Forgiveness

“And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.” Genesis 33:4

Another familiar story that we have read many times, but I saw something different this time when I read it.

Remember that after Jacob had convinced his father to give him the blessing instead of his brother, Esau was so angry and disappointed that he made up his mind that eventually he would kill his brother.  So, Jacob fled in fear for his life.  After all these years, he is obeying God and returning to his homeland, but he is still very fearful as to how he will be received.

How surprised he must have been when Esau met him with a spirit of forgiveness.  Somewhere and somehow Esau must have had an experience with God, when he repented and changed his whole attitude toward his brother.  He no longer held the theft of his birthright and the blessing against Jacob.  God had blessed him.  Notice verse 9, “And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.”

So many times, we face things in our lives, and we are fearful of what the outcome will be, but the Lord has already worked it out.  If He has directed us, then we can be sure that everything is going to be all right.

Prayer: Jesus help us to trust you with our future, knowing that you have everything planned for our best.

Devotion by Anne Johnston