Day 24 Through The Bible

Day 24: Meeting with the God of the House of God

Biblical Principle:
Bethel means "house of God," and El Bethel means "God of the House of God." While going to the house of God is an integral part of the Christian life, the ultimate goal is not merely attending church but meeting with the God of the House during our time there.

The Significance of Bethel and El Bethel

In Genesis, we encounter two critical names for places where God revealed Himself to His people—Bethel and El Bethel:

• Bethel (Genesis 28:19) is where Jacob, fleeing from his brother Esau, had a powerful encounter with God. Here, he saw the vision of the ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. He named the place Bethel, meaning "house of God," because it was where God met him.

• El Bethel (Genesis 35:7) represents a deeper level of intimacy. Jacob returns to Bethel, builds an altar, and calls the place El Bethel, meaning "God of the House of God." It’s no longer just about being in the house of God; it’s about encountering the God of the House. In other words, the physical place itself is secondary to the presence of the Lord.

In our modern context, the church is often called the "house of God." But we must remember that the church is not just a building—it is the gathering of believers, and more importantly, it is where we should meet with God. The purpose of going to church is not just to check off a religious duty but to engage with the living God who desires to reveal Himself to us personally.

Practical Application: Focus on God, Not the Routine

It’s easy to fall into a routine regarding church attendance. We might attend every Sunday, sit in our usual seat, and go through the motions of worship and teaching. But in doing so, we may miss the very thing that makes our time at church sacred: the opportunity to encounter the living God.

In 1 Timothy 3:15-16, the apostle Paul writes:

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

The church is the “pillar and ground of the truth,” and its mystery of godliness is revealed. This truth is not about religious rituals but meeting with the God of the House, the living God. Every Sunday, as we enter the church, we should understand that we are entering a place of worship, not simply a social gathering. Our hearts should be set on seeking God and experiencing His presence, not merely fulfilling a weekly obligation.

What Does a Good Sunday Look Like to You?

What is your idea of a good Sunday? Is it just about showing up to church, or is it about encountering God? The difference is profound. It’s not about the attendance record or the quality of the music or sermon—it’s about your connection with God. The early church understood this well. Acts 2:42 describes the believers as those who were “continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” They gathered together for a purpose: to encounter God and to encourage one another in faith.

If you focus on Sundays solely on the building or the people around you, you may miss the most important part: God's presence. Our focus should always be on Him. Church is not about what we get out of it but what we put into our worship of Him.

Bringing the Principle Home

As you attend church, ask yourself: Am I going to the house of God to be in the building, or am I coming to meet with the God of the House? The difference might seem subtle, but it’s life-changing. This shift in focus can transform our entire approach to church. It’s not about filling a seat—it’s about filling our hearts with the knowledge and presence of the God we’ve gathered to worship.

So, when you wake up on a Sunday, prepare your heart for a divine encounter. When you step through the doors of your church, do so with anticipation. Ask God to reveal Himself to you in fresh ways. Let your worship be wholehearted and your ears open to His voice.

Ultimately, what matters most is not the building we visit but the God we meet there. Let every Sunday be a reminder that the house of God is not simply a destination but a doorway to intimacy with the God who dwells there.

Reflection:
As you reflect on this truth, consider the following question: What would it mean to seek God during your church attendance this week intentionally?

The church is the "house of God," but it is the God of the House who changes lives. Let’s not miss Him.