Scripture: Genesis 33
Jacob saw Esau coming with his four hundred men. He divided his servants, wives, and children into groups. The order tells us his priorities and who he loved most. So that if Esau attacked there was a chance the last groups might escape. Courageously, Jacob went first and humbly bowed down seven times as he approached Esau. There was no scheming, just humility.
Esau ran to meet him, hugged and kissed his brother Jacob and the cried together. Like men.
Rich taught the parable of the prodigal son last week from Luke 15 and we see the same response of the loving father when he saw his son still a long way off. “He ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20).
Just like the father, Esau, ran to meet his brother even before hearing an apology from Jacob. His love overcame the previous bitterness.
Just like Abraham, Jacob pitched his tent and built an altar to worship God, naming the place El-Elohe-Israel which means, God, the God of Israel. The closing of this passage shows Jacob’s recognition of God as His God. Jacob has truly changed to fully rely on God and attribute all that he has to God’s blessings.
TAKE AWAYS
God loves us first. God’s Love is there before we turn to Him.
We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Ephesians 2:4-10
God loved us even when we were still sinners and spiritually dead.
Unconditional – not waiting for us to make the first move or prove ourselves.
Our response to His love is to Worship Him – first place in our hearts/lives
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,” Acts 3:19 (ESV)
People are Restored and United in Christ
Ephesians 2:12-22
United to each other. Peace among brothers and reconciled to God through the cross. Hostility is ended. Fellow citizens and brothers united in Christ.
Ministry of Reconciliation
2 Cor. 5:14 Compelled to tell others because his Love controls us
Gives us the ministry of reconciliation.
God reconciling the world through Christ.
We are ambassadors, worshipers and image bearers of God.
God is making his appeal through us.
Righteous through Christ.
