“But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” (Genesis 33:4)
Has God ever prompted you to do something, but it felt hard in the moment?
THE CHOICES OF LIFE
We all have choices in life, and some aren’t always the best, so we must ask for forgiveness. Recently, I felt prompted by the Lord to go back and make amends for something from my past. I obeyed God. It was super hard at the moment, but the outcome was beautiful.
TRICKSTER JACOB
It makes me think of Jacob and Esau in the Bible. If you don’t know the story, here is a quick recap: Jacob tricks his brother Esau out of his birthright and blessing after deceiving their father, Issac. Issac is going blind and give the blessing and birthright to Jacob. Esau is distraught after he discovers the betrayal. Esau wants to kill Jacob. Well, Rebecca, their mother, learns of Esau’s plan and warns Jacob. Rebecca tells Jacob to flee to his uncle’s home.
Later in the story, Jacob encounters God in a dream and realizes that God is still with him. Jacob is told to go return home. Fearing Esau’s revenge, Jacob sends gifts and seeks peace with Esau. Years earlier, Jacob had suffered his own betrayal by his father-in-law. Jacob knows what betrayal feels like.
MEET & WEEP
Esau forgives Jacob and embraces him. In fact, Genesis 33:4 says, “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.”
MOVING FORWARD
Often, making amends and asking for forgiveness isn’t about the other person; it’s about you and moving forward in life.
How often do we want to make amends, but we talk ourselves out of it? Or maybe someone wants to make amends with you, but you don’t want to hear what they have to say or even accept their apology.
God has given us forgiveness to move forward and heal. So, next time you want to make amends, think about the story of Jacob and Esau.
Click to read another story of forgiveness