Fear and the Law of the Flesh

Luther on Genesis 32

Here’s a great Luther quotation on Genesis 32:6-7. A quick set-up.

Jacob had been serving as a slave under the tyranny of Laban for 20 years. Now, at about age 108, he’s headed home. The LORD commanded him to leave (Genesis 31:3). The LORD had appeared in a dream to Laban ordering Jacob’s protection (Genesis 31:24). After Laban left Jacob saw the angel armies surrounding him (Genesis 32:1-2). Jacob is feeling pretty good, so he sends a friendly message to his brother Esau.

But the messengers come bad with what sounds like horrible news: Esau is coming to meet us with 400 men. Jacob’s joy and confidence changes to fear.

Luther understands this a the shape of the Christian life, the flesh and its fear battling faith and its hope.

I relate.

We normally relate the sins of the flesh to the 2nd table of the Law: anger, lust, greed, bitterness, discontent, etc. But the flesh also wars against the first commandments, if fears and loves and trusts all sorts of things that are not God.

Against this we confess and believe “God lives and reigns, the angels are on guard!” God grant us this joyful and confident faith. Amen.

Here’s Worldwide Bible class on this text, and a lot more. I think you’ll like it.

If it’s easier, here’s the Worldwide Bible Class podcast.

Christ is risen!
PrBW

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