Two Camps

Daily Reading: Genesis 32

Scripture Focus: Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them he said, “This is God's camp!” So he called the name of that place Mahanaim. (Genesis 32.1-2)

Devotional Thought: It was a hot summer morning. We were on a trip to Columbus in the church van. On the way, the van broke down. We were able to pull over on a quiet country road. As we waited for someone from the church to pick us up, a pickup truck passed by. The driver wheeled around to see if we needed help. We told him our ride was on the way, but thanks. He went on his way, but in a few minutes he was back with a cooler full of ice and bottled water. "I thought you might need this," he said. As he was leaving he told us, "Just keep the cooler!" He was an angel from God!

Jacob needed some encouragement on his journey back home. His father-in-law, Laban, had cheated him. But many years before, his brother, Esau, had threatened to kill him because Jacob had cheated him! Now, Jacob was going home and was scared to death. He couldn't go back and he didn't relish the thought of going forward. So what did God do? He sent an entourage to meet him on the way to encourage him! Jacob was thrilled and exclaimed, "This is God's camp!" Then he named the place where he had met them Mahanaim, which means two camps.

What a thought! As we journey through life, we encounter difficulties and fears - some of our own making! We cannot see it, but in the midst of our trials, God is there. You see, there are two camps along the route home, our physical and earthly camp, and God's spiritual and heavenly camp. Though we cannot see him, he is there! Don't be surprised when he shows up with living water!

Prayer: Father, help us to see that you encamp about us, that we are never alone. When we're stuck between a rock and a hard place, it is so reassuring to know that you are there with us. Thank you! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. (Psalms 29:1-6)