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Genesis 32-33 – Praying through the Bible #18 – A Prayer of Prepared Dependence
I need to be honest about two truths. First, I often feel inadequate in helping others when all I can do is pray. Then I spiritually flog myself for my unfaith. Am I more powerful than He who hears my prayers? Am I more loving and compassionate? Friends, there is nothing inadequate about prayer. Second, I too often pray then say, “I wish I could do more” when I could more. My prayers and well wishes become my excuse for inaction (Jms 2.15-17). It’s too easy to say, “If there’s anything I can do, let me know” instead of getting up, getting out and getting busy doing what I can. When people say, “It’s the least I can do,” they often speak more truth than they realize. All of this applies even to repairing our relationships by preparing and praying. I can become self-satisfied by simply praying.
Twenty years (Gn 31.38) after stealing Esau’s blessing (27), and taking advantage to gain his birthright (25.27-33); 20 years after fleeing for his life (27.41); 20 years of not knowing Esau’s brokenness or healing; Jacob returns home because He trusts Yahweh (31.3). Watch how Jacob walks across the bridges he has burned. Has Esau changed? Jacob is, slowly. Nothing shows more change than his contrasting prayers when leaving (28.20-22) and returning (32.9-12). Oh how Jacob has come to depend upon his God. I have to pause and ask, “Have I changed?” If so, “What proof is there of my change?”
Having left as a thief and Esau’s enemy, Jacob prepares to return as his servant (32.3) and brother (32.17). In some ways, this is the story of the Prodigal Son: a brother wrongfully takes, goes off to a distant land, and returns willing to serve. How can Jacob prepare to repair? How can Jacob receive forgiveness and heal the relationship with his brother? Is this an occasion of “All I can do is pray?”
As in many relationship healings, Jacob prepares in stages. Preparation Stage 1: Show respect (32.4; 33.5); Communicate (32.3-4); Ask for favor (32.5). Then Jacob discovers Esau is on his way with 400 men; intentions unclear and undeclared (32.6). Preparation Stage 2: Divide camp (32.7); Surmise outcomes (32.8); Pray (32.9-12); Send gifts ahead (32.18,21). Esau is still coming with 400 men (33.1). Esau is here. Preparation Stage 3: Jacob bows to the ground 7 times approaching his brother (33.3). Then, “Esau ran to meet him, hugged him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. Then they wept” (33.4). I love happy endings, especially surprise happy endings!
As for this whole scene I have questions I cannot answer: “What happened to Esau’s hate?” “Why did Esau change?” Sadly, I can image some people saying, “But Jacob never said the magic words, ‘I am sorry’ or ‘I have sinned.’” Such is true, but said are many other meaningful words and actions. This is a story of repentance, and the acceptance of repentance. This is a story of healing, and of prepared dependence.
Prayer Challenge: What relationships do I need to heal? Am I the guilty or innocent? Am I praying, totally dependent? Am I preparing myself to accept my wrongs, doing all I can to repent and repair? What am I willing to lose in order to gain?
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