January 12 -  Genesis 32:1-35:27

Good morning everyone,

As we begin this morning, Jacob is nearing his homeland after years of exile. In fact twenty years have passed by since he fled from his brother Esau who, furious at the fact that Jacob “stole” his birthright and blessings from him,vowed to kill him. During his years in exile, Jacob built a strong home and large family. He’d changed a lot since the last time he saw his brother, accepting the Lord to lead his life, maturing, but now the big day has come and of course he’s wondering what will happen when he comes face to face with Esau after all these years.

Fearing the reunion, Jacob sent a messenger ahead with gifts. It didn’t take long for the messenger to return with a message for Jacob, “Your brother is coming to meet you and four hundred men are riding with him.” Now, if you are Jacob, what do you do with that? Well, he went into defense mode and split all that was traveling with him into two camps, dividing the people the flocks, herds and camels. His thinking, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.” And then he prayed to God. 

After, Jacob sent some gifts ahead to his brother then after sending his wives and children across the the stream he sat alone and waited. Not for long though as Scripture tells us “A man wrestled with him until daybreak.” When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he touched the socket of his hip so that his hip was twisted or sprained. Hosea 12:4 says, “He struggled with the angel and overcame him; he wept and begged for his favor.” Jacob wanted His blessing. The man said to Jacob, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Then he blessed him there.

Oh what a night! Right?! Now he had to press on and meet his brother. When he saw Esau coming he bowed down to the ground seven times as he drew closer to him. Esau running finally came face to face with Jacob. Imagine, for a moment, the plethora of emotion, the fear, anxiety, probably joy and love that was going through Jacob. But then  Esau threw his arms around his brother, kissed him and together they wept. I love that. 

In chapter 35 God sends Jacob to Bethel to settle. Once there God appears to Jacob again and said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel which means, “one who struggles with God” and then once again pronounced the blessing on him, giving Israel the land He gave to Abraham and Isaac. 

Many people believe that walking with the Lord, being a Christian, should be a problem free life. Friends, it is just not so and certainly not what we have been promised so don’t let it throw you for a loop. 1 Peter 4:12-13 we read, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” Let Jacob, Israel, be your example. In times of trouble drop to your knees, cry out to your Abba and then let His glory be revealed through you. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..