17/01/2022 - THE NEWS THAT SHOOK JACOB

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Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” Genesis 32.6

Jacob’s servants probably had never taken that road to Esau, because the mountain of Seir was far from where they were born. However, using the information provided by their master and asking here and there, they reached their destination. Let’s remember that in those days, there were no maps or other printed materials to assist them. They had to be experts in following the course of the stars, and above all, to be guided by the Lord.

Esau’s welcome must not have pleased them, nor the response they heard. Now, knowing that Jacob was rich and had servants and maidservants may have sounded like a threat in his brother’s heart. Did Jacob mean that? Or did he speak inadvertently, or was it simply a show of fear. The man with red skin and hair must have been full of anger, so he gathered 400 men to meet him. What a response!

On the other hand, Jacob must have anxiously counted the days, hours and minutes since his servants left for the mountain of Seir. Finally, as they were returning, the heir to the promise’s heart was beating faster – with every step they took to get to where he and his family were. What should they say? Well, they decided to tell the truth, everything they had heard and seen. After all, Esau didn’t seem to want peace. Keep watch!

Faced with the account, Jacob tried hard not to show weakness, because he had to stand firm in front of his family members. His sons could not notice that fear was in his heart; that way they would not receive a bad lesson. At such moments, it is difficult not to show what is going on inside us, isn’t it? Everyone, sooner or later, will face moments of anguish and despair. The solution is to trust and pray!

Jacob revealed a strength before Laban by confronting him and telling him the truth (Genesis 31.42). As for Esau’s evil plan, which he had promised to execute and included his death, what to do? Jacob’s strength was the fear of Isaac, demonstrated to Abimelech, the Philistine king in Gerar (Genesis 26:16). This king encouraged or turned a blind eye to the petulance of his servants when they took the water wells that Isaac dug. Isaac proved his respect towards the Lord!

All the time we see demons using people. Many times, this happens inside our house. It´s hard to believe that certain things happen to us. But how can we act as servants of the Most High? Why do certain trials afflict us if we seek and serve the Lord? I can assure you that being in the circle of the enemy hurts so much, because the flesh asks for some act of “justice”, and God guides us in love!

It doesn’t matter what they did to you; Jesus suffered your ills and of those who did them. Do not give in to hatred, but pray at all times (Romans 12.14,17-21). Only in eternity, will we learn what was necessary for the building of our character. Never leave God’s presence, for He knows everything and that is why He has allowed you to be tested in the fire!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares