QT 11/13/2025 Gen 32:1–12, The need for prayer when life is built upon ourselves (and all the time)

Genesis 32:1–12 (ESV) —

1 Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 And when Jacob saw them he said, “This is God’s camp!” So he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, 4 instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. 5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’ ”

6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, 8 thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.”

9 And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ 10 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. 11 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. 12 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.’ ”

 

NOTE: Jacob is a wearied man. He just diffused a very tense situation with his father in law. In my mind, it did not end well, although the heap of stones can also represent a covenant or peace treaty between the two. Still, there was a lot of anger and disappointment. It never feels good or right when something feels wrong. Now, an even greater danger looms. His own brother is marching out against him. Has his brother held a grudge all these years? Will Jacob have to face another emotionally draining encounter with a kinsman, this time one that he caused?

 

Jacob prays. This is good, it shows his maturity. Jacob prepares. He takes prudent steps to protect his family.

 

In Jacob's prayer, he uses God's word, not his own selfish desires (as he did before when he left the land). He prays along the promises of God made to him. He repents when he says he is not worthy. He gives God the thanks for all that he has. It took twenty years but now he is ready to be the man of God that he was called to be.

 

PONDER:

1. When was the last time I spent time thanking God for all that he has given?
2. Do I spend more time praying for things I want or more time thanking God for what he is doing?

 

PRAYER: Father, I know I am a big failure in many things. Give me grace and peace to do the right things, not the things I want. Help me to wait upon your timing in my life. Help me to see how important today is.