Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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From Fear to Favor 

Bible Reading: : Genesis 33 : 1-15

Key verse:  

Bible Verse:Genesis 33.10 “ " Now that I have seen your face and you have accepted me, it is as if I have seen the face of God. ( New English Translation)

DEVOTION

Genesis Chapter 33 recounts the emotional reunion between two estranged brothers Jacob and Esau after years of being separated from each other. Esau, completely moved by Jacob’s humility and generosity,  forgives Jacob and they both reconcile with each other. This chapter highlights the power of mutual forgiveness and the restoration of broken relationships that is brokered by God’s grace and mercy.
The chapter opens with Jacob preparing to meet his estranged older brother, Esau. The sight of Esau arriving with about 400 men must have paralyzed Jacob with fear especially considering their past rivalry. Jacob positioned Rachel and Joseph further away at the rear of the contingent as Jacob had soft corner for both Racheal and Joseph.  Jacob several rounds of bowing down before Esau signifies his deep humility, reverence and respect for his older brother. We must note here that Jacob bowed down seven times which is number for completeness and perfections proving further that Jacob submission was genuine. We read further that the reunion between both the estranged brothers was one full of remorse, reconciliation, grace, emotions and immense love for each other. Esau reaction too was touching and unexpected instead of hostility that we probably expect from Esau considering how treacherous Jacob was in stealing Easau’s birth rights. Esau exhibits forgiveness , and even runs to embrace Jacob . Jacob then introduces his forgiveness,, and the repeated act of bowing down expresses his reverence and respect toward  Esau. Jacob acknowledges his children were God’s gift to him and his household highlighting that God’s grace and favor was upon Jacob during all these past years.  We read further on Esau reluctance and refusal to accept the gifts, showing not  only Esau contentment in life but also Esau magnanimity towards Jacob. We see a completely different Jacob who equates Esau favor to seeing the face of God , clearly demonstrating the change in Jacob as person.  Jacob further proves  that Esau accepting  his gifts was an acceptance of divine blessings in his life. Jacob underlines the importance of reconciliation and how God’s grace plays an important role in unifying the estranged brothers. Esau acceptance of Jacob gifts further cements the peace between the brothers that was broken all these past years and both of them expressed  mutual respect and goodwill to each other.  We further read Esau offer to travel with Jacob thus offering  his younger brother and his household protection in the journey ahead. 
As we reflect on today’s devotion, the timeless lesson of forgiveness, humility and abiding presence of God in life of both Esau and Jacob. God is divinely orchestrating the lives of two estranged brothers highlighting the power of forgiveness and restoration of broken relationship.  Jacobs’s humility, and generosity is also transformative power of God in Jacob’s life. The life lesson for us is that Jacob could not have achieved all this without God’s favor, and  grace in his life and we too can benefit as we turn to God to help us over come bitterness and anger  to that of  reconciliation and grace. 

 

PRAYER

Almighty and Gracious Lord, allow us to be people of humility, who have gracious heart to reconcile and forgive those who hurt us,  this we pray in Jesus Precious Name – AMEN.

Thought for the DAY

“ If we want to love, we must learn how to forgive   “ . Mother Teresa ( 1910-1977) 


Abraham Kurien, Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston, Texas.

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