Monday, February 1, 2010

Genesis 33 begins with Jacob bowing as he approached his brother Esau cautiously, but Esau "ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed (Jacob)". Esau then asked Jacob why he had sent all the flocks, and Jacob said, "to find favor in your eyes". But Esau said " My brother, keep what you have for yourself". What a picture of forgiveness!
Esau did finally accept the gifts, since Jacob insisted, but then he said to Jacob, "Let us be on our way; I'll accompany you." Jacob, though, told him to go on ahead, since he had to move along slowly with his droves and children. Esau then offered, "Then let me leave some of my men with you." Jacob said to Esau, "to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably".