Then Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with his 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and his two servant wives. He put the servant wives and their children at the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him. Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. Then Esau looked at the women and children and asked, “Who are these people with you?” “These are the children God has graciously given to me, your servant,” Jacob replied. Then the servant wives came forward with their children and bowed before him. Next came Leah with her children, and they bowed before him. Finally, Joseph and Rachel came forward and bowed before him. “And what were all the flocks and herds I met as I came?” Esau asked. Jacob replied, “They are a gift, my lord, to ensure your friendship.” “My brother, I have plenty,” Esau answered. “Keep what you have for yourself.” But Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God! Please take this gift I have brought you, for God has been very gracious to me. I have more than enough.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift. (NLT)
At first glance, this seems to describe a family reunion between a couple of brothers who haven’t seen one another for a while. But once we know the background, we realise this was a very special reunion.
Jacob had deceitfully deprived Esau of his birthright. He had tricked his father, Isaac, into giving him the primary family blessing which really belonged to Esau. Having done that deed, Jacob went off to a distant land out of the reach of a possibly vengeful Esau. But now, Jacob is returning home, and doubtless wondering what awaits him.
Seeing Esau with his followers would have stirred up fears in Jacob. He both fears Esau and longs for reconciliation. Fear is swept aside as the deep longing for healing triumphs over thoughts of violent revenge. A painful journey has ended.
A reminder to us that broken relationships can be mended. God can still work what we might think are impossibilities. Our fear of that person we have wronged need not go on forever. Our thoughts of revenge can be laid aside as we seek new beginnings with the help of a God who specialises in such things.
Blessings,
David
Get daily encouragement delivered straight to your inbox
Writers from our Real Hope community offer valuable wisdom and insights based on their own experiences!
"*" indicates required fields
Subscribe + stay connected with all
our latest stories
"*" indicates required fields
Hope 103.2 is proudly supported by
