Genesis 32:22-31
Seeing the Face of God
James Sledge August
6, 2017
What
a strange story marking the end of Jacob’s exile from his homeland. When he
first left Canaan, fleeing the wrath of his brother Esau, he slept alone in the
wilderness, fearing for his life, dreamed of a stairway to heaven, and there
encountered God. To his surprise, God promised to be with him and bless him and
bring him back home once more. Now, as he returns, Jacob encounters God once
more.
Jacob
is almost home. But the night before he arrives, he finds himself alone once
more in the wilderness, yet again fearing for his life, fearing his brother
Esau. He returns a rich man, with vast herds and flocks, and many servants. He
also has two wives and twelve children. God has indeed been with him. God has also
told him it is time to come home. But there is still the issue of Esau. Is he
still angry? Does he still seek Jacob’s life?
Jacob
sends messengers to tell Esau that he and his flocks and servants and family
are coming, hoping to find favor with Esau. The messengers return with a report
that Esau and 400 men are coming to meet them. Jacob is, understandably,
terrified.
Jacob
remembers God’s promises and the command to return home. He prays for God to
protect his family. He also sends waves of offerings to Esau, hoping to appease
him. Servants take flocks and herds toward Esau at regular intervals. Finally,
Jacob sends his family and all that remains with him on ahead, leaving Jacob
alone.
Jacob
is alone and afraid, just like all those decades ago at Bethel. But this time
there is no dream of a ramp to heaven. This night a man wrestled with him until
daybreak. People sometimes speak of an angel wrestling Jacob, but as
the story opens, it simply says “a man.” It soon becomes obvious, however, that
this is no ordinary man.