Jacob’s Prayer
Church was cancelled today in Atlanta, and school has been cancelled for tomorrow. It looks like most of the main streets are clear, but side streets and drives are still icy. Nathan and Stephanie have a long steep driveway with a thick layer of ice. So that is impacting our mobility. I have some business to attend to in Cleveland, TN tomorrow, so we will see how that goes. Mckenize really enjoys “helping” Stephanie cook.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac…I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’” Genesis 32:9-12 ESV
Jacob had spent 20 years in the house of Laban. But the God of Bethel had proven Himself faithful to Jacob. He went to Laban’s house with only his staff and had increased in family, servants, livestock and possessions. The Lord appeared to Jacob and told him it was time to return to the land of his father. As he sets out he hears that his estranged brother Esau is coming to meet him with several hundred men.
Jacob prepares for the encounter by strategically dividing up his ranks into two groups. If Esau meets them with hostility at least one of the groups could escape. When the time comes to meet Esau, he sends ahead gifts of livestock and possessions.
But Jacob had learned that the best of plans would fail, if the Lord was not on his side watching over him. He tried to assess what the encounter with Esau would be like, but was uncertain when he heard four hundred men were with Esau.
Jacob’s prayer reveals much about the change of Jacob’s heart. He recognizes that it was God who had called him to take this journey. When life brings challenges, there can be second thoughts and doubts about the decision to “venture out.” It may be a move, a job change or some other important decision. When obstacles are faced, it is good to have the assurance that you are where you are, due to the Lord’s direction.
Jacob then recognizes all the blessings that have come to him and his unworthiness to have what he has and to have the future that is before him.
Jacob recognizes his fears. He feared losing what he had gained. He fears for the safety of his family. He fears the potential battle that may loom in front of him. Fear has a way of paralyzing our thoughts and actions. One of the best things we can do is recognize it and bring it to the Lord. David testified, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 NIV)
Jacob then reminded the Lord of His promise to him concerning his future. It is hard to have “offspring as the sand of the sea” if you are dead! At times rehearsing the promises of the Lord, are more for our good, than a “bargaining” chip with the Lord.
Finally, before his meeting with Esau, he spends that night alone in prayer. Special times of prayer, focused times of prayer are important in these types of critical times. We can “pray on the go” but to set aside times dedicated to prayer and fasting is an important spiritual discipline.
It is during this night that Jacob emerges from a life changing encounter with the promise of a new name and a new trait. He walks with a limp. That in itself is a humbling condition. But Jacob’s condition of humility, becomes a consistent reminder of His encounter with the Lord, his reliance on the Lord and moving into a new destiny as a changed man.
Prayer for today… Lord thank You that we can have faith in Your guidance and Your faithfulness to fulfill Your promise. Allow us to learn from Jacob’s prayer and apply the concepts to our life when we face fears about our future.