Forgive 2

Genesis 32:3-6

I think one of the worst feelings is the anticipation of punishment we know is coming – that sense of waiting for the axe to fall, for the other shoe to drop. When we know we have done wrong and know we should be punished the waiting can be agonizing.

This passage from Genesis is part of a lengthy story involving Jacob and Esau. Jacob struggled his entire life (since birth) against his brother Esau. As a young adult Jacob out-witted his father and brother and stole Esau’s birthright, being blessed by his father instead of the rightful heir – Esau.

Now, after years away, after years of success in another place, Jacob is returning home and will soon encounter the brother he has wronged. What precaution does Jacob take? What news should the messengers convey? What news do they bring back?

Jacob’s motivation is evident. He feels guilty for all that he has done. He has indeed done wrong. He was an enemy of his brother and he benefited from trickery played out against his brother and father. Now he is a successful and wealthy man, perhaps something that Esau should have ended up with.

As he readies to meet Esau, Jacob is trying to send some apologies ahead of him. Jacob wants Esau to know that he has the means to repay his brother in material goods. He can make things right through gifts.

But the messengers return with some frightening information. Esau is on his way to meet Jacob. And he is not alone. He has 400 men, and this sounds like a threat to Jacob.

How often do we approach God with an attitude that we will buy off his anger with good deeds or money? How often do we fear to approach God because we are concerned how He might respond?

Just as Esau is a man with some power, so God also has extreme power, and that knowledge may cause fear for many people. But we need to realize that God loves us and is ready to forgive us whenever we are ready to turn to him in repentance. Like Jacob, we need to be ready to seek that reconciliation with God and be just as forgiving ourselves.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you seek God’s forgiveness?