February 5, 2020
What does it say?
Jacob prepared to be reunited with Esau. He separated his family by their wives and went ahead of them. When he saw Esau, he bowed down before him. Esau saw Jacob and ran to him, threw his arms around him, and wept.
What does it mean?
Jacob by his actions was seeking his brother’s forgiveness. The gifts he sent ahead of him were an attempt to pay back what he stole from his brother when he took his birthright and blessing. He humbled himself by bowing before his brother to show his repentance for how he had treated him. Jacob was met with unexpected forgiveness from Esau. Upon seeing Jacob, Esau ran to meet him. He threw his arms around Jacob and kissed him. This simple act by Esau showed that Jacob had nothing to fear and that their relationship as brothers had been restored.
How should I respond?
What relationship in your life needs to be restored? This passage is a beautiful picture of what God can do in a life when it is surrendered to Him. From whom do you need to seek forgiveness? Maybe your family is struggling relationally, and you don’t know how to fix it. Be encouraged because God is able to reach even those farthest from Him. Take time now to pray for your family. Ask God how you can show humility to those you may have offended. God is in the business of mending relationships. Ask in faith, and wait for Him to do the impossible.