Genesis 32:1–5 (ESV)
Jacob Fears Esau
32 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.’ ”
Jacob has parted paths with Laban. Laban has
returned home and Jacob is on his way home. The path he is taking takes him near his brother Esau. Their relationship has been strained from deception and now Jacob is in fear of crossing paths with Esau. Jacob sends messengers to “butter
up” his brother whom he fears will want to kill him. What lies ahead?
I pray: O Lord, we see what happens when we do not treat others the way
we want to be treated. Now Jacob fears for his life. Help us to love our neighbor and to pray for our enemies. Amen.