Genesis 32-34 Developing Faith In Fits And Starts

Back in chapter 28, Jacob was running away from Esau’s wrath and encountered God in a dream at Bethel.  At the time, the encounter scared him.  He said he wanted the blessings of God, and if God did all that He promised, then He would be Jacob’s God.

God did just that during the two decades Jacob spent at Laban’s.  Now Jacob knew he had to reconcile with his brother, Esau, as he returned to the Promised Land.  Jacob’s faith appeared pretty weak at first, or else mixed with a measure of unbelief.  He first sent three installments of livestock gifts, probably watching to see if they were seized and the servants killed by a vengeful Esau.  He then moved his family across the River Jabbok and spent the night wrestling with God – Christ Himself.  At 97, Jacob was still strong enough that he didn’t have to tag out.  In fact, Jacob agreed to halt if the Man would bless him.  The Man said, “What is your name?”, which today would mean, “What kind of a guy are you?”  Jacob, probably shamefully, said, “Trickster (Jacob).”  By changing his name, God was indicating a change in the kind of man Jacob had become.  “Your name will now be Israel,” which can be translated “God rules”, “one who strives with God”, or “a prince of God”.  I can’t imagine what Jacob must have felt to know that God no longer thought of him as a trickster or deceiver!

Israel and his brother reconciled, but Israel didn’t follow his brother home.  Instead he returned to within 30 miles of where he’d had his “ladder to heaven” dream at Bethel.  He didn’t settle at “the House of God”, but instead near unbelievers not too far away.  His settling unfortunately resulted in his daughter’s rape by the local ruler’s son, and eventually in the death of all the men who lived there, at the hands of two of his sons.  They seemed to understand the concept of not mixing with the world, but in taking the widows and children of those men as slaves, I don’t think they were showing it.

Jacob/Israel’s faith seemed to develop in fits and starts, probably much like mine did as I found myself being called back to God.  I’d let myself stop trusting Him for awhile in my selfishness.  I too had to get to the point where I could and did trust Him.  Thank God that He was as patient with me as He was with Israel.

Father, You have every right to give us just one chance to believe You, yet You love us so much and You know our sin-infected hearts so well that You kindly continue to bring us along, it fits and starts, to full faith in You.  I’m amazed that You don’t get tired of us and give up!  But it’s that stubborn love that keeps You in the mix.  I’m so glad You’re patient with me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford