Genesis 32:1-32
Jacob was going home! He had two wives, twelve sons and at least one daughter. He had servants and lots of livestock. He left home 20 years before under the threat of death from his brother Esau.
Going back took courage… and God telling him it was time.
Jacob sent a messenger to Esau that he had returned. When the messenger got back to Jacob, Jacob was petrified! Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men. That did not sound good!
What Jacob did was divided his camp into two camps. If Esau attacked one group the other would escape.
Jacob prayed to the LORD, reminding Him, that He told Jacob to return and that God would prosper him. Jacob also recognized God’s hand in his life, he left with only a staff in his hand and he was returning with two wives, 12 sons and at least one daughter. And many flocks and herds. Quite a difference. Yet going back took courage, especially when his brother was coming to meet him with 400 men on horseback!
The next morning, Jacob came up with a plan… sent Esau gifts, costly gifts. He selected animals to be driven in groups. So Esau would receive the flocks and herds separately. 200 female goats, 20 male goats; 200 ewes and 20 rams; 30 milking camels and their colts; 40 cows, 10 bulls; 20 female donkeys, 10 male donkeys. His servants drove each set of gifts to Esau. Impressive! Jacob may have reasoned, these gifts will “soften” Esau’s heart and he would accept Jacob.
Next Jacob’s plan sent his wives and children over the ford of Jabbok.
Then Jacob spent the night by himself… and he wrestled with a man until the sun came up. Jacob hung onto the man until the man blessed him.
Do you stay in prayer,
hanging onto the Lord until you know He blesses you?
That is when going on takes courage!
Jacob feared greatly. When Esau finally came into sight, he said, you didn’t need to send all those animals to me. I have plenty myself. In fact, when Esau saw Jacob, he ran to his brother and embraced him. 20 years had softened Esau’s attitude toward his brother who had deceived him.
Jacob went one way and Esau went back to his home. Going back took courage – Jacob’s fear was for nothing.
Genesis 33:1-17
God’s Word ~ Alive!
Remember: when going back takes courage:
Proverbs 3:25
“Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
For the LORD will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.”