Sunset experience that births a glorious future (Encounter series 1)
Sunset experience that births a glorious future (Encounter series 1)
Genesis 28:11-17.
Sunset here signifies a halt in the effort of an individual. In the parlance of life and work, sunset is usually set aside as a period of inactivity, rest, and reflection. Even from the time of the first man, the Bible refers to this period as “the cool of the day” (Genesis 3:8). The best place and time to hear, receive, and have an encounter with God is at our sunset when our human efforts are set aside, when we are still and open to the voice of the Almighty.
It is a time when our physical senses are dulled and our spiritual senses are heightened. Many Christians are yet to come to the place of encounter, they are still struggling and working in the sun with their fickle strength. But God is calling us to the place of encounter when our weaknesses are exchanged for His supernatural strength.
As seen from the text, Jacob was running for his life, seeking out a new beginning. By divine provision, God directed him to this certain place to establish His purpose upon Jacob’s life. Before this time, there was no record of Jacob having any encounter with God while with his parents, but now in the wild, he had to find his footing in life. This encounter birthed the extension of God’s promise that was upon Abraham and Isaac unto him, and he left this place armed with the sure promise of God’s presence. Oh, how profitable it is for us to retire our unfruitful human efforts and launch into the place of lonely, private prayer seeking His encounter to obtain His favor and grace for our destiny- Genesis 32:24 And Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
In conclusion, our lives are largely defined by how we harness or despise the necessity of seeking God in the secret place. Jacob could have turned back to run away from Esau when he heard the report in Genesis 32:6 “We came to your brother Esau, and also he comes to meet you, and four hundred men with him”. This man sought God, prevailed And he never had to worry about what Esau would do to him. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
