Preparing for the Worst

Preparing for the Worst

Genesis 33: Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. ² And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. ³ Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

 

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Esau was finally on his way. That dreaded time had finally arrived. Jacob put the women and children in front, then he bowed seven times until he reached his brother.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob was preparing for the worst to happen.
• Jacob had to let go of pride and face his fear of his brother.
• Jacob may have thought putting the women and children up front would soften the blow.

 

Full of fear and writhing in pain from wrestling with JESUS, Jacob humbly approached Esau. The dreaded day had come. Jacob probably thought he was going to die. We all can think of the worst, can’t we? Jacob seemed to try everything he could think of, but had to face Esau on Esau’s terms.

 

Jacob finally humbled himself and bowed down to Esau. He saw Esau’s four hundred men and knew he had no chance of escape. He probably thought about all the wrong he did and could not fathom how a positive outcome could happen. BUT GOD was there.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s actions?
• Have you ever gotten into a situation that was out of your control?
• Can you rethink the outcome with GOD’s love added so you can change fear to faith today?