ODJ: reconciliation
August 26, 2011
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9).
READ: Genesis 32:1-5
Jacob conned his older twin brother and got his birthright (Genesis 25:29-33). Then he cheated Esau a second time when he tricked their father into giving him the blessings that belonged to Esau—the firstborn (27:36). In anger, the older brother swore to kill Jacob (27:41). So their mother advised Jacob to hide out at his uncle’s place (vv.43-45) for a period of time that stretched to 20 long years. Finally, after that lengthy stay, God wanted Jacob to return and reconcile with Esau (31:3,13). In obedience, Jacob did two things:
• He initiated the reconciliation (32:3). Esau was in Edom. To meet him there, Jacob deliberately had to travel hundreds of miles south of his hometown. It required significant effort to travel that great distance. It was inconvenient, time-consuming, and costly. But he ignored those valid excuses not to see his brother.
• He humbled himself (vv.4-5). He called his brother “my master Esau,” and labeled himself “[Esau’s] servant” (v.4). According to the customs of his time, Jacob was now the head of the family (having stolen that position from Esau 2 decades earlier). But by honoring his older brother, Jacob acknowledged the natural birth order. He referred to Esau as the master, the lord of the family.
Jacob let his brother know why he came back. “I have sent these messengers to inform my lord of my coming, hoping that you will be friendly to me” (Genesis 32:5). He asked for reconciliation.
Is there someone with whom you need to reconcile? Someone from whom you need to ask for or receive forgiveness? Jacob showed us the three attitudes that should characterize your peace-making efforts—a willingness to reconcile, an attitude of genuine humility, and true sincerity.
You need to make the first move to initiate reconciliation. Then humbly and sincerely pursue true forgiveness. —K.T. Sim
How does reconciliation reflect God’s posture toward us? What will it mean for you to pursue peace and forgiveness in your relationships this week?
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