INTRODUCTION: Jacob goes from one trial to another. Such is the Christian life. Our warfare is never completed while we live in this world. Every day calls for new manifestations of faith. Such trials are not merely to be endured, but rather valued for their spiritual benefit [I Peter 1:7].I. MAHANAIM - verses 1-2.
As Jacob neared home God enabled him to see the host of angels sent to help and protect him. As a memorial of this Jacob named the place Mahanaim which means two hosts or armies. This word is literally translated "two armies" in Song of Solomon 6:13. Some think that there were two hosts of angels guarding Jacob. The correct view, however, seems to be that Jacob's group was one host and was accompanied by the angels as a second host.What a blessed truth is revealed here. God's people and the Lord's churches are never alone. The angels of God protect us [Psalm 34:7; II Kings 6:17]. The power and presence of God enables us to succeed in the work of the Lord [Matthew 28:18- 20; I Corinthians 3:6]. When the world looks at the Lord's churches they see only humans with human limitations and weaknesses. By the eye of faith we see in the Bride - the Shulamite [Song of Solomon 6:13] - two armies or powers. We labor in physical bodies, but God's power produces the fruit [II Corinthians 4:7]. How churches today need to learn that our success depends on the realization that another army defends us and another power brings the victory [Zechariah 4:6].
II. UNCERTAINTY - verses 3-5.
Years before this Jacob had fled Canaan for fear of Esau. Here he must come back into the land. Jacob was tortured by the fear that Esau was still angry.Notice the wisdom he used in his message to Esau:
A. He referred to himself as Esau's servant. Such language would assure Esau that he had not come to threaten him or press his claim to the birthright.B. By telling of his possessions, he was letting Esau know that he had no need of an inheritance. He had not returned to take anything from Esau.
III. FEAR - verses 6-8.
To Jacob's surprise Esau had heard of his return and was coming to meet him. He assumed the worst and prepared for disaster by dividing his group into two bands. In this way he hoped that at least half of his family and flocks could escape. How quickly he forgot the angels and the promises of God.IV. PRAYER IN TROUBLED TIMES - verses 9-12. God invites us to call upon Him in our time of need [Psalm 50:15]. Jacob wisely composed himself enough to pray. Notice the pattern of this prayer:
A. Jacob reminded God of his covenant position [verse 9]. He was heir to the gracious promise made to Abraham and Isaac. In essence he was saying: "Lord I am not worthy to come to you, yet I come as heir of the precious promises concerning Christ made to my Fathers." This might be described as the Old Testament version of praying in "Jesus name."B. Jacob reminded God that the present trial came about as a result of obedience to, and belief in His word [verse 9]. He was not complaining, but rather saying: "Lord you placed me in this position, now please protect and bless me."
C. Jacob confessed his unworthiness to God [verse 10]. Humility and confession of sin are a must in prayer [Matthew 6:12].
D. Jacob praised and thanked God for His goodness. Thanksgiving is not only due our Lord, but it helps us to correctly focus our outlook. It is a necessary part of prayer [Philippians 4:6].
E. Jacob made his request [Philippians 4:6].
F. Jacob reminded God of His promise [verse 12]. The most potent words we can say in prayer are "Lord you said." God wants us to know and use His promises.
V. JACOB'S ATTEMPT TO APPEASE ESAU - verses 13-20.
This scheme to appease Esau was a very clever one. Instead of one large flock, the animals were delivered in three flocks. In this way Esau's heart was to be progressively softened. Bible teachers differ on how they view Jacob's actions. Was this just another scheme or a true attempt to seek unity and love?However we interpret Jacob's actions we find that the plan brought him no peace of mind.
VI. TRAVAILING PRAYER - verses 21-28.
Here we have a remarkable story that is a turning point in Bible History. We have often felt that this is one of the most sacred scenes of Scripture. Learn here the secrets of prevailing prayer:
A. Prayer - A Wrestling With God.
The night before Jacob met Esau he sought a place of solitude at which to pray. As he wrestled in prayer he suddenly found himself engaged in a literal match. His opponent was an angel [Hosea 12:3-4]. This was no ordinary angel but God Himself, Who was often manifested in the Old Testament as the Angel of the LORD.How strange that in prayer God often acts like an enemy. Prayer becomes a wrestling match as if God must be convinced or prevailed upon to hear. This is done to test our depth of desire, our persistence, and our true faith in God's promises [Matthew 15:21-28; Luke 18:1-7]. The time spent seeking God is also a time of growth for us.
B. Prayer - A Humbling Before God.
As Jacob wrestled he refused to be thrown or to give up. Christians know that this implies no limitation of God's power. God was testing Jacob's heart. Suddenly the Angel touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh. Jacob was crippled and could now only hold on. As we seek God's power in our life through prayer, we too are taught that we have no power of our own. Like Jacob we learn that holding on to God is our only source of power. This is hard for us to learn while we are whole [II Corinthians 12:9-10].C. Prayer Brings Confession.
The closer we draw to God the more we see our own weakness. Before Jacob's name is changed to Israel he must admit that it is Jacob. Remember that Jacob means "supplanter, cheater, schemer." Real prayer brings real self-examination.D. Persevering Prayer Prevails.
Jacob could not be turned from his desire for God's blessing [verse 26]. What a marvel that mortal man could prevail with God! What power there is in prayer! How gracious that God would condescend to deal with us in this manner.Jacob's name was changed to Israel. His request for safety was granted. He not only lived but became the ancestor of Messiah. Do we have prayers that need to be answered? Do we need changes in our life and character? Are there any of our loved ones who need Christ? Let us learn from Jacob how to pray. Perhaps if we spent more nights in prayer we would spend fewer days in scheming and worry.
VII. OTHER REQUESTS - verses 29-30.
Jacob went on to ask the angel's name. In Hebrew thought, name signifies who and what a person is. In essence, Jacob was asking for a clearer manifestation of God. This was a wonderful prayer. Old Testament saints did not have as full a revelation of Christ as we do today. Even today we should desire to see more of God's glory.VIII. A REMINDER - verses 31-32.
Jacob left the place of prayer with a limp. No doubt this reminded him of his need to lean on the Lord. Perhaps it was his "thorn in the flesh."The nation of Israel remembered this event by refusing to eat the sinew on the hollow of the thigh. While this was a man- made tradition, yet it illustrates the importance placed on this event.
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