Solving Our Own Problems: Genesis 32:1-8
If our first reaction to any event – good or bad – is to come to the Lord, we will always be prepared to turn to Him. He wants to be a part of our life at the highs, the lows, and the normal every day. He can add things to our life regardless of whether life is going well or poorly.
Putting Laban behind him, Jacob moves on to a new challenge: Esau. As if to encourage him, Jacob meets the encampment of angels God set out for him. On his way out of Canaan, Jacob witnessed God’s messengers coming and going upon a ladder. On his way back into Canaan, Jacob witnesses the encampment of God’s messengers. God was with him.
Unfortunately, it seems Jacob falls victim to a common human failing. When life goes well, it is easy to ignore God because we overlook our need for God. As Jacob steps into Canaan with life going well, he relies upon his own understanding.
Jacob sends a messenger to Esau. He remembers Esau’s wrath when they were last together. Jacob knows his journey back to Bethel will take him near Esau’s home. He sends out a messenger to make his presence known and get a feel for Esau’s response.
As ideas go, it isn’t a bad one. How he goes about his plan, though, shows his error. Jacob tells his messenger to refer to Esau as lord and himself as servant. At best, this potentially confuses Esau. Esau knows Jacob has the birthright and Jacob got the blessing. Esau knows Jacob is the more elevated of the brothers.
At worst, Jacob’s plan demonstrates a lack of trust in God. Jacob tries to appease Esau with words and titles and displays of wealth rather than live out truth and trust in God. Jacob tries to solve his own problems rather than rely upon God to show him how to navigate the situation. I’m not advocating for Jacob to do nothing and expect God to do everything, but I am advocating for Jacob to seek God’s direction.
The fact that Jacob relies upon his own devices rather than trusting in God can be seen in his reaction to Esau’s approach, too. Jacob divides up his camp. He thinks defensively and assumes the worst.
That’s the problem with forgetting about God during the good times of life. Difficult moments in life always come after a time of peace and goodness. If we allow ourselves to get out of the habit of relying upon God in the good times, it makes it more difficult to remember to come to Him when life gets difficult.
It’s best to always rely upon God. It’s best to be in the habit of coming to Him in the joys and sorrows of life. If our first reaction to any event – good or bad – is to come to the Lord, we will always be prepared to turn to Him.
