God’s love for Jacob was unbreakable. Even after Jacob strayed outside God’s will for years at Shechem, God still called out to Jacob to return to the place of worship. We learn the principles of worship: 1. Repentance. We cannot worship at Bethel (house of God) if we are harbouring idols in our lives. Jacob decisively put away the household gods before he sets off for Bethel. Corporate worship is not just singing, listening or just attending. There must be a putting away of idols in our lives. We must search our hearts. We must be willing to repent and obey His word. We must help one another remove idols. Without repentance, there is no worship. 2. Return. The focus of Bethel is not stones or geography, but the very special presence of God. Therefore Jacob gave Bethel a new name El-Bethel- God of the house of God. And there, God appeared to Jacob, blessed Jacob, spoke to Jacob, and assured Jacob. Jacob must have felt encouraged and favoured. There is great joy in meeting with God. Take time to be holy! 3. Result. Worship is not a guarantee that life will now be a bed of roses. Moses records 4 successive waves of sorrows that will sweep over Jacob post-worship. Why? I suppose it sends a message that whilst worship does not immunise us from hardship, worship is key to sustaining us through hardship. The story of Jacob is a story of God’s love. May His love for you melt your heart to true worship, and may that worship sustain you through the trials and afflictions of life.