Jacob and Esau Reconcile

Today’s Scripture:

Genesis 32 & 33



Summary:

So far, we’ve seen the unhealthy dynamics in Jacob’s family. We did NOT read about the earlier account of Jacob tricking Esau out of his birthright. We did read about Jacob’s mother helping Jacob trick his father into blessing Jacob instead of Esau. Esau, understandably, is very angry when he learns about this, so Jacob needed to run for his life.

Between yesterday’s reading and today’s reading, Jacob ends up marrying two sisters (daughters of his uncle, Laban) and between his two wives and two concubines, he has fathered 11 sons. Also, Jacob has left his uncle’s land and is traveling (with his family, flocks and servants) back to his homeland. Jacob learns Esau has heard of his whereabouts and is coming to meet Jacob on his journey, and Jacob is afraid.

In Jacob’s fear, what does he do? First, he divides his family and possessions into two camps, hoping at least one camp will escape from his brother if Esau attacks. Then he prays, reminding God that Jacob is where he is right now because he obeyed God’s instruction for Jacob to return to his country. He is humble in his prayer, and acknowledges that he would not have all that he has had God’s blessing not been on Jacob’s life. Then Jacob asks God for deliverance from his brother, and reminds God of what He promised Jacob (“I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered”).

After this prayer, Jacob sends gifts to his brother, and spends a night wrestling with a man, whom Jacob later believes was God Himself. Jacob was persistent in his wrestling, and would not let go of the man until the man agreed to bless Jacob. At that point, the man told Jacob he would no longer be called Jacob (“supplanter”), but would be called Israel (“God prevails”) “for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Jacob was changed during this encounter, preparing him for reconciliation with his brother.

Jacob then met up with Esau, and made peace with his brother.



Some Lessons For Us:

1) God can use anyone, regardless of family history
2) The antidote to fear is prayer
3) God prevails (He is more powerful than any opposing forces)
4) True reconciliation involves change in action and in the heart


Is there anyone with whom we need to seek reconciliation? We must first ask God to change us and then ask Him to change the situation.