“Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. Genesis 33:1-2 (NKJV)
Put yourself in the shoes of these four women and their children. Out in front (exposed and most vulnerable) were Bilhah and Zilpah, the two maidservants and their children. Then Leah and her children, with Rachel and Joseph last and most protected. If there had been any doubt before there no longer was any doubt as to who Jacob loved and valued.
In my life – in your life – are individuals who put us down in one form or another. They expose our vulnerabilities and place us in positions where others can cause us to feel less than others. At work we can have others take credit for our accomplishments and in so doing, make us vulnerable. If we try to expose what they’re doing we can be identified as someone who is trying to put them down, trying to steal their accomplishments. Our spouse may make comments that are derogatory and shaming to us and about us to others.
This is NOT God’s way. Jacob was not acting according to God’s plan when he arranged his family to meet Esau. God intervened and He talked with Esau and softened Esau’s heart toward his brother and his brother’s family. God can do the same for me and you. He can soften the hearts of those who wish to do us wrong. He can change our circumstances, but even if he chooses not to change our circumstances we have the promise that if we are faithful and trust God there is a reward waiting for us when he comes to take the redeemed home with him.
Listen to Heralds of Grace as they sing “Christ Returneth.”
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 1/16/24, 6:00 am