Today we are reading Genesis 35. In this chapter Jacob speaks with God who changes his name to Israel. “God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan-aram, and blessed him. And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel. 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 come from your own body. The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.” Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him. And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.” Genesis 35:9-15 ESV After this powerful experience, Jacob’s wife Rachel, dies in childbirth. We often question why terrible things happen. No answer can make the terrible good. Some say, “God has a plan.” That brings us to a conclusion that God plans for us to experience terrible things. I don’t think that is true. God does plan to help us in our time of suffering. God does love us even when we feel lost and broken. As we keep our eyes on Jesus, He guides us through the valley. Pastor Tim
