The God of Reactions

Scripture: Their father Israel gave in. “If it has to be, it has to be. But do this: stuff your packs with the finest products from the land you can find and take them to the man as gifts—some balm and honey, some spices and perfumes, some pistachios and almonds. And take plenty of money—pay back double what was returned to your sacks; that might have been a mistake. Genesis 43:11-12

Observation: With these words, Jacob agrees to send Bemjamin with his brothers back to Egypt. I have heard it said that this is when Jacob learned to finally trust the Lord in all circumstances ... but it isn't THIS moment where that is learned. Even at this moment, Jacob is still trying to figure out how to manipulate the situation. He sends with his sons all kinds of gifts, as if they don't have balm and perfume in the palaces of Egypt. He sends back food, even though they are going because they need foot. He sends even more money than before, to ensure there is no confusion about all transactions.

Just like when Jacob met Esau, he is looking to buy his way into favor. He now understands the Lord's blessings in his life - how the Lord has provided for him in great abundance - but still distrusts how that blessing extends to and includes interactions with others. He perhaps even reasons that the Lord provides him with riches so that he can manipulate the reactions of others; turn other's attitudes from hostility to favor. What he is about to learn is that all the "stuff" Jacob has accumulated is nothing ... the way the Lord has managed the situation, and will manage the reactions of everyone including Pharoh, is the real blessing.

Application: I do thank God every day for the things and the material blessings in my life. I know I am unworthy of even basic survival, let alone comfort, and that the Lord himself has provided everything I have. However, I am reminded by this as well that the Lord is in control of circumstances and human reactions. Yes, he has created all humans with freewill and allows all to act accordingly, but if I pray to him he will guide circumstances toward outcomes.

And I don't pray enough about circumstances, actions, and reactions. I don't follow the Lord's path for me daily for sure, but I also don't trust that my path will be safe as it intersects with others. I don't simply know that everything - including conversations and reactions from others - will actually go well because the Lord blesses and manages the circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, I have so many reminders around me about keeping you central in my daily life, but I don't obey them. May I continue to remember to pray into every circumstance, every action, every interaction with others, for I know you are in control of the results and the reactions. Amen.