Bible
Story
Journey of Forgiveness
After
years of separation and estrangement, Jacob and his family were finally
returning to Canaan. They had left Laban's household, where Jacob had worked
for many years, and were on their way to reconcile with Jacob's brother, Esau.
As
Jacob approached the land of Seir, he sent messengers ahead to inform Esau of
his return. The messengers returned with news that Esau was coming to meet
Jacob with four hundred men. This news filled Jacob with fear and anxiety, as
he remembered the last time he saw Esau, when his brother vowed to kill him.
In
his distress, Jacob divided his family into two groups, hoping that if Esau
attacked one, the other would be able to escape. He fervently prayed to God,
seeking His protection and deliverance from Esau's wrath.
The
next day, Jacob led his family towards Esau, with his wives, children, and
servants walking ahead of him. He approached Esau humbly, bowing down seven
times as a sign of respect. Esau, moved by this gesture, ran towards Jacob and
embraced him. They both wept, overwhelmed by the joy of their reunion.
Esau
asked about the people Jacob had sent ahead as gifts, and Jacob explained that
they were a token of his goodwill. But Esau, being generous, declined the
gifts, saying that he already had plenty. Their reconciliation was genuine, and
their past grievances were forgiven and forgotten.
Jacob
then introduced his family to Esau, and they bowed before him respectfully.
Esau, in his kindness, offered to accompany Jacob and his family back to their
destination. But Jacob, mindful of the needs of his young children and
livestock, politely declined, explaining that they needed to travel at a slower
pace.
So,
Esau returned to his land while Jacob and his family continued their journey.
They settled in a place called Shechem, where Jacob bought a plot of land and
erected an altar to God.
Though
the encounter with Esau had initially filled Jacob with fear, it turned out to
be a moment of reconciliation and restoration. The brothers, once divided by
bitterness and resentment, were now reconciled, and their relationship was
healed by God's grace.
And
so, Jacob and his family continued their journey, grateful for the
reconciliation with Esau and the promise of a new beginning in the land of
Canaan.
The
story offers several moral lessons:
Reconciliation
and forgiveness: The story highlights the power of
reconciliation and forgiveness in healing broken relationships. Despite their
troubled past, Jacob and Esau were able to put aside their differences, forgive
one another, and reconcile. It teaches us the importance of seeking forgiveness
and extending forgiveness to others, even in difficult circumstances.
Humility
and respect: Jacob's humble and respectful approach to
Esau, bowing down seven times, demonstrates the value of humility and respect
in resolving conflicts. It reminds us to approach others with humility,
acknowledging their worth and treating them with respect, which can pave the
way for reconciliation and understanding.
Trusting
in God's protection: Jacob's fear and anxiety were alleviated
through his trust in God's protection. He turned to God in prayer, seeking His
guidance and deliverance. This teaches us the importance of placing our trust
in God during times of fear and uncertainty, knowing that He can provide the
strength and protection we need.
Generosity
and selflessness: Esau's refusal of Jacob's gifts displays an
act of generosity and selflessness. Instead of seeking material gain or
revenge, Esau demonstrated a willingness to let go of past grievances and
embrace reconciliation. It serves as a reminder to prioritize peace and
reconciliation over personal gain.
Building
altars of gratitude: Jacob's act of building an altar to God
after his encounter with Esau symbolizes his gratitude for the reconciliation
and protection he experienced. It signifies the importance of expressing
gratitude to God for His blessings and guidance in our lives, acknowledging His
presence and faithfulness.
Overall,
the story encourages us to seek reconciliation, practice humility and respect,
trust in God's protection, display generosity and selflessness, and express
gratitude for His blessings.
