Today’s reading: Genesis 31-32; Matthew 10:24-42
In both readings today, we meet people who are called by God to enter uncharted territory and are understandably fearful of what looms ahead.
Although Jacob has seen God grant him material success and a peaceful parting with Laban, he is more than a little anxious about meeting Esau after so many years. A man appears to Jacob at night and wrestles with him. We understand the mysterious, unnamed man to be the Angel of the Lord as clarified in Hosea 12:4.
God is gracious to Jacob to send His angel to bless him when he most needed reassurance.
Jesus also talks to His disciples about fear (Matthew 10:26-30). He is sending them out as His messengers, into a hostile world. They will naturally tend to be fearful, but Whom should they fear? Not someone who can only kill your body and then have no further power. Not an Esau, who might be holding a grudge after 20 years. Fear God. He has power over our eternal destiny.
Jacob learns that God is with him as he goes back to his home land and his brother. The disciples learn that God will be with them and keep their souls even if their ministry arouses rejection and death.
How confident are you of God’s power to keep you wherever He sends you and in whatever He calls you to do? Do not fear Man. Fear God. He will be with His own to the end.
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