Scripture to Read: Genesis 32:1-21
As we begin Genesis 32, we find Jacob had exchanged one family issue for another. Although Jacob said goodbye to Laban, he now prepared to reunite with his brother Esau. In God's grace, God sent angels to meet with Jacob, and Jacob was comforted with our Lord's presence. Genesis 32 describes Jacob's preparations for his meeting with Esau. Jacob sent messengers to Esau (Genesis 32:3-6). Jacob also sent a present for Esau (Genesis 32:13-16). Jacob hoped that Esau would accept the gifts and then show kindness to him (Genesis 32:17-21). The most crucial point in this passage comes as Jacob grows in fear and distress (Genesis 32:6) of seeing Esau. Remember, Jacob had deceived Esau 20 years earlier and then fled for his life from Esau. Jacob's response to his fear was that he cried out to God for help. Jacob's prayer opened and closed with the knowledge of the covenant God had made (Genesis 32:9, 12). Within Jacob's prayer, he confesses his unworthiness as a sinner of God's steadfast love, but Jacob clung to God's grace that he might be delivered if Esau chose to harm him (Genesis 32:10-11). We will see, in Genesis 33, how God answers Jacob's prayer. For today, consider where you go when you are afraid and distressed. God tells us through His Word to come to Him knowing He has given us our Lord Jesus Christ, who promises He'll never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). First, we must go to our LORD in prayer, confess our sin and what weighs us down. Then, continually trust in what He is doing and rest in His grace.
Challenge & Application
1. How does this passage inform us to respond when we feel afraid or distressed about life and our relationships?
2. The next time a situation or relationship brings you fear or distress, turn to Genesis 32:9-12 and cry out to God.
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!