All for naught. How many times have you worked yourself up into a frenzy of worry for nothing? Think of all the energy you have spent thinking about how bad something might be. We see it here played out for us with Jacob. He was so consumed with concern over reuniting with his brother after all these years. But we can understand, can we not? After all, Jacob was nearly running for his life when he left his parent’s home all those years ago. Esau was furious with him for what he had done and spoke of killing his brother!
Despite having a good reason for his concern, Jacob let it consume him. What didn’t he do? Trust God. I have found in my life that worrying about things and letting them consume me is only wasting my time. Do I still worry and fall prey? Of course. This story is a good example for us to bring to mind when we catch ourselves in the trap of worry. It is a trap, wouldn’t you agree? Worrying does not change what is going to happen. Continue reading “Genesis 33:1-20 – Reunion”
Have you ever wrestled with God? It could have been a situation where you wanted one thing yet you were feeling led by God in a different direction. What you should cherish is that you felt led by God. Many people long for that clarity in their life. They call on God, are faithful, and yet do not hear God’s voice clearly over all the other distractions of life. Accordingly, we often make the wrong choice. But, God doesn’t make mistakes. So if he is leading, we should be following.
Jacob has been gone twenty years, yet that time has not softened Esau’s heart. An army of 400 men has joined Esau to come to meet Jacob. I think I would be a little terrified, too. So what does Jacob do? He separates his family and possessions into two camps. If Esau attacks, hopefully, the second family group can escape. It says “then” Jacob prayed. I think I would be praying the moment terror filled my heart.
I don’t care how shrewd Laban may be, his daughters and grandchildren had vanished. There was no other choice but to set off in pursuit. As the days passed trying to catch up to them, imagine how his anger was brewing. What had started as concern over a secret departure had now escalated to anger. We see God intervene once again to protect Jacob.
I was a little surprised that Jacob just up and left Laban as he did. Thankfully, his wives did not protest. In fact, they seemed happy to go. They didn’t even ask for a chance to say farewell to their father. Yet, Rachel took something belonging to her father. Why do you suppose she did that? According to my study Bible notes, household gods were often consulted for advice, and from a legal standpoint would signify the one to receive the greatest inheritance. What was Rachel up to? 
