Monday, November 21, 2005
Genesis 32
“An Encounter with the Living God”
Vs. 1-8
Jacob has now left the land of Laban, and is moving towards his home. He sends word ahead that he is on his way. The messengers get to Esau and tell him that Jacob and his family are on their way, and that the are bringing gifts. All Jacob has to hear is that Esua is coming with 400 men, and Jacob is fearful.
Bearing in mind that Jacob last saw Esau just after he had tricked his father by stealing the blessing from Esau, it is no wonder Jacob is fearful. Jacob’s fear comes from the sins he has committed that he has never dealt with.
Vs. 9-12
Jacob’s first response is to take matters into his own hands by splitting the camp to try and protect himself. Even though in the first verse of this chapter Jacob sees the Angels of God traveling with him. Jacob has not learned to go to God first yet, but at least in these verses he finally consults God.
Jacob petitions God to hear his prayer and to remember the promise given to Jacob. Jacob is beginning to realize that life is not accomplished on his own skill as he thought when he was young, but rather that it is upon the blessing of God.
Vs. 13-21
As we saw in the last passage, Jacob is learning to rely on God, but still he relies on his own plan as well. He sends waves of gifts to Esau, hoping to “butter him up”.
Vs. 22-end
Jacob Wrestles with God Himself. Jacob doesn’t really realize the significance of who or what he is wrestling with at first, but by morning, Jacob realizes he has come face to face with the living God. God re-names Jacob, Israel. Israel means “Governed by God”. Jacob will no longer be the con-artist that he has been in the past, but now he will become one who is governed by God.
Jacob finishes by naming the location in which he had this encounter with God saying, “I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” It is interesting that the closer we come to God, the more real we see ourselves.
Isaiah mentions the same thing when he sees God. He says “Woe to me! I am ruined/undone/lost [I am going to die]: for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
As we see God for Who He truly is, we also begin to see who we truly are, and it isn’t pretty. Pray that you will begin to see the reality of Who God is, and that it will shape what you see about yourself.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
