Gen 32:7 In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well.
Jacob’s first reaction, when he knows his brother is coming to meet him, is fear. He knows that he has tricked and deceived his brother in the past and that Esau threatened to kill him the last time he saw him. The first thing he does, in fear, is act. He begins to divide his people and his flocks, hoping that Esau won’t decimate all that he has in his wrath. THEN he prays fervently. Then he goes back to his own action—this time choosing gifts of livestock to hopefully soften his brother’s anger.
Gen 32:9-10 Then Jacob prayed…. “I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant.”
How like Jacob I can be. How often in my fear do I try to stand in my own strength, then pray, then go back to trying to do … SOMETHING about my own situation. God says He is my shield and my very great reward (Gen 15:1). As Jacob sees in this chapter, to drop all pretense of self-reliance and wait solely upon the LORD and His promises is so difficult. Just like Jacob, I feel the need to do, to act, not just to pray and trust. Jesus, Help me.
Gen 32:11 “Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau….”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the reminder that I still have work to do when it comes to letting go and trusting You. I know that You are my shield, my protection. I know that You are my reward, my treasure. Yet, just like Jacob, I often find my fervent prayers couched in my own fearful actions. Help me to pray and trust, Lord. Help me to break the chains of self-reliance. Help me not to be afraid. Draw me closer. Amen.
Gen 32:24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.