Genesis 32 - 34 (23rd Jan) - James

Genesis 32

“Determination? Or is it determination to trust God that matters most?”

If there’s one thing I admire about Jacob, it has to be his determination. This was a man that was found pulling his brother Esau’s leg on the way out as he was born, as if desiring to ‘come out first’ or ‘be no 1’. Here was the same man putting another 7 years of hard work to earn the hand of a bride he was promised initially, never mind that 1st promise turned out to be false.

Now this same man stands in the wilderness carrying everything he owned with him, determined to survive the wrath of the brother whom he humiliated almost 20 years ago. This man is scared and afraid, make no mistake about that, but he also believes in what his God promised him when he left Bethel and again when he left Laban.

It’s always easy to choose the most logical way out. If I was Jacob, with my wealth, and being cunning, I would have gone somewhere else, anywhere that takes me further away from my brother. But that wouldn’t be in line with God’s command for Jacob which is “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” (Gen 31:3). This Jacob obeyed, and set off straight in the direction of the man who wanted to kill him.

We can have the same determination and strive for greatness doing things our way, just because Frank Sinatra sang that famous song now suddenly everyone believes in living his life doing what he wants. But is God with you? Are you experiencing victory? God promised the deceiver that “He’ll be with him” not once, but twice. This is interesting considering God’s word for us during the last youth service. Do you recognize your sonship and have you surrendered all? I believe that is KEY to God’s victory for us. Jacob recognized that God called him, and despite his wealth and cunning, submits to the promptings of God.

->Let me correct myself, what I admire is not just his determination, but his determination to trust God.

BTW Jacob was still pretty scared, groveling with fear and trying to suck up to his brother. That’s the deceiver we know. That night, a man appeared and wrestled Jacob. Now Jacob wrestled this man not knowing that He was God until later. His request for a blessing is an indication that he finally realized this person he’s wrestling with is no mortal, but supernatural. So God blessed him, calling him Israel, meaning “God fights”. WOW! His blessing is that Jacob will have victory because, and only because God fights for Him! Success! Success in everything Jacob does, including meeting Esau. Jacob was crippled in this wrestling match, but it really means that to be successful with God, Jacob had to be crippled in his own self-sufficiency (his own belief in his power/ability).

-> That youth service sermon comes back to me now. Does God fight for you? If you do not think so, then consider this. Why not?

Genesis 33-34

This chapter shows that the meeting with his brother Esau was a success, so successful to the point that Esau even offered to leave escorts with Jacob to protect them from harm as they traveled home. What favor! However, an interesting thing to note here is that Jacob declined the invitation to have protection and even proceeded to Succoth after Esau left, although he promised Esau that he’ll make his way to Seir, where Esau is camped. Maybe the weaker ones and the herds could not take the perilous journey? Maybe he was afraid that Esau’s attitude could change and therefore he could be at the mercy of his brother? God may have commanded him to return to the land of his fathers (which he did) but not Seir specifically. This shows that the deceiver is still not able to deal truthfully, probably because of fear of Esau.

This next chapter tells of the unfortunate incident that happens to Jacob’s daughter Dinah. As I read this, one thought that comes to my mind is this,

-> Girls, watch how you dress and where you go, no matter if you’re alone or with friends!!!

Dinah entered the city alone to meet and see how the “young women” were like in this city. Shechem SAW her, took her and lay with her, and violated her. The bible doesn’t say anything about how she dressed, but in today’s context, how a woman dresses usually attracts the LOOK from guys. So lesson 1, bring a pepper spray wherever you go! And learn to kick the guy really hard in the nuts. Just kidding! =)

On a serious note, one other interesting point to take note is Jacob was indecisive when he received news about his daughter’s rape. He was alone at that time and waited till his sons came home before there was any reaction. Even then, he did not make any decisive response and this resulted in his sons’ retaliation. I remember a long time ago when I first came across this, I actually laughed as I read about their revenge. Seriously, imagine them all struggling to run away in their sarong as they’re chased by the 2 brothers, Simeon and Levi.

Leaders who are indecisive will have people under them taking matters into their own hand, often to disastrous results.