Bibledoorajar Looks again at Fear Vs. Faith

     Jacob had left Laban with great feelings of confidence in God's protection. When Laban caught up, Jacob did not fear him. But now, as he approaches his brother Esau, the picture is entirely different. Perhaps it is because Jacob never plotted to do evil toward Laban, but rather depended on God to prosper him always in that situation. But Jacob had plotted evil against his brother Esau. It was serious plotting that was clothed in deception. Jacob's mother had told him to flee to her brother's house and when Esau had gotten over his feelings of being duped, she would send for him. She never sent for Jacob. A message that your brother has forgiven you never came to Jacob. And so now Jacob is going home with great promises from God, including angel visitations, but he is still very anxious about this meeting. He sends intelligence ahead to bring back information about Esau. The word comes that Esau is coming toward Jacob with four hundred men, Edomites, for this is the line that Esau fathered. They are known in the Bible for their warlike characteristics.
     This message brings great fear and distress to Jacob. Immediately he begins to think of what he can do. He decided to divide his family and servants into two camps. If Esau attacked one, then maybe the other would be spared.  Having taken this action prior to seeking God, Jacob then prays. Isn't this so characteristic of God's people: "when all else fails, pray".  Jacob had taken action, but did not have complete confidence in his plan and so he prayed.  His appeal to God was based on great truths. That God was the strong One; that God was the God who had done great things for his father and grandfather. That God was the One who said He would create a multitude of people from Jacob's seed. So Jacob questioned, based on all of that involvement with my family, would you please deliver me from my brother Esau? At least he remembered that he was not worthy of half of what God had done for him and told God so.
      Fear Vs. Faith: ever the challenge for the believer. Seek this week for God's wisdom first as you face your fears. He is able and deserves to be the first influence on our decisions.

Bibledoorajar says "don't forget the angels!"

     After Jacob and Laban had parted on amicable grounds, Jacob thought of what was before him: Esau. His flesh was afraid even though he knew God was with him. And, the most powerful thing to remember in this story, is that God knew his servant Jacob and just what help he would need. Jacob is thinking in human time and is fearful because he remembers his nasty actions toward his brother. God is thinking in kairos time and is not bound by the same constraints. It is God's time for Jacob to return and He will prepare the way. The story says that as the humbled obedient Jacob and his group left, Jacob encountered a very important event. "And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him (Genesis 32:1)".  What an encouragement to Jacob. Think of the strength such a presentation by God added to this believer's faith.
     I remember a time when 2 missionary friends and I were attempting to get from Francis Schaefer's
headquarters in Switzerland to a Youth With a Mission base nearby. The one lady lived in Switzerland and kind of knew her way around so we other two were completely dependent on her to get us to our destination. We got off the bus thinking we were in the right place. A heavy snow started and our guide did not know which way to go. We saw no buildings or further more anyone to ask. Our guide became afraid that the buses might quit running because of the snow and we could be stranded. Fear began to build. Just as we were praying we were MET by a young man who came literally out of nowhere. He said, "are you going to Youth With A Mission?" We said, "yes we are trying to get there, but we do not know which way to go!" He said, "follow me, I am going there, too, it's just over there." He escorted us to the door. We were greeted and all four of us went inside. We spent the night there but we never saw the young man again!
We looked at each other and said, surely God sent that angel to help us. No, you will never be able to convince us otherwise, because we were the ones who experienced the meeting and the gracious welcoming. We will never forget the kairos timing; it was perfect.
     Jacob, too, was strengthened by his meeting with the angels of God. He said, "This is God's host; and he called the name of that place Mahanaim (Genesis 32:1)". Why Mahanaim? It means two camps. Jacob was not alone. He shared his camp with that of God. What better company can you have than that?

Bibledoorajar says "Thy Speech Betray Thee"

     I have often said if I could just solve the communication problems of the world and its' inhabitants I would become a millionaire. Many have written about effective communication and listening skills over the years, but still our speech often betrays us. This is what the maid told Peter when he denied to the crowd that he knew Jesus even as the Holy One had predicted that he would. When Laban caught up to Jacob we see evidence that Laban knew something of Jacob's God, but we also see by his speech that he did not know Him. After a lengthy discussion where both men expressed their views, it was agreed that they would reach a peace covenant allowing Jacob to go where he wanted to be.  This was followed by a sacrifice to God to which Laban did not object. Then they ate bread together. At this place Jacob took a stone and set it up for a pillar to witness the covenant made between he and Laban. However, by his speech we know Laban  was not fully persuaded to honor Jacob's God. He spoke in Chaldean, a heathen's language, using its' word for "heap of witness". But Jacob spoke in Hebrew using its' word for "heap of witness". Jacob's speech told the tale; he was the true believer. He spoke the language of God's people while Laban chose the language of the world. How much Jacob must have believed God to so order his speech in Hebrew. They spent the night in peace and on the next morning Laban kissed his sons and daughters and bid them goodbye. God had prevailed.
     Even as we attempt to negotiate in a world that uses a different speech than ours, God will prevail to see that we walk toward Him. As we live, speaking His language,  He will do for us what He did for Jacob. Our peace covenant with Him will always be honored. We share the Bread with others. And God will arrange our circumstances so we can come to Him while in the world even though the world speaks a different language. As the children say, "God is Great, God is Good, let us thank Him for our Food." Amen
   

Bibledoorajar declares "The Race is On"

     After Jacob had talked with his wives and had seen that they gave him their support (they had their own grievances against their father) he observed that Laban had gone three days journey away from home for a sheep shearing event. Jacob took advantage of this time and stole away with just what God had given to him in terms of livestock and family. As he set out he had the confidence of knowing that God had told him to go. And yet, surely his humanity must have recognized that before him was a brother (Esau) whom he had mistreated and a father-in-law behind him who would be very angry about his leaving. But at that moment getting away from Laban was a greater threat than meeting his brother. And true to the nature of the world, as soon as Laban heard that Jacob had left, the race was on to bring them back to his home and his world. Laban expended great effort to catch up to Jacob and his family, following with a great entourage for seven days until he did so.
     Jesus said this world was not our home and to take care when it wants to ensnare us. The world will tell us we prosper because of it. Jesus says His people prosper because God is ever behind the scenes making sure that it occurs. And, that is exactly what happened to Laban. God got involved during the pursuit of Jacob. In these kinds of races, God will win. God is ever mindful of His own and His purposes even if they do not sense His presence. Jacob could rest on the words of God replete with promise. Today, you and I have the same ability as the world tries to lure us back to previously known places. But we take heart for the Holy Spirit is ever leading us to our real home. It is what Jesus died for and ever lives for--to see that God's own get home to our promised land. Allelujah.


"It's been such a long time, since I started this journey, but heaven gets closer, with each passing day. Tho my feet may grow weary, I'll not stumble or stray, for He leads me each step of the way.

Each step I take brings me closer to that city, built by the master's scarred hands | The price has been paid, my sin's are forgiven, and He leads me each step of the way."

                                                                                            Mike Bowling, et.al.


"Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away home
I ain't got long to stay here."

                               Negro Spiritual