I love kids. It is wonderful to interact with them at all the different ages. It is not surprising that Jesus used a child as an example of faith! One of the most precious encounters with a young child is when they cover their eyes, believing that you cannot see them because they cannot see you! Similarly, often our limited understanding of our Lord keeps us from seeing the truth about Him!
My morning devotional reading reminded me of the Lord’s unseen presence in my life. Yesterday, my reading in Genesis 31 left me pondering Jacob’s exit strategy from his unscrupulous father-in-law. Today’s reading was about his preparation for meeting his disenfranchised brother, Esau. One of the insights that caught my attention and grabbed my heart was a pedestrian six-word phrase that can be found in the following verse: “Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.” (Genesis 32:1).
I am sure that you have had portions of Scripture pique your curiosity, but then kept reading. The value of taking the time to dig into these 6 words reveals a profound truth regarding God’s presence in Jacob’s life as well as in our world today. Let’s look at a parallel statement about God’s presence, in Jacob’s dream of the ladder to heaven; “And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!” (Genesis 28:12b). This and the earlier passage are the only two references to the ”angels of God” in the Old Testament. Also, Jacob’s naming of these two locations provide insight into the significance of both encounters. The first location, Bethel, which means house of God, is also described as the “gate to heaven” (Genesis 28:17c). In the second passage Jacob names the location Mahanaim. “And when Jacob saw them he said, “This is God’s camp!” So he called the name of that place Mahanaim.” (Genesis 32:2).
Both of these are book ends of God’s reaffirming His protection on the uncertainty of Jacob’s fleeing the Promised Land, and on his return in which he faces his offended brother, Esau. This God-given glimpse of the spiritual reality of the ever-present angels of God reminds Jacob of this unseen protection. These passages also remind us of God’s ever-present protection for His children. I am reminded of Elisha’s confidence when surrounded by the Syrian army and the deliverance of Peter from prison. The Apostle Paul reminds us of the Lord’s ever-present protectors, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.” (1 Timothy 5:21). The writer of Hebrews reminds us of angels’ ever-presence in our world, “for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2). The Lord Jesus also reminds us our ever-present help, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). This knowledge encouraged and strengthened Jacob to face the unknown challenges before him!
This Genesis account reminds us of the spiritual reality of God’s presence that we cannot see. I love what one commentator wrote, “When God’s work is involved, the conflict is spiritual, not physical. This was true for Jacob, it was true for Israel, and it is true today. No human effort can be sufficient for these things. The source of defense and the means of victory come from God’s ministering angels.” (Bible Knowledge Commentary). This knowledge encouraged and strengthened Jacob to face the unknown challenges before him!
Just like when our eyes are covered by our hands of unbelief, it does not erase God’s ever-present protection and oversight in our lives!
-Pastor Joe Parkinson