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?