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Genesis 32:1-10 (01/15) Eighth Reading at the Vigil of the Feast of Theophany
Types of Baptism ~ Guilt and Grace: Genesis 32:1-10, especially vs. 5: I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in your sight. At one time or another, those who mature and prosper in the Faith report experiences similar to that which the Patriarch Jacob tasted at Gods encampment (vs. 3): personal guilt and fear, the presence of God, and the miracle of Gods grace. This is true especially for those who come late to the Life in Christ hungry to embrace the spiritual realities of the Mystery of Christ in Baptism, Chrismation, and Communion.
However, many Orthodox Christians do not associate Baptism with a transforming experience, having received the Christian Mystery in infancy. Nevertheless, these may discover the blessings described in this account of Jacob following a grievous sin against a best friend, a loved one, their family, or community, when God prompts them to seek a Priest and beg of ...the righteous and compassionate Judge remission of sins and grace to sin no more. For God would not leave us in the grip of despair for our sins. Any may taste Gods presence, be convicted of sin, and meet Him - merciful, forgiving, and gracious - in Confession.
Consider Jacob: his life and experience serve as a type of Confession - this wonderful second Baptism. Born the younger of twins, Jacob connived against his brother in a moment of Esaus weakness and fatigue to take his birthright (Gen. 25:29-34). Later, by plain deception, he also stole his brothers rightful blessing (Gen. 27:1-40). Scripture reports that as a result of these sins, Esau ...hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his mind, Let the days of mourning for my father draw near, then I will kill my brother Jacob (Gen. 27:41). Jacob knew too well what he had done and the potential of his brothers wrath, so he fled for his life, far away to Mesopotamia, to his uncle, Laban (Gen. 28:7).
Jacob spent years in virtual servitude under his uncle far off in the east, yet, by the mercy of God, he prospered despite Labans efforts to take advantage of his youth and energy. Finally, as the relationship between Jacob and Labans family deteriorated because of jealousy, God prompted Jacob to gather up his wives, his entire household, and his flocks and to return to Palestine, promising that He would be with him despite the hatred of Esau (Gen. 31:3). The present account begins as Jacob approaches the Jordan river to cross back into his homeland of Canaan, the land promised to his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac.
However, as ...Jacob went on his way [he] saw the hosts of God encamped (Gen. 32:1). With the threat of deadly confrontation before him, Jacob met the hosts of the Lord. See what is required for God to break through to our hearts and minds: remorse, fear, and guilt can motivate us, as can shame. But the knowledge of Gods promises can create another expectation (Gen. 28:10-17). Plainly, meeting God Himself is a momentous, if inexplicable, mystery, which is why we identify Baptism, Chrismation, and Confession as Holy Mysteries.
The presence of the living God on the one hand and the potential threat of Esau on the other hand, focused Jacobs awareness on his sin and danger. So, he made frenzied attempts to manage the coming confrontation (Gen. 32:3-8). Often, when God confronts us, our first awareness is guilt, of the wrongs between us and our brother. We struggle to solve the guilt.
But frenetic action did not work for Jacob, nor will it for us! Jacob embraced the grace of God, ...all the righteousness and all the truth You have shown Your servant... (vs. 10). So he pled for and received Gods grace. Wondrously, his brother even embraced him! (Gn. 33:3-11).
O Lord, we pray for Thy mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and visitation, according to the multitude of Thy great and rich compassions upon us.
DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
