February 2, 2022 - Genesis 32-34

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..." Psalm111:10. Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous and is likely to cause us pain or injury. All of us have experienced this emotion at some point in our lives. Whether it is a fear of snakes, heights, or darkness the sensation can cause us to break out into sweat or to act irrationally.

Jacob experienced fear as he was confronted by his brother Esau and later when he settled in Padan Aram, and his sons killed the men of the city. God's presence had been revealed to Jacob many times over the course of his life through dreams, guided paths, and financial prosperity. While apprehension is a normal response, Jacob had the instructions and promises of God to guide him forward.

Fear was manifested by Jacob when it was reported that 400 men rode with Esau to meet Jacob. Instead of trusting the Lord for a change of heart on the part of Esau, Jacob began to scheme to protect himself and his loved ones (Genesis 32: 6-8). Jacob's fear caused him to react in a way that betrayed his belief in the Lord. Jacob attempted to bribe Esau with cattle, sheep, and camels and then bowing before him as a servant, suggesting his unfounded fear. This fear was demonstrated by dreading to see his brother, and later being terrified of the people of Canaan!

When fear threatens to control you in a vicelike grip and your thoughts lead to abnormal actions, consider the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind". Live so others can see your thoughts and actions are consistent with the word of God.