April 27: Exploring Humility

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

A young man once looked at me intensely and asked, “Are you a humble person?” If I said, “No,” he had me. If I had answered “Yes,” he would still have his answer. Anyone bragging about personal humility obviously succumbs to pride, the opposite of humility. A classic example was shown by a Jewish neighbor of ours who regularly attended her Jewish services on Friday nights. In a conversation with us she remarked, “I’m not like those Jewish people at the temple. I’m humble, like you Baptists.” I’m not sure what she meant by humility, but whatever it was, she did not show it. Jacob also had to learn what it meant.

In Jacob’s coming confrontation with his estranged brother Esau, he made preparation (32:3, 6-8). Esau had settled in the land of Moab, east of a mountain range which ran east of the Jordan River. His group was probably 200-300 miles south of Jacob and his caravan. Jacob probably had received word about Esau’s location from time to time by way of caravans traveling through the area on the route from Egypt northward to Haran in what is now Syria.

Jacob’s messengers to Esau brought back a disturbing report. Esau was moving in their direction accompanied by 400 men. Jacob, not knowing Esau’s intention, divided his people into two groups. If Esau attacked one, the other could retreat toward Haran, a sound and accepted strategy for that time in history.

Jacob’s humble attitude was reflected in his prayer (vv. 9-10). He left Esau in fear following his deception of Isaac concerning the birthright of the firstborn (27:13-29). He showed his business ability in dealing with Laban, his father-in-law. But he was now a changed man. Before he dispatched his messengers to seek out Esau, the angels of God met him. They came in a sufficient number that he called the place of encounter Mahanaim, literally, Double Camp. God had His army and Jacob had his. However, after he rested for a night following the return of the men from Esau, he divided animals as a worthy present for Esau (vv. 13-20).

That night he wrestled with God all night. At dawn, the Man with whom he wrestled touched Jacob’s hip, giving him a limp (vv. 31-32). Even more significant, He changed Jacob’s name (“Deceiver”) to Israel (“Prince with God”).

His prayer covered two main topics. He expressed contrition before God, as he called himself unworthy to receive God’s mercies. Second, he prayed for deliverance from the hand of Esau whom he feared.

Jacob’s changed nature was revealed in his humble act (33:1-5). As a military strategy he divided his forces into two groups, one of which would survive if the other were attacked. His personal strategy was equally impressive. As he approached Esau, he would bow before him, advance, pause, and bow again. After seven times Esau would have been impressed because Jacob was presenting himself in a most vulnerable way. At any time, Esau could have beheaded this defenseless brother.

The outcome resulted in a moment of reconciliation as the two brothers tearfully embraced, putting aside past difficulties. We need to learn that lesson. A picture is burned into my mind as two sisters wept and hugged beside their mother’s casket. One of them confessed, “Pastor, how sad that it took our mother’s death to bring us together.” How said, indeed. The mother would gladly lay down her life to have her daughters reconcile, but how much more rewarding had she been alive to enjoy it. If you are at odds with anybody, begin the process to a renewed relationship. Write a letter, place a telephone call or send an e-mail. Do not delay any longer.

Jacob showed his changed attitude by showering Esau with lavish gifts (vv. 9-11). Esau’s accumulated wealth should be no surprise because God had promised blessings to Abraham’s descendants. Jacob’s gifts were an outpouring of gratitude for Esau’s reception and not to meet any physical needs. We can identify with Jacob’s feelings. Who has not wished for the resources to shower gifts on a loved one?