All in the Family
Abraham – Isaac – Jacob: the patriarchs, the first family of the Hebrew people, GOD’s chosen man, His chosen family, His chosen people.
But from Jacob running off after tricking his father into giving him the family fortune, to re-discovering his brother, He seems to run from the frying pan (Laban’s camp) into the fire (Esau’s camp).
Family feuds can exist for less than this! Here we see Jacob’s situation moving from bad to worse.
Preparing the Bride for GOD’s Story
How do we prepare as the Bride of Christ? One aspect is to learn GOD’S STORY. He created us in His image…. Piece by piece, and peace by peace, we learn to walk as He has walked. And we learn His perspective.
Genesis 32:1-8
“So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s camp.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
“Then Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. And he commanded them, saying, “Speak thus to my lord Esau, ‘Thus your servant Jacob says: “I have dwelt with Laban and stayed there until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favour in your sight.” ’ ”
“Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies. And he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape.””
Out of the Frying pan… and into the Fire
I don’t know how long it took Jacob to move from Laban’s camp and make his way to the territory of Esau, but talk about facing burnt bridges!
Is it any wonder Jacob was terrified to learn Esau was moving in his direction with hundreds of people? Jacob had tricked his father and his brother, had managed to escape with his life and now he was facing his brother’s wrath.
What a tragedy that Jacob had enemies. Not happy families!
But what else did he expect?
Making amends
I think Jacob intended to make amends with his brother, hoping to buy his brother with flocks and herds. He quickly changed his mind.
Our history
History is always with us. It is better to keep short accounts than to try to make up after years if estrangement.
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.” (Matthew 5:23-25)
If we have an issue with someone, it is important to humble ourselves and offer condolences where we can. Dispelling anger is better than having it stewing in your absence.
Is there anyone who is cross with you? How can you bring the situation forward without compromising your personal integrity. Peace is valuable. Let’s try to keep it with others.