Bethel to Bethlehem

In Genesis 35 Jacob journeys from Bethel to Ephrath (Bethlehem) with his family. He leaves Bethel-the House of God, where he encountered the Lord and is headed to Eprath-Fruitfulness. This is God’s will for each of our lives. Jesus said in John 15, that he was the vine and we are the branches. It is the Father’s will that we be bear much fruit. He explained that this can only be done by abiding in Him. For without Him we can do Nothing. Jacob worked for Rachel, but in the morning it was Leah. Rachel was phenomenal, but Leah was difficult to look at. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 declares “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. God’s process of fruitfulness and development is the road of sorrow and pain. On this road to fruitfulness, Rachel experienced great travail. She was giving birth to her second son. Rachel is a great representation of the carnal man. She was consumed with herself and used her beauty to taunt and intimidate Leah. However in Leah’s rejection and pain, she produced more children then Rachel ever did. Rachel died along the way to Bethlehem. She called her son Benoni meaning Son of my sorrow or pain. However Jacob, the Father called him Benjamin- son of my right hand. You and I may few our trials and afflictions as pain and sorrow, but God views them as the right hand of power. Paul said he was not ashamed of the Gospel, but it was the Power of God unto salvation. If we are going to move from the house of God unto fruitfulness it will be along the path of dying our to our flesh as Paul declared “crucified with Christ”! Lord help me to see my sorry, pain and afflictions as the path to fruitfulness, In Jesus Name!!