A Strange Stranger

A Strange Stranger

Gen 32:3-8

Intro - Jacob who from the beginning was a rascal, a supplanter, a deciever, a heel grabber, only lived up to his name, all too well. Decieving his father just before his death in giving him the blessing instead of to Essau his brother who it rightfully belonged. Essau promises to get even by taking his life. Jacob runs to his uncle Laban and is there for several years God blesses him with two wives, sheep, cattle and children. One day God tells Jacob it’s time to go back home, So off they start. What a sight that must have been. Instead of just a single man now it was a huge caravan, probably making quite a dust cloud as they traveled across the dry hot dusty land. They hadn’t gone too far when it dawn on Jacob that he’s going to have to face Essau. We can’t run from our problems no matter how hard we try. I’ve seen people try that. Go from one church to another trying to get away from them, it doesn’t work. Our problems seem to just follow us wherever we go. We need to face them confront them and fix them or take care of them. Take a car if it has a little problem, if not taken care of soon, can turn into a huge problem. Sends message to Essau that he just wanted to pass thru. A message returns that Essau was on his way with a huge army. His problem was growing.

I. Dividing of the camp - Jacob begins to make preperations for the worst

1. Begins to pray - Reminds God of his promise to him

2. Makes a huge present to Essau (Show) whatever came to his hand

A.(200 she goats, 20 he goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 camesl with colts, '60' 40 Kine, 10 bulls,20 female donkeys, 10 foals.)

3. Finally sends the rest of the camp over the river till HE WAS ALONE

4. This is a good example of consecration. He gave up all.

5. See Jacob trying to pray. Hard cold sweat, stomach churning (show it)

II. It cost him

1. He had to give up all

2. He walked differently afterward

3. He had to confess who he really was

BUT HE GOT THE BLESSSING PRAISE THE LORD LETS HOLD ON NOT TILL THE STRANGE STRANGER COMES BUT TILL HE COMES.