Wisdom Says Go but Slow

Wisdom Says Go but Slow

Genesis 33: ¹² Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you.”

¹³ But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. ¹⁴ Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir.”

 

¹⁵ And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.”

But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” ¹⁶ So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. ¹⁷ And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

 

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Knowing the land was full of raiders, Esau suggested that he lead Jacob, his people and herds to safety. But Jacob told Esau that the children were weak and the herds and flocks would die if pushed too hard.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob had to go, but he understood what pace the children and herds could handle.
• Esau wanted to provide protection, but Jacob had wrestled the LORD and was sure he would be taken care of.
• Jacob’s faith had grown now that he faced his fear of Esau.

 

Now that the biggest fear was over, facing thieves and robbers was of little concern to Jacob. He had mistreated Esau to “fulfill” GOD’s promise. This messy family situation was known by GOD, yet HE allowed it to play out as it did.

 

GOD healed broken relationships during this meeting. HE also told Jacob to go back to the land and that he would be protected. Jacob had reminded GOD about HIS protection when he was full of fear, as if GOD did not know. He would go and make sure that no harm came to his family or herds because of the possible rushed pace of Esau’s men.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the pace struggle between Esau and Jacob?
• Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed like everything was coming at you too fast, yet something needed to be done?
• Will you continue to go forward, but slow down enough to take care of those around you and the obligations?