Facing Failures

Facing Failures

Genesis 32: ³ Then Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. ⁴ 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. ⁵ I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.” ’ ”

 

⁶ 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.” ⁷ 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. ⁸ And he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape.”

 

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GOD told Jacob to return to the land of Isaac and Rebekah. Unfortunately, he had one major problem, namely Esau. Jacob had stolen his birthright and his blessing. He barley escaped with his life when he left. Esau stated he would kill Jacob but Rebekah helped Jacob escape.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sent Jacob back to a place where he had to face his past mistakes.
• Jacob suspected that Esau would still be mad, so he sent messengers ahead to imply he had plenty of gifts to give away.
• Jacob got “greatly afraid and distressed” when he heard Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men.

 

Being sent back home to a hostile environment may have felt terrible, especially when it was caused by Jacob. BUT GOD had a reason that Jacob was not aware of. GOD was changing Jacob to become a leader who faced situations caused by his own actions. Jacob knew the situation was very serious so he divided the camp in half and prepared them to flee.

 

Jacob was doing what you and I would do. He braced himself for the worst and expected Esau to inflict revenge. Maybe he thought he deserved punishment. Perhaps, deep down he felt he was sorry things happened the way they did. Whatever the case, Jacob faced a difficult situation head on so he could move forward.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s plan to return to Esau?
• What mistake have you made that you are afraid to admit?
• Can you face the fear of admitting the mistake you made without fighting the consequences you may face so GOD can move you forward?