Genesis 32:1-2 “Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, this is the camp of God! So, he named that place Mahanaim.”

Our minds are very powerful. We have the ability to remember songs of our past, and still remember those lyrics. We can even remember certain odors or maybe the noise and atmosphere that was accompanied by those events that have impacted our lives as well. Recently I was in a Walgreens and I heard a song that took be back to the days when I was a teenager.

I believe God has given us this ability so that we could use this towards our advantage. In the verse that we are looking at today, Jacob is on his way back home. Now this is not an easy task to go back home because his brother Esau is waiting for him there.  Jacob knew he was not in good standing with his brother and was desiring to make things right again, but  he was also filled with fear that his brother may try to kill him. But, as we read the text, we are quickly told that there are Angels on the road that met him as he was on his way towards his brother. This is not just a couple of Angles, but a hoard or as Jacob named it a Camp of angels. A camp of Angels was numerous, that Jacob called the place “Mahanaim,” meaning two camps.  Jacob was met by two camps; in other words, he was not alone. God wanted Jacob to know that because he was obedient to his words of going back home that he would protect him and cover him so that Gods purpose in his life would be fulfilled!

Now Jacob was not the holiest man, he was not the most faithful man either. His name “over-reacher” said it all. Jacob was used to doing things his way, he was used to talking his way out of things and manipulating to get his way. But God had a purpose in him and wanted to let Jacob know that he was in full control of his life. God sent the Angels to meet Jacob as a reminder to Jacob. I believe this moment in Jacobs life was God telling him to remember Gods words in Bethel, but also to know that God is surrounding him and if God is for us who can be against us?!

May you always be reminded not to fear! May you always know that you too are surrounded by God’s angels. Don’t allow the news, or the circumstances of our days tell you others, but never overlook Mahanaim!  God is surrounding you!

Prayer:  “God I take this time to thank you for reminding us of your promises and purpose for our lives. I pray that we can look forward towards this year not in fear, but with courage knowing that whatever may come our way cannot touch us or harm us because you have Mahanaim around us!”