July 14, 2023

When Jacob and Esau finally met again, Jacob came bearing gifts with his family in tow, but Esau brought his army. Esau saw his brother's submissive stance, which lowered his expectations of a battle to that of a homecoming. He embraced Jacob and welcomed him. That day, they went from being enemies back to being brothers. Jacob wrestled with God and won! Maybe that gave him confidence that God didn't put him in a precarious position by moving him away from Laban and would protect him from his brother as he drove his herds through the land near him.

I couldn't help but notice that they didn't get cozy. It doesn't say that they lingered or feasted together, but they were cordial with one another and could move on with their lives, having let go of the painful hurt of the past. Some people cause us pain and raw emotions, many of which are family. Jacob and Esau are excellent examples of how we should react to those who've hurt us; be polite but approach cautiously. We don't need to rehash old issues but should forgive and move on. God is faithful to help us heal from our past hurts. Ask him to show you how to mend broken relationships to help you move on with a healed heart. 

And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. Genesis 33:4

So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir. And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. Genesis 33:16-17