Genesis 33:4 “Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.”
SWEET REUNION
Twenty years have gone by. Jacob was still afraid his twin brother, Esau, would kill him at first sight. Read the whole story. He sends gifts of flocks of sheep, cows, camels, donkeys, etc. to appease him – hopefully. He had no idea how his brother would receive him.
But…God had directed Jacob to return, and God prepared Esau’s heart (I believe) to receive his brother back. Time does have a way of healing all wounds. But I truly believe God worked in this situation. They meet and embrace. In fact, it says ESAU ran to him. Don’t you know Jacob was looking for him to pull out a sword or dagger at the last minute. But instead he hugs and kisses him.
TEACHING MOMENT
There will come a time when your children leave your home. Perhaps they already have gone off to camp for a week or two. When they arrive home, what do you do? You hug and kiss them. But when they leave for weeks or months and return, boy, the reunion will be sweet.
The next time you have such a reunion with your child, share this passage. But don’t just dwell on the hugs and kisses. Point out the forgiveness that was present. How much more does our Lord forgive us when we return to Him?
To whom do you need to go today to forgive? Whom have you avoided or neglected because of past hurts? It is time to embrace them and forgive them. It is time to let all be forgiven.
A Moment In Time 