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Jacob, having been tested and tried by the Lord, journeyed on until he came to Shalem, meaning peace. Gen. 33:18 Even a casual reading of the history of lives of these of the progenitors of Israel will reveal that they all faced difficulties and times of trouble but in the end were mightily blessed of the Lord. Why should we have any kind of an experience which does not follow the pattern established by the Lord. In the midst of the storm we can still hear His voice saying peace be still. Jacob had come home. Here, before the gate of the city, or to the east, he made his encampment. Bought a piece of land, for a hundred pieces of silver (the metal depicting redemption) and spread his tent. Certainly a peaceful scene. He was in Canaan, the promised land. Gen. 33:19.
Jacob, in joy and thanksgiving for all that the Lord had done for him built an altar in worship and gratefulness unto the Lord. An altar which he named El-elohe-Israel. Abraham, his grandfather, had built an altar in the same area when he passed through the land of Canaan. Gen. 12:6-7 Jacob knew the God whom he served by name and used that name in worship and adoration unto Him. Not only was He God, but He was the mighty God of Israel. Gen. 33:20 How blessed to have obtained an acquaintance with the Lord which was on the bases of the revelation of His name. If we would only recognize it, we have the same privilege for Jesus gave us the right to ask anything in His name and He would do it. John 14:13 Be sure to base your requests upon His name.
That the Lords ways are not always our ways is self evident. His ways are, under all circumstances, the best ways. Job, in the midst of horrendous trials and extreme events all of which generate sorrows in the hearts of mankind, was able to say; ìHe knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as pure gold. Job 23:10 Every adverse circumstance is but a step, bringing us closer to the character and nature of the Lord, which He is building in us. Paul said; ALL THINGS work together for good,î in the life of those who are the called according to the divine purpose of the Lord. Rom. 8:28 Such statements do not differentiate between happenings which are negative or positive. Both, ALL THINGS, have the desired effect of a work of purity and righteousness in the person who is blessed or sorrowed by the events which take place in this life. Gold seems to be a thing sought after today. We want the best that the Lord has for us and He will give it to us. However we must remember that gold when tried in the fire becomes of more value for it is cleansed from impurities. The Lord has gold on sale, He is the most honest broker you can find, buy His. There is none of greater value or purity. Rev. 3:18.:END: