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?

I Have Enough

 I Have Enough

Genesis 33: ⁸ Then Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?”

And he said, “These are to find favor in the sight of my lord.”

⁹ But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.”

 

¹⁰ And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. ¹¹ Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” So he urged him, and he took it.

 

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Esau asked Jacob about all the stuff that was placed before him. Jacob had set aside herds and breeders so the herds would remain plentiful. It took some doing, but Jacob convinced Esau to take the gift.

 

My Observations:

• Esau had grown to be a mighty leader and had no need for more of what he could get.
• Jacob had grown to be a very influential leader and had not need of what he had plenty of.
• Esau and Jacob had both grown up beyond the stuff they had.

 

Esau wanted to kill Jacob for stealing his birthright and the blessing from Isaac. But he realized his lifestyle may have caused his own problems. Esau tried to change by going to Ishmael and marrying someone from his family instead of marrying another Hittite woman. This was the start of Esau’s growth.

 

Jacob served a greedy uncle who could only think about free labor. For twenty years, Jacob changed little by little. Jacob saw the LORD and wrestled with HIM. Jacob grew stronger in his belief in GOD’s power. He had plenty and gave Esau a gift, probably asking for forgiveness.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the gift exchange between Jacob and Esau?
• Do you feel you are lacking or have plenty?
• Will you ask GOD to show you what real plentifulness looks like?

Humble Reunion

Humble Reunion

Genesis 33: ⁴ But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. ⁵ And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are these with you?”

So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” ⁶ Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and bowed down. ⁷ And Leah also came near with her children, and they bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed down.

 

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Expecting to be killed, Jacob received a surprise. Esau ran to meet him, embraced him and kissed him. Bilhah cam forth with her children, then Zilpah with her children, then Leah with her children then Joseph and Rachel came. All of them bowed down.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob did not expect the warm greeting he received from Esau.
• Jacob was probably more than relieved that he did not get what he felt he deserved.
• Everyone in Jacob’s family surrendered to Esau in a very humbling way.

 

Both Esau and Jacob had grown up. Esau probably wanted to see Jacob for decades and asked questions about his family. Esau may have realized that his rage was caused by his own actions. Jacob the same.

 

Jacob came to Esau humbly. He referred to himself as “your servant” when speaking to Esau. He did not go into the situation blaming Esau for not respecting his birthright. Esau did not bring up any hurt memories of having his blessing stolen. The reunion was humbling all around. GOD was in the middle of the reunion.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Esau’s reaction to Jacob?
• Have you ever received undeserved favor from GOD?
• Is there an area of your life that needs to be humbled so you can surrender it to GOD?