Scripture to Read: Genesis 33:1-17
As we close out with Genesis 33:1-17 today, we see that Jacob and Esau's relationship has been marked by division, deception, and a desire to kill. While their descendants continue to this day to be marked by division, Genesis 33:1-17 shows us a relationship between Jacob and Esau that gives us hope, which today is found in the gospel. Jacob had feared meeting Esau might result in an attack, and he never expected the response he received from Esau in Genesis 33:4, "But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept." What was expected to be a sour encounter turned into a sweet embrace. Let's not miss the humility of Jacob being displayed up to this moment in Genesis 33:3, "He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother." Jacob, due to his encounter with God, was a new man, humble in spirit. Jacob's humility is also seen as he brought gifts to Esau and asked Esau to accept the gifts because of God's grace in his life (Genesis 33:10). The humility of Jacob led to a picture of a reconciled relationship with his brother. Although their journeys took them to different places (Genesis 33:15-17), their relationship was no longer marked with fear and anger. God Almighty changes us the same way through our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Reconciled relationships are only possible through the love, grace, and forgiveness that has been given to us by our Lord.
Challenge & Application
1. What does this passage teach us about how the grace of God changes our hearts in our relationships?
2. What relationship is God working on your heart about for you to extend the grace you have received from Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!