In Genesis chapter thirty-three, verse four, Jacob and Esau are about to meet for the first time since the incidents occurred between them over twenty years earlier. However, before the external contact with his brother, Jacob had a few concerns in preparation for the elder Esau. He sent messengers to the land of Seir, the country of Edom where his brother resides. Jacob instructs them to mention where he is living, what possessions he has, and ask for grace in his sight. Why would Jacob make a request for grace from his brother Esau?
The messengers return from Edom and report to Jacob. They tell him that Esau will come to meet him along with four hundred men. How does Jacob respond to that? There must be several thoughts running through his mind. Jacob has no idea why Esau would come to meet him with all those men. What should a person do if someone is planning to meet you with an entourage of four hundred people?
When trouble appears to be on the horizon, a believer must ask the Lord for help and trust Him to make things okay. Jacob calls upon God and that He will intervene on his behalf. He asks the Lord for deliverance from his brother and addresses concerns about what could occur. Jacob also prepares to give some gifts to Esau when they meet each face to face. He hopes all goes well with him and his brother.
Finally, Jacob and Esau meet. Isaac’s eldest son ran to meet the younger one, embracing and crying. Esau ran to meet Him. God had dealt with Esau and placed in him the desire for reconciliation with his brother. Esau’s friendly attitude was God’s answer to Jacob’s prayer. God did work on Jacob’s behalf when asking Him for help. The encounter Jacob was facing reminds us as believers that God is there even when potential trouble appears to be looming.