A Message

 DEVOTION

GENESIS

A MESSAGE

Gen 32:1-5

32:1 Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he said, "This is the camp of God!" So he named that place Mahanaim.   3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4 He instructed them: "This is what you are to say to my master Esau: 'Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. 5 I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, menservants and maidservants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.'"

NIV

Jacob is now on his own; he and Laban have made their peace, establishing a covenant before the heap and the pillar, before the God of Abraham and Isaac. After Jacob went on his way, angels of God met him. We are not told whether Jacob and the angels of God spoke, but meeting angels would have been an incredible experience. Yet, why would they meet him if not to bring a message from God? Perhaps the message instructed him to make restitution to his brother Esau, since that was Jacob's next step: he sent messengers ahead of him to Esau. Two truths apply to our lives. First, to get a message from God is an awesome experience. The Lord could get a message to us in various ways. He could send an angel, or even angels, to meet with us and give us instructions. He could speak directly to us through the Holy Spirit, who inspires thoughts and moves within our hearts with direction and instruction, or with his own audible voice. He can speak to us through his word, to either rebuke, correct, teach, or train us in righteousness. He could also encourage, enlighten, and bless us beyond measure. We might entertain angels of God without realizing it, though Jacob was very aware; angels met him as he named that place, two camps. Either way, the Lord speaks or sends us a message; our lives will be enhanced. Second, Jacob began the process of making restitution with his brother Esau. This should guide us, or give us a message from the Lord, on how to make restitution with anyone we have been separated from because of conflict. Jacob offended his brother, which enraged Esau to the point that he wanted to kill him. It was right that Jacob should initiate restitution. If we have caused harm to another, however it happened, we should also make restitution. As we will see, it is more than just saying, "I'm sorry." But we will leave that truth until we see Jacob and Esau meet. Meanwhile, let us stay aware that God always wants to bring us a message, and that he will use whatever means he desires and needs to make sure we hear from him. We want to hear his message.