Day 023- The Bible Recap
Day 023 | Genesis 32-34
Today's reading was Genesis 32-34. Here's what stood out to me:
Jacob hesitantly planned to reconnect with Esau after 20 years of running from him. After hearing that Esau had 400 men accompanying him, rightfully so, Jacob was fearful. He strategically divided his camp into two so an escape would be easier if needed. 32:1-8 I can't imagine all the emotions that ran through Jacob's mind...fear, exhaustion, anxiety, anticipation and maybe even relief that this would finally be coming to an end no matter which way it went.
In verse 32:9 things seemed to take a turn for Jacob. He began with "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac." But then said "O LORD..." Remember LORD is Yahweh or personal/relational God. He began recognizing God as faithful Protector and Provider, and acknowledged his own unworthiness. Jacob reminded God that He promised to bless him with numerous offspring as if to say I can't die as a result of this reunion. 32:9-12
Numerous times Jacob referred to himself as servant to Esau...a far cry from the prideful past he had with his brother. He planned to shower Esau with gifts in hopes that Esau would forgive him.
Jacob encountered God in a very unique way, some of which is still confusing to me. But the important thing I took away from it is Jacob now recognized truly who God was and then God changed his name to Israel. I thought it was interesting how Tara Leigh said "sometimes, when God is revealing a new assignment or direction for someone's life, He renames them."
Most surprisingly in 33:4 Esau ran to meet his brother and hugged and kissed him...not what Jacob expected at all. Some time in that 20 year span Esau worked through his feelings and forgave Jacob.
Tragedy struck in chapter 34 with the rape of Dinah. You can tell both her father Jacob and her brothers had great love for her as they came to her defense. However repaying evil with evil was not something God condoned. When Jacob heard what his sons had done he feared for all their lives.
Have a great weekend friends! As always I love to hear your thoughts!
~Ann Mays
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