MEMORY VERSE: Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands (Genesis 32:7).
Jacob was on his way home. And he was a troubled man. Fear ruled his heart. More than twenty years earlier he had left his home after cheating his brother, Esau. Now every mile brought him closer to an encounter with the man he had feared for all this time.
Jacob's fear of Esau affected his spiritual life, making him doubt the promises of God. This journey homeward was in obedience to God's command and had been accompanied with a wonderful promise: Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee (Genesis 32:9). In spite of this divine assurance, Jacob was distressed.
Jacob's fear affected his handling of his finances. To appease Esau, he sent an expensive gift. How like Jacob we are! Fear often prevents us from being good stewards of what God has given us. Far more has been lost by those who have allowed fear to rule their financial transactions than by those who have dared to give or invest by faith.
Jacob's fear caused him to play favorites with his family. As he approached the meeting with Esau, Jacob placed his favorites the farthest from danger. This act of unbelief must have grieved the members of his family that were exposed to the first attack. The danger never developed but Jacob's true feelings would never be forgotten.
Jacob was afraid and suffered distress of mind and heart for nothing. His fears were groundless. Esau's anger had long been put away. When they met, Esau embraced Jacob and wept. Jacob's worrying had been useless. He could have trusted God and enjoyed his journey home.