Charity Autry, Member since 2008, Families in Faith Sunday School Leader, Starting Point Leader, VBS Chair (Children’s Ministry Council)
Genesis 33:1-17 (English Standard Version)
3 He (Jacob) himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. 

8  Esau asked, “What’s the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met?””To find favor in your eyes, my lord,” he said.

10  “No, please! Said Jacob. “If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me.  For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably.”

Reflection:
This scripture excerpt is a small window into the long story of Jacob and Esau. These brothers had a tumultuous relationship, fighting ever since they shared a womb. When they were born, Jacob was holding Esaus’ heel, as if he was trying to hold him back. Jacob’s name literally means “heel grabber” and “deceiver.” One of his many deceptions outside the womb is he cons his dying father, at his mother’s direction, to receive his brother’s birthright from their father. No this is not a reality TV show. Rebekah, his mother, puts goat skin on Jacob’s bald head so his father thinks he is giving his blessing to his eldest son Esau. In the biblical patriarchal system, Esau would have received twice as much inheritance as his father’s other children. Jacob’s deception changes all of this. This act of deceit sends Esau into a tailspin, in a fit he threatens to kill Jacob. Jacob flees, as he should. Run Jacob, run!

You can keep reading the scripture to see the ending to this sensational soap opera! But today, we are just focusing on the renewed relationship of Esau and Jacob. A striking plot twist occurs! Verse 4 says Esau “ran” and “embraced” his brother when he saw him. In verse 8, Jacob is ready to give all of his possessions to Esau in order to be forgiven. Both men had decided they were ready to reconcile. Esau forgives Jacob before Jacob has a chance to give him all of his flocks and herds as a peace offering. Maybe time does heal all wounds.

Scripture tells us we can be angry and upset but we can’t remain in this bitterness. Ephesians 4:31-32 is very direct: “Get rid of all the bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Jacob was bitter for a long time because he was not his father’s favorite. It has been said that forgiveness is a decision and a process. Forgiveness is a choice we make, that is step one, and we cannot forgive without the help of Jesus. Friends, we cannot do this on our own, we must allow God to work in us. 

Esau forgives Jacob before he could apologize. Esau had a lot to forgive, but he made a decision, and God did the rest. He ran to Jacob and embraced him! They both wept, and their relationship was made new again. Jacob and Esau’s stories don’t end here, this was just a blip in their lives. However, I wonder how their stories would have ended if they had continued on with anger and bitterness. Not to say Jacob’s life isn’t littered with difficulties. His relationship with God is tested over and over again. Even to the point he is renamed Israel, which means, “he struggles with God.” However, God continually provides new beginnings in their lives. 

Forgiveness can be a new beginning and allow for anger and bitterness to fall away. Who do you need to forgive? A spouse, a friend, a child? Take that first step and make the decision to forgive.

Prayer: 
Lord, thank you for reminding us that we are not different from our ancestors. Forgiveness is hard, but you will always be there with us to move through this process. Thank you for helping us to make relationships new with your guidance. Amen.