Esau was one of the "bad boys" of the Bible,
yet he and his younger twin, Jacob, teach us a lot about forgiveness.
Jacob had used deceit and betrayal to steal Esau's firstborn blessing.
Esau threatened to kill him and Jacob fled to a distant land. After 20
years they have a touching reunion. This reunion teaches us...
Jacob hungered for forgiveness and
reconciliation. He risked himself, his family and wealth to obtain
it. He displayed a penitent attitude to his brother, sent him gifts and,
most importantly, prayed that God would turn away Esau's anger.
Esau, for his part, tried to refuse the gifts and
welcomed his brother with hugs and tears. Why? We are not sure, but
the following possibilities are to be considered: 1) He had
become a more spiritual man; 2) Blood is thicker than water...after
all, this was his twin brother; 3) Time, experience and values had
lessened or eliminated the bitterness of the past; and 4) God had softened his
heart in answer to prayer and in keeping of HIS covenant with Jacob.
Jacob made an awesome statement about forgiveness when
he encountered it through his brother. He said it was like seeing the
face of God (some translate it as being in the presence of God). Jacob
had just experienced a powerful encounter with God "face to face” in
Genesis 32, so to describe forgiveness in this way was stirring!
As we study these brothers we can learn
about seeking and sharing forgiveness and the beauty and blessing
that come when it happens!
See you Sunday.
1. Read Genesis 27. Describe your reaction if you were in Esau's sandals.
2. How does Jacob display a humbled attitude toward his brother? Genesis 33:3
3. Read Genesis 32:20. Gift giving was a form of seeking forgiveness in ancient times and still is. Can you think of a modern day example?
4. Note Jacob's prayer request in Genesis 32:11. Prayer is also key to seeking God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and forgiving others (Matthew 5:44; 6:12).
5. I love the phrase in Genesis 33:4 - "And they wept". There is such relief in forgiveness! Read Psalm 51:1-13 and list some of the ways David is relieved and renewed by God's forgiveness of some devastating wrongs!
6. Time for a theological teaser. Compare Exodus 33:20 with Genesis 32:28-30. Also compare those verses with John 1:18a and 4:24. Perhaps John 1:18b and 14:9 hold the key. Also, what is meant by a Theophany or Christophany when studying the Bible?
7. A good starting point for the believer in this matter of forgiveness in Colossians 3:13.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look
full in His wonderful face
And
the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In
the light of His glory and grace
- Helen H. Lemmel
