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DANGER AHEAD!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Genesis 32:1-8

Psalm 9:1-10

 

The Lord is my Helper.

 

DANGER AHEAD!
 
From today, we shall turn our attention to Genesis 32 to 50. Genesis 32 begins with Jacob returning home with his family from Haran.
 
As Jacob and his family proceeded along the way, the angels of God met him. But soon they were gone and Jacob was left to prepare for the encounter with his brother Esau, alone. How should he greet the elder brother whom he had grievously offended? He thought of a brilliant diplomatic move: by dispatching messengers ahead, ambassadors of goodwill. At least they might “break the ice,” soften Esau’s heart with sweet words, and size up the situation before Jacob made the next move.
 
The messengers were carefully instructed to use correct diplomatic language. Esau was “lord,” Jacob was “servant.” Let Esau be informed of Jacob’s respectful and conciliatory attitude, even though he was now a man of considerable wealth. The clear message to Esau: “that I, Jacob, might find grace in thy sight.”
 
Receiving no particular response from Esau, the messengers returned with this report: “Esau is on his way to meet you, with 400 men.” What could this mean but one thing! Vengeance and violence! Old scores will be settled! Jacob read the message and saw grave danger ahead. To fight was foolhardy, to flee impossible. “…Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed…” (Gen 32:7).
 
In the crisis situation, he resorted to some quick thinking. He split the camp into two bands, each one to look after its own survival. If Esau should descend with sword and knife, perhaps one half of the camp might escape. That was Jacob’s “strategy for survival” based on his reasoning at the level of nature. Jacob was acting not by faith but by sight.
 
THOUGHT: In times of danger, better “look up” than “look out”!

PRAYER: Show me Thy way, O Lord. And lead me in Thy plain path.

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