God’s word provides clear instruction to His children. As we meditate on His Word, we find exactly what we need to continue our journey through this life.
This week, our passage for meditation is Genesis 35:9-15.
Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. 10 And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. 11 Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. 12 The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.” 13 Then God went up from him in the place where He talked with him. 14 So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He talked with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it. 15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel.
Genesis 35:9-15 NLT
PAUSE
Approaching the word of God for meditation requires us to pause (the creation of space).
- Create an environment to reduce interruption of thought.
- Grab some resources, like different bible versions or commentaries.
- Quiet your thoughts in order to receive God’s wisdom and instruction.
How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3
PRAY
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of God-inspired scripture. It is through Your word that I am able to gain heavenly instruction. God, use this meditation time to impart Your wisdom into my spirit. Teach me more about who You are, Lord. Show me how to become a better image bearer and shine Your light into this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*This is a prayer starter. Feel free to modify as the Spirit leads you.
PONDER
- Review the passage.
- Explore the context.
- Who was the author? Who was the original audience?
- When was it written? Are there any historical events taking place?
- What is the overall message of this book of the bible?
- Explore the language.
- Review different translations.
- Are there any themes in the language?
- Review cross-references from different areas of the bible.
- Explore further.
- Review trusted commentaries.
- Where does this story fit into the bigger story of redemption?
- What principles are found in the passage?
- Explore the context.
- Listen for God’s wisdom.
- Examine your takeaways.
- Look for ways to apply what you have learned.
PRAY(SE)
As your meditation time begins to wrap up, honor God through prayer and praise for new insights and wisdom from His Heavenly Kingdom.
