Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 

A visitation of reconciliation. 
Gen 33:1-17

Vs.3-4 “He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.”   

Twin brothers Esau and Jacob parted ways 20 years ago in unpleasant circumstances because of their father’s blessings. Now Jacob is on the way back to his native land as God commanded. To face Esau again, Jacob strategically prepares, but fear and distress overpowered him. He needed to confront his struggle of identity as a heel-grabber who found his own ways to receive blessings (Gen.27:36).  The encounter with God at Peniel transformed him to a new person with absolute dependency on the all-sufficient God.
The text for today is the account of the forgiveness and reconciliation between the brothers, which led to their peaceful reunion.
Forgiveness:  
There were no formal words of apology or forgiveness, but there were actions from both sides. Jacob is asking for forgiveness by sending gifts, bowing down seven times, asking to find favor in Esau’s eyes and acknowledging that seeing face of Esau is like seeing the face of God.  Jacob is referring himself as a servant even though he got the promise that his brother will serve him.
Esau is showing forgiveness by embracing Jacob, accepting the gifts, offering to accompany in their journey, and to leave his men for help on the way.
Reconciliation: 
True reconciliation happens when both parties are willing to take part and make sacrifices. Jacob took the first step to get closer to Esau, then Esau ran towards Jacob, embraced his brother and they wept. (Vs.3-4).
The animosity between the brothers originated when one tried to steal other person’s blessing. But in reconciliation, they did not have the intention to grab each other’s wealth because they are content with what they have. Esau says that he already has plenty (Vs. 9) and Jacob says that he has all he needs (Vs.11). Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim.6:6).
This blessed reunion became a model for the generations. The young Joseph who witnessed the meeting showed forgiveness and compassion to his brothers who caused so much pain in his life.
The absolute forgiveness and perfect reconciliation are seen on the cross of Calvary where God forgave all our sins and we were reconciled with God. We are living in a world filled with chaos of divisions and enmities between individuals, families, and communities. As followers of Christ, let our lives be examples of the divine love and forgiveness to bring healing and unity.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation by following your ways to forgive and love each other.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God” Mat.5:9

 
Saji Abey Cherian, St. Thomas MTC, Yonkers, NY
 
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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