Genesis 32. Jacob fled from one enemy on his way to meet another potential enemy—brother, Esau, whom he had cheated twenty years before. On his way, Jacob was met by the angels of God and exclaimed, “This is the camp of God”. There are no details to reveal what actually happened, but I wonder whether Jacob was met by a cohort of angels, rather than just one or two heavenly messengers? In any case, Jacob had certainly experienced a visible reminder of God’s promised protection.
Jacob prepared the way for his meeting with Esau by sending a messenger to inform him of the approach of Jacob’s family and that things had gone well with Jacob. Rather than a case of bragging about how well he had done, Jacob was most likely letting Esau know that he was comfortable, and had no intention of cheating Esau to gain more wealth.
The messenger returned more quickly than expected with the unwelcome news that Esau was on his way with 400 men. Such an approach from the brother who had been eager to kill him twenty years ago was not comforting to Jacob! “In great fear and distress” he divided his company in such a way that all would not be lost if Esau attacked him. In the stress of the moment, perhaps Jacob had forgotten that God’s angels were present with him. But he hadn’t forgotten God’s promise and he prayed:
(1) He reminded God of their relationship.
(2) He indicated that he had been obedient.
(3) He told God that he knew he did not deserve God’s kindness.
(4) He asked for God’s help.
(5) He reminded God of His promises.
While this prayer is not generally cited as one of the “great prayers” of the Bible, it is a good prayer and model for us in times of trouble. Jacob simply reminded God of who God was, who he was in relationship to God, and he asked God for his help.
Not only praying, Jacob then acted, preparing fine gifts to present Esau. “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.” (Prov. 18:16) Jacob sent his gifts on ahead, hoping to pacify Esau before they actually met face to face.
The story again illustrates God’s presence with Jacob, but it also shows that we need not be completely passive in the Christian life. God will protect and care for us, but we do well to plan, think and act within the parameters of godly living. Jacob prayed and asked for God’s help and he also did what he could to help repair his relationship with Esau.
No comments:
Post a Comment