But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir.” And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.”
But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
Do you find it hard to accept help? In this story, we can only guess at why Jacob was reluctant to travel with Esau. Maybe he was afraid his brother’s kind attitude might change. Maybe he was afraid that his family might learn more about his treacherous past if they walked alongside Esau’s gang. Maybe Jacob is just too proud to let the brother he cheated provide him with some much-needed help. For some reason, in spite of Esau’s desire to be helpful, Jacob cannot receive the aid.
Of course, understanding the “why” behind such an ancient story doesn’t seem as critical as understanding our own reluctance to accept help. Is it our pride or a fear of being in debt to others that has us saying “no” to their efforts of kindness?
Here’s the bottom-line. What if God is offering us the help we need through the one who offers? Why would we turn aside such a blessing in order to maintain our dependence solely on ourselves? Seems foolish doesn’t it?
Consider how God might be blessing you or helping you through the hand offered by a friend or family member. It may be just what you need, even if you think you can make it on your own.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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