City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“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.’’”

Genesis 32:1-12 (ESV)

“35 And he [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], ‘When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?’ They said, ‘Nothing.’ 36 He said to them, ‘But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.’ 38 And they said, ‘Look, Lord, here are two swords.’ And he said to them, ‘It is enough.’”

Luke 22:35-38 (ESV)

Megan’s Musings

Jacob is returning to his homeland on God’s command (Genesis 31:3). He recognizes God’s messengers and calls the place Mahanaim, which means “two camps.” Jacob is very clever and always thinking ten steps ahead, even before he hears of Esau’s entourage, he had already decided to divide his camp in two in case something bad was to happen. Jacob and his family go through Seir and Edom on their way, which are Esau’s adopted land. As Jacob was gone for twenty-plus years, Esau has inherited their father Isaac’s wealth. Jacob wants to give the message that he has acquired his own wealth and isn’t after Esau’s. Jacob took Esau’s birthright and blessing many years ago (Genesis 25:29-34, 27:1-41) and is still afraid that after twenty years, his brother still has not forgiven him.

Twenty years is a long time, a grudge can be further embittered or it can be forgotten. Although Jacob is the one called to lead (Genesis 25:22-23), he calls Esau his lord and himself his servant who wishes to find favor in his sight to cool Esau down (Jacob did not forget the last time he saw Esau, he was plotting his brother’s murder [Genesis 27:41-42]). 

Jacob interprets Esau bringing four hundred men with him as a potential battle (see v. 11) and assumes that Esau is going to fight him. Jacob is understandably afraid and goes with his original plan to divide his camp in two. Jacob trusts God, but still takes precautions by dividing up the party into two camps. But was Jacob taking smart precautions or was there a part of him that did not trust God?

In verses 9-12, Jacob prays, he knows he was called back home and that God promised it would be for his good. Jacob acknowledges his many blessings from God. When he left home he was a runaway with only a staff to his name and now he comes back a very wealthy man with a large family. In verse 12, Jacob reminds God of His Promise, God doesn’t need reminding, so maybe Jacob says it for his own sake. God promised Jacob that the land would belong to his descendants, they would be numerous and blessed, and God will be with Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15). Maybe Jacob thought he wouldn’t survive, but some of his children would, and they would carry on his legacy. 

As Jesus was about to fulfill His mission, He reminded the disciples that they had everything provided for while Jesus was with them. Now He is telling them to be prepared and carry money, clothing, even weapons. This isn’t to indicate a lack of trust of God’s provision, but to use common sense and be prepared when Jesus ascends into heaven and the disciples lead others. 

Application

Trust God, but like Jacob and Jesus’ disciples, use your head. But there is a fine line between taking precautions and not trusting God entirely, don’t use precautions as a cover for not fully trusting God. Take any doubts you have to God, He already knows what you’re feeling, so you may as well be open about it.  

Prayer

            Dear Lord, help me to trust in You fully and to be smart about worldly matters. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.