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MINISTRY OF THE ANGELS OF GOD

Text: Genesis 32
9 October 2012

(I) MINISTRY OF THE ANGELS OF GOD

“And the angels of God met him..” Genesis 32:1 (Cf. Genesis 28)

1. Angels

a) As messengers

b) As protectors

2. Presence

a) Invisible

b) Visible

3. Appropriate response of Jacob (Genesis 32:2)

a) Naming of the place “Mahanaim” (Double camp of angels)

b) Commemorating this event

c) Consciousness of the protecting presence of angels

(II) AN ATTEMPT AT RECONCILIATION

1. Sending of messengers to Esau (Genesis 32:3)

a) Residence of Esau

b) In the land of Seir, in the country of Edom

2. Content of the reconciliatory message

a) To address Esau as “Lord” (Genesis 32:4a)

b) Self address: “Servant” (Genesis 32:4b)

c) Update

i) Dwelt with Laban for all these years (Genesis 32:4c)

ii) Been successful (Genesis 32:4d)

ii) Hoping to find favour in Esau’s sight (Genesis 32:4e)

(III) AN ALARMING MESSAGE FROM THE SERVANTS

Genesis 32:6

1. Esau was on his way to meet Jacob

2. He was accompanied by 400 men

3. There was no verbal response to Jacob’s message

(IV) JACOB’S FEAR

Genesis 32:7-8

1. Greatly afraid

2. Distressed

3. Emergency plans

a) Preparation for Esau’s attack

b) Two companies

c) If one company is attacked, the other company will escape

(V) PRAYER OF JACOB

Genesis 32:9-12

1. Addressing God (Genesis 32:9a)

2. Reminding God that it was He who told Jacob to return home (Genesis 32:9b)

3. Remembering the past 2 decades

a) He was an unworthy servant (Genesis 32:10a)

b) Crossed over Jordan with only his staff (Genesis 32:10b)

c) Now he had two companies (Genesis 32:10)

d) Prayer for Deliverance from Esau (Genesis 32:11)

e) Believing in God’s covenant promise (Genesis 32:12)