Daily Devotion, June 29, 2020

Devotion: Read Genesis 32:24 - 33:10.

This week, as we look at some of the great people of the Bible, we will often observe that they were ordinary people who did extraordinary things through God’s power. Sometimes we will see them as flawed characters whom God chose to use for God’s purposes, and Jacob certainly was one of those! He had deceived his aging father, Isaac, into giving him the blessing of the firstborn son that was meant for his older twin brother Esau. When Esau threatened to kill him, Jacob ran. Now, years later, he was coming home with his wives and children and all the animals he had acquired. His fight with God’s agent on the night before he would see Esau had humbled him.

But still Jacob sent herds and flocks ahead, almost as a bribe, hoping to soften Esau’s heart so he would not attack him and his family. From the earlier stories, we may see Esau as a bit of a dullard (after all, he traded his birthright for a bowl of stew). But in his encounter with his twin brother after so many years, we see him as a loving, forgiving, agent of grace. Esau did not want Jacob’s animals, and he certainly had no desire to hurt Jacob or his wives and children. In Esau’s forgiving face, Jacob could see God’s face! Perhaps Jacob was finally prepared to pass along the covenant. Adult Challenge:

Think about people you know who God is using and who seem like unlikely choices. Is God using you for things that surprise you? This happens all through the Bible, as God sees things about us that we and others often cannot see. Pray today that God will prepare you and give you the gifts to respond to God’s call on your life.

Youth Challenge:

Jacob wrestles with God and receives a new name. (Israel)

Have you ever been on a mission trip or gone through an experience where, although your name didn’t change, you came out of it feeling like a new person? What was the significance in that and have you continued to live into it?

 

After his reunion with Esau goes well, he again says it is like he has met God.

Have you ever hurt someone or gotten in an argument with a sibling and then THEY were the one to show YOU grace and forgiveness? What did you learn in that experience?

Children's Challenge:

Do you have a brother or sister or close friend? Ever have a fight or disagreement with them? Sure – me, too! But what happens next? Do you forgive each other and move forward? Do you hold on to anger and keep the conflict going? Forgiveness is the key to every relationship. Jacob was learning this lesson even though it took years.  Jacob gave generously to Esau because he wanted him to understand how very sorry he was for all he had done. Esau obviously forgave Jacob, because he accepted all the gifts. Forgiveness is showing others who God is. Look at verse 33:10. How does Esau show Jacob he is forgiven?  Do you need to forgive anyone? Ask God for the courage to forgive. Forgive TODAY.