Bible Studies for Life Sunday School Commentary - Week of April 27, 2008
Consider whether you more often reflect biblical humility or personal pride. If we are all honest, our answer will more than likely make us uncomfortable. Someone has suggested that if humility were a living organism, it would likely appear on the endangered species list. Often people vie for the top spot, the center of attention, or the seat of honor. Criminals violate others' rights and then clamor for fair treatment when arrested. One driver cuts another driver off in traffic thinking he deserves to be ahead of the other person. Selfish pride too often characterizes how we live. If unchecked, that pride will define who we are.
As God's people, we have to decide whether we will live in selfish pride or humble submission. Our biblical model for this week's lesson is Jacob, a man who learned the value of true humility. As Jacob returned from a 20-year sojourn in Haran, he dreaded the inevitable encounter with his twin brother Esau, whose blessing he had taken. By studying Jacob's humility, we can observe the benefits of jettisoning personal pride and humbling ourselves.
The focal passage today is a very descriptive and moving account of Jacob’s experience in humility as he faces his brother Esau after having been separated for approximately 20 years. We must keep in mind that the parting of these two brothers occurred primarily because of Jacob’s literally stealing Esau’s blessing from their father Isaac. Because of Jacob’s conniving, and that of his mother Rebecca, to rob Esau of his father’s blessing, Esau had sworn to kill Jacob. (Genesis 27:4) Between that occasion and our focal passage today, Jacob has encountered God (Genesis 28:12-19), and came away from the encounter a changed individual.
Jacob’s messengers to Esau brought back a disturbing report. Esau was moving in their direction accompanied by 400 men. Jacob, not knowing Esau’s intention, divided his people into two groups. If Esau attacked one, the other could retreat toward Haran, a sound and accepted strategy for that time in history.
Jacob’s humble attitude was reflected in his prayer (vv. 9-10). He left Esau in fear following his deception of Isaac concerning the birthright of the firstborn (27:13-29). He showed his business ability in dealing with Laban, his father-in-law. But he was now a changed man. Before he dispatched his messengers to seek out Esau, the angels of God met him. They came in a sufficient number that he called the place of encounter Mahanaim, literally, Double Camp. God had His army and Jacob had his. However, after he rested for a night following the return of the men from Esau, he divided animals as a worthy present for Esau (vv. 13-20).
That night he wrestled with God all night. At dawn, the Man with whom he wrestled touched Jacob’s hip, giving him a limp (vv. 31-32). Even more significant, He changed Jacob’s name (“Deceiver”) to Israel (“Prince with God”).
His prayer covered two main topics. He expressed contrition before God, as he called himself unworthy to receive God’s mercies. Second, he prayed for deliverance from the hand of Esau whom he feared.
Jacob’s changed nature was revealed in his humble act (33:1-5). As a military strategy he divided his forces into two groups, one of which would survive if the other were attacked. His personal strategy was equally impressive. As he approached Esau, he would bow before him, advance, pause, and bow again. After seven times Esau would have been impressed because Jacob was presenting himself in a most vulnerable way.
The outcome resulted in a moment of reconciliation as the two brothers tearfully embraced, putting aside past difficulties. We need to learn that lesson. If you are at odds with anyone, begin the process to a renewed relationship. Write a letter, place a telephone call or send an e-mail. Do not delay any longer.
Jacob showed his changed attitude by showering Esau with lavish gifts (vv. 9-11). Esau’s accumulated wealth should be no surprise because God had promised blessings to Abraham’s descendants. Jacob’s gifts were an outpouring of gratitude for Esau’s reception and not to meet any physical needs. Jacob also said that his seeing Esau was like seeing God’s face. God had dealt graciously with Jacob, giving him what he did not deserve. When Jacob saw Esau reaching out in a similar manner, it reminded Jacob of how God had dealt with him.
How has God dealt with you? No doubt it has been with great amounts of mercy and grace. Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve; grace is God giving us what we do not deserve. In light of what God has demonstrated to us, how can we humble ourselves and show humility and grace to others?
