657. GEN 28:17. JACOB’S PIOUS EXCLAMATION AT BETHEL. (A CHAPEL OPENING SKETCH.)

Gen_28:17. Jacob’s Pious Exclamation at Bethel. (A Chapel Opening Sketch.)

"And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."’97Gen_28:17.

There can be no doubt that man was designed to render religious homage to his Creator. The faculties with which he is endowed, indicate that he was formed for the lofty purposes of contemplation and worship. Such homage our first parents would render in Paradise. After the fall, there was evidently introduced a new element in their worship’97the offering of animal sacrifices, which reminded man of his guilt and desert, and which also pointed to the Lamb of God, which was typically, and in the Divine purpose, slain from the foundation of the world.

For upwards of 2,000 years, the rural altar of stone was connected with the dwellings of the people of God; and here, under the direction of the head of the family, who was priest of the domestic circle, sacrifices were presented, and Jehovah worshipped. Hence it is recorded of Abraham, wherever he sojourned, that he reared an altar to the Lord.

In after ages, the Tabernacle was constructed according to the pattern which God gave to Moses on the Mount; and here he received the services of his people, and revealed his glory. The Tabernacle, which though a costly and magnificent tent, was chiefly adapted to Israel in their wanderings, was superseded by a temple, which for ages remained as the dwelling-place of Jehovah, and the glory of his people Israel. But Jesus not only abolished the ceremonial rites of Judaism, but he came to set up a heavenly kingdom, which should recognize distinctly, the spiritual worship of God. So that now, "wherever two or three," &c. Now it is recorded, that "God is a Spirit," &c.

Our text, though connected with the history of Jacob, may lead us to profitable reflections, on the devotion of this house to the worship of God.

With the narrative connected with the text, you are all familiar. His journey’97his fatigue’97his solitary condition’97his reclining on his mother earth’97his vision’97and hence his exclamation; Gen_28:16.

Observe two things,

I. The place described. And,

II. The emotions expressed. I. The place described.

"The House of God," and "the Gate of Heaven."

1. The house of God.

Why may an erection like this be styled the house of God?

(1.) As it bears the inscription of his name. Jacob called the place of his vision, Bethel, i. e., House of God. Not the house of Baal, nor Belus, nor Ashtaroth’97but the House of God. The universe is his. He has written his name on the broad arch of heaven’97on the face of universal nature. But the Christian sanctuary is the especial property of God. Here his name is peculiarly recorded,’97not only as the God of nature and providence, but as the God of grace. Here is inscribed, "His new best name of love."

2. As it is reared and devoted to his glory.

His being and attributes are here acknowledged. His authority recognized. Here intelligent beings exhibit their knowledge of him’97their confidence in him’97their love for him’97their obedience to him. Thus in an especial manner is the Christian sanctuary dedicated to his glory.

It is so also,

3. As it is the depository of his truth.

In the Ark of the Covenant, the law of God was sacredly treasured. Here we have (1.) The whole of the lively oracles, the whole canon of the Divine Scriptures’97the completed infallible testimony of God to man. We have it,

(2.) In our own tongue, &c.; and for every worshipper. Hence as in the Archives the ancient writings were deposited’97so God’s house is the hallowed depository of the records of saving and eternal truth.

4. As it is the residence of his family.

Here he dwells in the midst of his children. Here is the family table. Here they wait on him,’97have constant audience and access. Here he meets with them. Is in the very midst, &c. As it is,

5. For the manifestation of his Son. Christ as the predicted Messiah, was set forth in all the sacrifices of Jewish altars, &c. He was typified both by the Tabernacle and Temple, &c. So in the Christian sanctuary, Christ is emphatically manifested. In the word read. In the gospel preached. In the praises celebrated. As the medium of access to God in every service. Here his Cross is lifted up, and his glory displayed.

6. As it is the object of God’s special regards.

The history of his Church in all ages attests this. His numerous promises and gracious declarations. He hath chosen Zion, &c. "Mine eyes and mine heart," &c. But observe,

It is the gate of heaven.

Here several ideas are suggested.

1. It is connected with the entrance of the pathway to heaven.

As Jacob’s sleeping spot was at the foot of the ladder, which reached to heaven. Though distant from heaven, yet it was close to the pathway opened to it. So here, generally the first thoughts of heaven are conceived’97first desires excited’97first resolutions formed’97first prayers offered’97first blessings enjoyed. It is,

2. In immediate union and harmony with heaven.

Heavenly beings descend. Angels on the ladder, &c. "Are they not all ministering spirits," &c. "There is joy in the presence of the angels," &c. So in the house of God we have communion with heaven. Like a little heaven, &c. The act of worship is, to lift the heart to heaven, &c. Praises offered, as in heaven. Meditation and communion, as in heaven.

3. As distinguished by heavenly blessings "Every good gift," &c. Wisdom’97peace

’97love’97gentleness’97joy’97hope. So that here are the days of heaven on earth. Often come to the gate and behold, by faith, the glories of heaven.

4. From which the Christian is introduced into heaven.

He is born in God’s house. Reared and educated in it. Trained and meetened in it. He dwells in it all the days, &c. Then he passes upwards. Goes out of the holy place, into the holiest of all. Passes through the vail of the death-smitten body, into the regions of immortality and eternal life. So as the gate is to the mansion, the house of God is to the heavenly world. Such is the description given: "House of God, and the gate of heaven." Notice,

II. The emotions expressed.

1. Adoring surprise.

"Surely the Lord," &c.; Gen_28:16. Is it not amazing that God should thus bow down and visit his worshipping people? Think of his infinite majesty,’97unsullied purity! The worship he receives from perfect and holy beings, &c., in the celestial temple. "Will God in very deed?" &c. The high and lofty one, &c.

2. Reverential fear.

"How dreadful," &c. God is to be feared, &c. To be had in reverence. "Fear before him," &c. Shall we not fear, when we think of his omniscience? Eyes, as of fire’97seeing all, &c. So pure, &c. Then our own. infirmities, depravity, guilt, &c. Then there was,

3. Devout consecration.

Gen_28:18. The oil is typical of the spirit of God. God’s spirit really consecrates by his presence, &c. This we are to solicit by prayer, in reference to this house, &c. "If ye being evil," &c. "Whatsoever two or three," &c.

There is,

4. Grateful remembrance.

He seeks to perpetuate the scene. To rear a monument, &c. Gen_28:18, Gen_28:19. So should we. "We will not forget," &c. "If I forget," &c. They ought to be dear indeed to us, &c.

"My soul shall pray for Zion still," &c.

Evince it, by seeking its peace, and laboring for its prosperity. Give it our warmest emotions,’97our most active efforts. Seek the good of Zion, always.

Application

Learn,

1. The estimate in which we should hold the Christian sanctuary.

While we avoid all that is superstitious, &c., yet remember it is the house of God. We should keep our feet, &c. Seek for Divine grace to prepare us for its services. Value its privileges. Let us seek,

2. That the Christian sanctuary may show to us the gate of Heaven.

How many have found it so! Have you? May this be so to thousands, &c.

3. That which is essential to the true consecration of the Christian sanctuary.

"The Divine presence." Let this be sought, &c., cherished. Absence deprecated, &c.

4. That wherever God manifests himself is the house of God.

In the open air, as in the case of the text. On the top of the mountain’97glen’97ocean’97room’97cathedral, &c. Christian catholicity rejoices in this,’97prays for the whole of his assemblies. Let us cherish this spirit, and glorify God, and thus honor the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS