THE K I N G ' S BUS I NE S S into the praying, that he did not merely go through a form of words. ' What an interesting wrestling match took place by the side of Jabbok. There is no room for questioning the fact that it was God Himself in the form of man who here wrestled with Jacob (see v. 30). How we need to follow Jacob’s example and refuse to let go until we have received the needed blessing. How God Himself seems to have been pleased with Jacob’s bold, “ I will not let thee go until thou bless me.” If Jacob could not overcome his antagonist by wrestl ing he could, nevertheless, hold on until the blessing came. How humble was the confession that came from Jacob’s lips when he was asked what his name was and he had to confess that it was “ Supplanter.” How we ought to mag nify the grace'of God that had changed the character of the man and that was now manifested in changing his name, no longer Supplanter, but Prince. What comfort there is in that for you and me. What do you know, by actual experience, of prevailing prayer? . II. Jacob Meets Esau. Recall Jacob’s plan and note how he sends first of the company of people the handmaids and their children, next Leah and her children, carefully put ting Rachel and Joseph last of all. Then notice how like a real prince he takes his place at the head of the com pany. Even though he goes limping he has that in his heart which makes him brave in the face of danger. Atten tion has already been called to the fact that Jacob here acknowledged Esau's over-lordship. How* one’s heart goes out to great big hearted Esau, and how one enjoys the pressing of the present by Jacob, and the refusal of it by Esau. How natural Esau’s invitation for Jacob and his family to journey with him to Seir seems-, and how we can appreciate Jacob’s uneasiness and his delight as he saw his warlike brother and his retinue disappear. The next time the brothers met was at the funeral
994 from forgetting Himself. It was in ful fillment of that covenant that God had called Jacob to come back to Beth-el from Haran. In order to get Jacob to obey it was necessary for Him to make things unpleasant between him and Lab*n’s family. God had not only to call Jacob out, but to push him out by circumstances. Does He not have to do this with some of His children now? Jacob’s parting from Laban does not seem to have been carried out in just the Way that one who was right with God and his fellows would have done it. God took Jacob’s part, however, and raid an embargo on Laban so that he dare,mot lay hands on Jacob. After journeying for a time Jacob draws near to his old home land. It is worth not ing that he sends news of his coming to his brother Esau. It is also worth noting that he bids the messenger say, “ Thy servant Jacob.” Afterwards when he meets his brother he calls him, “ My lord” more than once. Is this not a practical confession on Jacob’s part that he had wronged Esau by treating him as he had done? Does it not show the change that has come over Jacob’s attitude, brought about by the years of discipline? Notice the preparation that he makes for meeting Esau when he hears that he is coming to meet him with 400 men. Had he not good rea son, from the human point of view, for being afraid to face his brother? On the other hand, had he not God’s promise to watch over him and care for him? The large gift that he sent ahead must certainly have presented a pleasing appearance to the man whose riches lay in flocks and herds. After making the best preparation he could think of, and having sent his company over the little stream, he himself stays behind to pray. Why he did not pray before making preparation instead of afterwards I do not know, but he is a good deal like ourselves in that respect. The main thing ■worth noticing is that he did ¿ray, and that he put his whole soul
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