Reconciliation and Forgiveness:
(Genesis 32-33 and Matthew 18:15-22)
Jacob was fearful to see Esau. But God was working both sides! There are times when we forget that the ‘other side of the argument’ is also being worked for God’s purposes too. We often are offended when someone is angry with us, we become fearful of being rejected, or in Jacob’s case – killed. Do we avoid that person? Or do we lash out at that person first in defense? Jacob gave his guilt over what he had done to Esau to God, wrestling it out, and then trusted God’s promise to bless him in spite of Esau’s potential wrath and punishment. But Esau had given up his anger towards Jacob. Esau’s heart was also being prepared by God (Genesis 33:10). Jacob was not defensive when he met his brother and he did not run away from Esau this time, but knelt in humbleness 7 times as he walked to his brother. Jacob’s strength of character grew as well as his wealth and children during his time with Laban. What a great story for us to read when we have arguments with one another.
What we can learn from Jacob: Confess and know your sins against your brother in your heart. Give your guilt to the Lord. And humbly come with your apology before your brother and lavish him with blessings that mirror your sincerity.
What we can learn from Esau: Run to your brother who has wronged you, embrace him, forgive him, and rejoice with him. Accept the blessings and gifts that seals the matter is over and done.
In the Matthew 18:15-22 of the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus ends this parable by warning us that we are to forgive our brothers and sisters from our heart, a sincere heart of forgiveness, not just our mouths.
מגן השביל 