Fear

Two opposite ideas came to me today after reflecting on this mornings readings. First of all, Jacob was a total scaredy-cat. He was a tail-tucking, fumbling, wimp. He ran away from his step-father and he didn't even have too. I think Laban would have blessed him but instead Jacob decides to make a run for it. Then Jacob is totally petrified to meet his brother Esau and so he devises a plan that puts everyone else at danger but himself just to pacify his brother - who...in the end was only happy to see Jacob. What senseless fears!
But as I was reading I also noticed something interesting. The phrase "Fear of Isaac" (31:42) and "the name of the Fear of his father Isaac" (31:53). I never remember the Scripture using this term to name God. And I also wonder where Isaac had fear of God. I don't recall that. Anyway...just two different ways to think about FEAR.

Lord do not let me be afraid but teach me to fear you.