06/13/2008
Genesis 33:1 - 9 (HCSB) 1Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two female slaves. 2He put the female slaves first, Leah and her sons next, and Rachel and Joseph last. 3He himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times until he approached his brother.
4But Esau ran to meet him, hugged him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. Then they wept. 5When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?”
He answered, “The children God has graciously given your servant.” 6Then the female slaves and their children approached ëhimû and bowed down. 7Leah and her children also approached and bowed down, and then Joseph and Rachel approached and bowed down.
8So Esau said, “What do you mean by this whole procession I met?”
“To find favor with you, my lord,” he answered.
9“I have enough, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what you have.”
Just imagine returning to your homeland after 20 years, knowing that your brother wanted to kill you. And as far as you know, he still does. And now, as you approach, you see your brother coming with 400 men: a small army. What would you do?
Jacob(Israel) divided the family up into groups as well as sending generous gifts ahead. As he approaches Esau, he himself bows seven times--no doubt, in an effort to appease his brother. But look what Esau does.
Rather than attacking, he runs and embraces his brother and they share a joyous reunion. Imagine Jacob’s relief that after 20 years of believing his brother would not rest until he had killed him. Now, the weight of that experience is all forgiven and the fear is gone.
This is a wonderful picture of our redemption to God. We have sinned and our punishment is death. For this sin, we have been separated from Him. But those who wish to return, if we do so with the right heart, he welcomes with open arms. Through Jesus Christ, our sins are considered gone and the weight of that punishment that has burdened us for so long is lifted off. We no longer live in fear of punishment, but are free to enjoy life knowing we are fully accepted by Him.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2008 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
Terms of Usage: This devotional may be copied or forwarded for personal use without permission, but must include the author, publisher, web link, and copyright notice. Use in another published work must obtain permission first.