Jacob in the Dark of Night

It's Valentine's Day and I am preparing hard for tomorrow's sermon. I am going to have 12 points, preaching from Genesis 32, a key chapter in the life of Jacob. First, Jacob went on his way. He departed from working for Laban. I am also departing, back to my humble abode, my inheritance. We must be on our way on a journey like Jacob was. We are followers of Jesus who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

I am staying put in my house for a while until the Lord tells me to move again. Second, when we move God is with us. Jacob met with angels, even two companies of angels, like the hosts or armies of God. The word, Mahanaim means "two companies" a word in Song of Songs in ch. 6 when the Shulamite girl dances. 

This time I have no visions of angels but there are two Sundays to go. But I saw angels and cherubim when I was leaving my former Seminary in Kota Kinabalu. Just a few days before I handed back my keys, I was packing my last few books in the office with my laptop and headphones on listening to music. I was worshipping the Lord but I do not remember the song. 

Suddenly I wept profusely, not a minute or two like in church but probably 5 or 6 minutes. I had to control myself and hold back my tears. In the midst of many tears I saw angels, cherubim like ones written in the book of Ezekiel. These angels were about to depart from the Seminary and the Lord commanded them to hold because I was still there. 

For several months since July 2023, the Lord spoke to me: "Prepare your works for your departure" (Prov 24 LXX) and I departed. Now I am departing again. 

Third, Jacob was in distress, perhaps needlessly when he heard that his brother was coming to meet him with 400 men. Often, an offended brother is hard to win over. I am going because I think a few of my leaders are already offended, even by gentle rebukes and straight forward speaking. It is not easy to win them over. 

Not a few events or happenings go on without me knowing since I resigned, though one senior leader thought I should at least be informed since I am still officially the pastor. Some might not be patient to see me go. But many more will be sad. 

A few already expressed their feelings of unhappiness. Two people wept, one in the last council meeting and another church member told me by letter. You can't win them all. People were divided over Jesus. 

Those who support those who hate me and do all kinds of evil things to hinder my ministry are not really my friends even as Jesus said, "They hate me without cause", yet in front of me, they are filled with flattery. What hypocrites! 

Jacob divided his family and entourage into two companies. He gave gifts lavishly to gain Esau's favour, but it seems Esau missed his twin brother and he meant Jacob no harm. Often we fear due to our out of control imagination. If we should be more composed and calm, for not every shower or rain or wind that blows our way brings a storm. Often the showers pass over and it is showers of blessings instead of hail and brimstone of judgment. 

Fifth, Jacob sent his whole family over the stream of Jabbok and he was left alone. I made the decision all on my own; I prayed and consulted with my wife but at the end when I decided to go it was my sole decision. I saw no visions and there was no Scripture like the time I was in the Seminary two years ago. And Jacob was all alone. And it was the dark of night. At the stream of Jabbok, he encountered God. Jacob wrestled with an angel of the Lord until the break of dawn and Jacob won. 

It is time that we rise up and wrestle with God until our prayers are answered. God rewarded Jacob's persistence with a new name. A name until today is famed for carrying the name of the chosen nation, Israel. And he who overcomes, also wins a new name like Jacob which our Lord Jesus will give (Rev 2-3).