Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Mission as sharing Christ
Genesis 33:1-11
Vs 4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.  
In this passage we see the power of God work through Jacob and Esau after they meet from Jacob stealing Esau’s birthright. Before Jacob made his journey to see Esau, he pleaded to the Lord and went on his way. This passage shows us a heart that trusts in the Lord will not be amiss. Jacob approached his brother Esau with the submissive gesture of bowing several times to not imply any behavior of hatred. Esau does not harden his heart and embraces his brother, sharing affection and peace with him. Jacob came bearing gifts and servants to give Esau as peace but Esau denies telling Jacob to keep it for himself. Jacob insisted Esau to take his gifts because Jacobs’ eyes are directed toward how gracious God was to him. Esau accepts his gifts and it is seen as security of Jacob and Esau’s peace with each other.
            Throughout our lifetime we have faced trials and tribulations leading us back to trusting in the Lord. As a reminder of what we have been blessed with already and to know our hearts belong to him. We may face an argument with a significant other that hardens our hearts and pushes each other away. It was thought that because of Jacob and Esau’s past, Esau would destroy his brother. God shows us the struggle between two brothers could not stand a chance to when they trust in him. We must turn to the Lord to understand and to forgive each other. God has the hearts of all humans in his hands and can turn them when he pleases.
 
PRAYER
 Oh Lord, we pray for you to give us the strength in our hearts to believe in your power. We pray that you fill our hearts with understanding and forgiving traits. Help us to emerge out of this time of tragedy and grief stronger in our faith. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
Psalm 46: 1-2
  Saju David, St. John’s MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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