Scripture:

“Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. ‘Who are these with you?’ he asked.

Jacob answered, ‘They are the children God has graciously given your servant.’

Then the female servants and their children approached and bowed down. Next, Leah and her children came and bowed down. Last of all came Joseph and Rachel, and they too bowed down. Esau asked, ‘What’s the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met?’

‘To find favor in your eyes, my lord,’ he said.

But Esau said, ‘I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself’.” Genesis 33: 1-9 (NIV)

Perspective:

Jacob had stolen the birthright from his brother, Esau. When their father was getting old in age, Jacob went to his father disguised as Esau to receive the firstborn blessing. Remember that Esau had essentially “sold” his birthright to Jacob over a cup of soup. These family dynamics did not work out to Jacob’s advantage, as he fled from his brother. Many years later, he was to meet Esau. Initially it looked like Jacob was simply dividing his family by random order. But, he was fearful that Esau would retaliate and kill his family. He put Rachel and Joseph in the rear to protect them. Yet, something very unique happened when Esau encountered Jacob. He had let go of the need to fight. The haunting memories from years past had been with Jacob every morning and night. Jacob was prepared with gifts, but Esau simply was ready to reconcile.

It’s amazing how letting go can help us move on. You might be holding onto a situation, a grudge, a wrongdoing, or a hurt today. Instead of letting it create fear in your life, release the situation to God so that he can bring peace and vindication how He sees fit. God wants you to walk in peace and not hold on to the baggage from the past. It weighs you down and restricts you from moving forward. Like Jacob and Esau, reconciliation is sometimes possible. But, don’t wait to release until someone reconciles with you. Do the heart work with God even if it is hard. Then, if reconciliation comes, you will be ready to stand in peace instead of unresolved emotions and pain.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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About Hona Amer

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