 is meaningless if change doesn't happen. I tell my kids, "I'm sorry means you understand that what you did was wrong and you're ready to change."
How do you prepare to enter God's presence for worship and renewal?