It Takes Humility
Bible in a Year: Leviticus 19-20; Matthew 27:51-66
[Jacob] bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. Genesis 33:3
Today's Scripture: Genesis 33:1-10
Insight
The rift between Jacob and his brother Esau began when Jacob first stole Esau’s birthright and then through treachery gained the blessing his father had intended for his older brother Esau (Genesis 27:27-36). Esau had vowed to murder Jacob in revenge (v. 41). In Genesis 32-33, Jacob sent ahead of his traveling party many gifts, hoping the gifts would soften Esau’s anger (32:13-21). When Jacob finally encountered Esau face to face, he said, “Please accept the present that was brought to you” (33:11). The word translated “present” here is literally “blessing,” the same word used for the blessing Jacob stole from Esau (27:35-36). In this way, Jacob emphasized that he recognized how he’d harmed Esau and desired to make amends. Today, as we humbly seek to bring healing to our broken relationships, God will help us.
My cousins, who lived only two miles away when we were growing up, weren’t allowed to interact with my family. They never came to reunions or talked to us at the local grocery store. Their parents said it was because, back then, we didn’t attend church and we’d be a bad influence on them. What a surprise when many years later, a cousin attended my eldest brother’s funeral! He approached us one by one and humbly apologized for their attitude. Our relationship with him began to be restored.
Jacob needed a humble heart to seek restoration with his twin brother, Esau. Jacob, the second born, had connived against Esau: He stole his brother’s birthright (Genesis 25:19-34) and deceived his elderly father into giving him the firstborn’s blessing (26:34–27:40). Furious, Esau threatened to kill him, so Jacob had run to another country.
Years later, Jacob wanted to return home but was afraid the deep division between him and his brother wouldn’t be resolved without bloodshed (32:6-8). When he and Esau finally met, he humbly “bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother” (33:3). He feared Esau would kill him, but instead Esau came running “and embraced him” (v. 4).
Whether we’ve harmed another or have been harmed, it takes humility, openness, and often much work to heal the brokenness. But God can and will help us.
Reflect & Pray
What relationships in your life might need restoration? How can you start the process?
Dear Father, please keep me from holding grudges or becoming bitter and help me forgive others and ask for forgiveness.