Genesis 32

Scripture:  Genesis 32:1-21

Observation:  The time to meet Esau has arrived, and Jacob is testing the waters.  He sends messengers to advise Esau of his return, and finds out Esau is already on his way with 400 men.  Jacob is scared; he has his entire family plus his servants, but that's not enough to defend himself against 400 men.  He fears Esau's wrath, so to try and keep his family safe he divides them into a separate camp, in the hopes that Esau will attack only one camp and his family will be safe.  He then turns to the Lord, and prays for safety.  Jacob wants to pacify his brother, so he sends servants ahead of him with gifts of livestock:  goats, sheep, camels, cattle and donkeys, each in separate herds.  He instructs his servants that upon meeting with his brother Esau, they are to tell him that the livestock is a gift from Jacob.  This, he hopes, will appease his brother's anger.

Application:  Even though 20 years had passed, Jacob was still dealing with the consequences of his deception.  We all make mistakes, and we should always repent of those mistakes, but that doesn't mean the consequences go away.  This is why we should strive to live a godly life, so that we can avoid problems later on in life.

Prayer:  Father, Your Word tells me how to live, and when I live my life as You've instructed, everything works out so much better.  Life is not perfect on this earth, and it isn't always fair, but living it according to Your will is the best way to avoid the heartaches that come from sin.  Help me to live a life that is honoring to You and that will result in a better life for myself and my loved ones.  Use my life as an example for them by showing me Your ways and keeping me on Your paths.  In Jesus' name, Amen.