Genesis
Genesis 32:3-21
Pastor Daniel recently walked us through the dysfunctional paradigm regarding Jacob’s family, including his father-in-law, Laban (if you missed it, please read Genesis 29 – 31 to catch up). In reading the entirety of Jacob’s story since birth, including in the womb, [1] we see dysfunction as a common denominator in most of his relationships. The text leading up to this has Jacob packing up his family and possessions and obediently following God’s mandate to “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” [2] After a brief encounter with an upset Laban, who chased after him, we now find Jacob sending messengers ahead to his brother, Esau, announcing his pending return home. [3]
Remember now, Jacob had stolen Esau’s blessing birthright more than 20 years prior and fled to escape his wrath. Jacob sent these messengers ahead as an act of humility, prefacing his message with “your servant, Jacob," followed by a brief synopsis of his flock inventory (his wealth), likely designed to minimize any perceived threat. Upon returning to Jacob, his messengers said, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are 400 men with him.”[4] Unaware of Esau’s intentions, this greatly distresses Jacob, and he decides to split up his caravan into two factions, lamenting that if Esau tramples one, the other will escape. [5] Jacob here is likely remembering his mother, Rebekah’s promise in Genesis 27:45, to send for him once his brother’s anger towards him subsides. That word never came, so Jacob was justifiable in assuming Esau still harbored bad will. AFTER making this decision, he prays to God for deliverance from this perceived threat [6], then sends several droves of animals ahead as a gift to Esau in an attempt to buy his favor.
There are some points I would like to consider from this text:
1. Jacob had recently stood up boldly to Laban when confronted but panicked at the thought of facing Esau. This may be because he was in the right regarding Laban but knew he was wrong regarding his sin against Esau.
2. When confronted with Esau’s pending approach with 400 men, Jacob’s first reaction was a fleshly one, to scheme and find a way for at least half of his family to survive. Why did he not fall back on God’s promise discussed above, to “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you”?
3. Jacob’s prayer: He lifted God's Word back to him, quoting God's very promise and praying it with specificity. The Lord stands upon his promises. There is power in lifting God's Word back to him, reminding (as if he needs reminding) him of his promises. Try praying scripture for 30 days and see what benefit it holds for you.
4. In recovery, and as a mandate from God, we make amends to those we have hurt (sinned against). Jacob is on a mission to do just that with Esau. When making those amends, we ask, "How can I make it better? What restitution can I offer?" Some may infer that Jacob did this by sending droves of animals ahead as a peace offering. Proper restitution comes with the offering at the forefront of the amends. Jacob makes this offering not as an act of contrition but as a means of damage control once he feels threatened.
5. The first two verses of this chapter tell us that God sent an encampment of angels to be with Jacob. [7] The presence of angels and a promise from God, yet still, Jacob was afraid and took matters into his own hands. I believe, Lord... help my unbelief!
However we view this situation, I am thankful that God uses stories to prove his point back then and even today. Walking in our midst, even in our families, are modern-day Labans, Jacob's, and Esau's. God used them to display his grace, and he will use each of us... if we let him.
This is the Bible. Every word whispers the name Jesus!
By Pastor Rich Cederman
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[1] Genesis 25:26
[2] Genesis 31:3
[3] Genesis 32:3
[4] Genesis 32:6
[5] Genesis 32:7-8
[6] Genesis 32:9-12
[7] Genesis 32:1-2