Today we are reading Genesis 32. In this chapter we read about Jacob’s fear of Esau. “Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them he said, “This is God’s camp!” So he called the name of that place Mahanaim. And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my Lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my Lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’” And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.”” Genesis 32:1-8 ESV Jacob had every reason to fear Esau. Esau was very powerful. Esau was angry enough to kill Jacob last time he saw him. Jacob had stolen from Esau. Have you ever feared a relative? When is the last time you were afraid? Personally, I do not like confrontation. When someone is upset with me, I have a really hard time with it. So, I can relate to Jacob—he is compelled by fear to send appeasement gifts, send his women and children first and hide in the back. When we are afraid we often do things that are not right. When you are afraid, ask yourself, “Is God with me?” “Is God bigger than what I fear?” ‘“Can God repair what is broken?” God is with you and He loves you. Walk humbly and God will go before you and prepare your way. Pastor Tim
