S) "4 Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept."
Genesis 33:4 (NASB)
O) I love this verse for a few reasons. One thing, I'm a big fan of brotherly love. I'm even more a fan of reconciliation. And, putting this story over the top, I love that this is Esau's reaction in contrast to Jacob's expectations. In the previous chapter, Jacob goes to great lengths trying to safeguard his family and his possessions, taking great pains through great grief, stressing out of fear. He's met with incredible grace.
A) I think the two biggest lessons to take away from this story are these... first, that I shouldn't be operating out of fear. My fears tend to sneak up on me. Generally, I don't feel like I'm afraid, I feel like I'm "planning" things. It really becomes a problem when I'm making those plans without prayin about it. At worst, I might miss important things God may want me to see and know. But, even at best, it might mean I'm wasting time, energy, and even money, "planning" for fears that are never even realized. The other major lesson to take from this is grace and mercy. Esau had a pretty good reason to hold a grudge. I don't know how long it actually took, but at 40 years, Esau realized he missed his brother. No possessions, birthrights, or blessings, were going to be missed as much as his brother.
A) I think the two biggest lessons to take away from this story are these... first, that I shouldn't be operating out of fear. My fears tend to sneak up on me. Generally, I don't feel like I'm afraid, I feel like I'm "planning" things. It really becomes a problem when I'm making those plans without prayin about it. At worst, I might miss important things God may want me to see and know. But, even at best, it might mean I'm wasting time, energy, and even money, "planning" for fears that are never even realized. The other major lesson to take from this is grace and mercy. Esau had a pretty good reason to hold a grudge. I don't know how long it actually took, but at 40 years, Esau realized he missed his brother. No possessions, birthrights, or blessings, were going to be missed as much as his brother.
P) Father, I don't want to hold grudges. Help me to always value relationships and people, more than any things. Remind me that my plans are useless, since I don't know my future. Let me turn to You, and only You, when I need to make plans. You are good and You are God. You gave grace and mercy. Please let me do the same. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.
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