Date: 01-12-2021

Title: Reconciliation

(S) cripture:
    Genesis 33:1-5 (NLT2) Then Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with his 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and his two servant wives. 2 He put the servant wives and their children at the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. 3 Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him. 4 Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. 5 Then Esau looked at the women and children and asked, “Who are these people with you?” “These are the children God has graciously given to me, your servant,” Jacob replied.

(O) bservation:
    Jacob was afraid of his brother, Esau, because of the way he had treated him in the past. Jacob has been gone 20 years and is now returning home. Jacob prepares gifts he hopes will appease Esau. When they finally meet Esau embraces Jacob and a great picture of reconciliation is seen. Esau tries to refuses Jacob’s gifts but finally relents.

(A) pplication:
    Reconciliation is a wonderful event. It is terrible when families or friends are torn apart by sin. I want to always be gracious and forgiving in my relationships. I do not want to let sin separate me from others. Today I will seek to live in such a way that if reconciliation is needed it will be offered freely or sought diligently.

(P) rayer:
    Lord help me to be gracious today with all I meet. Amen