Jacob Meets Esau

Jacob and Esau meet again for the first time since Jacob’s first deception. He is ready for conflict, but surprisingly Esau instead offers kindness and even protection. But Jacob does not take the offer – he runs away again, missing this opportunity for reconciliation. But still, God is working. The land we see mentioned in the text would be given back to the people when they return to the promised land.

Study the Scripture

Read in Genesis 33:1-20 

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REFLECTION

Say You’re Sorry

by Mary McGinnis

When I was a child, I remember my Mom telling me in her scolding voice, “Tell your sister you are sorry.” I would grudgingly say, with a little huff in my voice, “I’M SORRY!”  

All the time, I was justifying myself and thinking, “But she is always mean to me and picks on me. She never has to say SHE is sorry. Why do I have to say I am sorry?”  Hearing the insincerity in my voice, Mom would say, “Say it again, but this time mean what you say.”

When we have wronged someone, why is it so hard to say, “I’m sorry?” It leaves us feeling weak and vulnerable, looking foolish, or being shamed. We might even fear retaliation or having to suffer some unpleasant consequences of our wrongdoing. 

In today’s story, Jacob years earlier had deceived his father Isaac into giving him the birthright, pretending to be Esau, the firstborn. As a result, Jacob ran far away, and went to live with his Uncle Laban. Many years had passed and now Jacob had a large family and had become very wealthy. Through circumstance and through His voice, God tells Jacob it is time to return to his homeland. God promises to be with him in the journey. In chapter 32 of Genesis, Jacob wrestles with God, because he knew returning to his homeland would mean having to face his brother Esau.

Jacob’s approach was to send gifts and come in humility. Jacob brings his family back into Esau’s presence slowly, holding back to the very end what was most precious to him. To his amazement, Esau embraces him and all seems to be restored.

However, Jacob still holds back. He tells Esau that he will come back to live with him, but his heart is not in it. He is still fearful and chooses instead to go a different direction and settle elsewhere.

Where might God be prompting you to seek restoration to a relationship? Does someone come to mind right now? Are you wrestling with God over it? Have your lips said the right words, but your actions are not following suit?  

God is the God of restoration! He has the power to heal and restore. Take the first steps in trusting Him for that restoration and leave the outcomes to Him.  

 UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - SATURDAY

RECONCILIATION - Prayer Practice: Pray for reconciliation. Are there broken relationships in your life, or lingering hurt feelings? Spend time praying for those relationships, asking God to bring about forgiveness and healing.