I must confess, Jacob’s not my favorite. Every time I read the Word and come across Jacob’s story, I’m reminded that I don’t really enjoy the guy. Maybe that’s harsh? I’m not meaning to be harsh, I mean I only know what the Word records about the man, but what it records isn’t exactly flattering. Sure we could go into a long conversation about his sibling rivalry trickery, his selfish promise to the All-Powerful God after his crooked-neck rock dream, his marriage selection flaws, his trickery of his Father-in-law, his poor leadership of his wives… the list goes on. But today as I read Genesis 33, I was reminded of one thing that I’d like to take away from Jacob’s story.

See, it actually comes from a super flawed story that’s unfolding regarding meeting up with Esau again after fleeing Esau’s decently-justified rage of his stolen birthright by whom other than our “hero” Jacob. Understandable Jacob is nervous about this upcoming encounter. Maybe he’s relying on his own deliverance again instead of the Deliverer’s. So he stacks up the “greeting parties” with plans to be able to flee if Esau attacks the front parties, valuing his life above them all by holding up the rear. Each wave of workers and dependents bringing Esau a gift- maybe an attempt to soften the blow.

Cowardly move? It could appear so quite easily. But maybe culture is also wrapped up in it. Maybe there’s some protocol for meeting a potential enemy who’s blood related? 😬

Much to Jacob’s sheer gracious blessing, the Lord defends his lacking servant and moves on Jacob’s behalf to protect him from Esau’s anger, even permitting a more friendly encounter from the previously divided brothers.

Jacob’s response when asked by Esau if he’s like to accompany him back “home”? Verse 13-14 says, “But he (Jacob) said to him (Esau), ‘ My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herd which are nursing are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one day, all the flocks will die. Please let my lord pass on before his servant, and I will proceed at my leisure, according to the pace of the cattle that are before me and according to the pace of the children until I come to my lord at Seir.”

Was Jacob really concerned about preserving his legacy, his livelihood ? I’ve heard many an argument for Jacob’s secret plot, evidenced by him never actually returning to Seir and therefore some have concluded that he had a hidden plot the whole time to ditch Esau.

But I do find it interesting how Jacob’s speech appears to be very humble in this moment and appears to be focused not on his own good but the most frail among the traveling party.

Maybe the guy is genuine. Maybe he’s tricking again. And it’s in these moments that I am thankful again to not have the job of being the judge of the heart of man. Yet here I do find a reminder even through one who doesn’t quite make the list of “follow my example” encouragers.

The flocks and the children “are a care to” Jacob (vs 13). And I admire that he was willing to stoop to a leisurely pace of the frail cattle and the children.

How many times in our busy lives have we asked the most frail among us and the children to keep pace with our strides? There is much to be done. Many tasks that need our justifiable attention.

Yet here is a reminder to pace myself according to the children. Stopping to tie a shoe. Or look at a bird chirping in a tree just because it’s pretty and worthy of being studied for a minute. Not having an agenda or a schedule that cannot be altered. Not seeing them as a burden or an inconvenience to productivity, but as an opportunity for leisure… leisure together.

And just maybe when we stoop to serve the smallest among us we will see that we needed their joyful discovery pace all along.

Will you join me? Will you take up their pace?