Connecting Scriptures: Ephesians 3:20, Psalm 145 

“Sometimes when we are called to obey, the fear does not subside and we are expected to move against the fear. One must choose to do it afraid.”― Elisabeth Elliot

Jacob/Israel had just wrestled with God, filled with blessing and a limp—but his biggest fear was still before him.  Can you imagine the scene?  Off in the distance, obscured by all the dust that is kicked up from 400 men advancing, is Esau and his small army.  I know when I am afraid, all I can do is hold onto what I know God has promised in his Word.  Did Jacob repeat and cling to what God had promised him as his brother drew ever closer?  With each painful step, perhaps he was reminded that he was covered in blessing.  Maybe he was still shaking, but he made it all the way.  What he received was a brother running with joy to meet him.  Won’t God always supply more than we asked or imagined?  

Like a prodigal returning, Jacob is welcomed by his twin.  They embrace, they weep, they introduce his expansive family.  There is no accusation or bringing up of the past.  It is just the present thankfulness of two brothers who had been lost from each other, now found.  There is also an understanding and what appears to be an attempt on Jacob’s part to “re-pay” a portion of the blessing he stole from Esau all those years before, “…accept my present…accept my blessing…”.  Also, who gets all the glory for these blessings?  God alone.  Jacob misses no opportunity to direct all praise for his family and his possessions as having been graciously given by God.  What a testimony!  

At this, the brothers part ways.  We do not see them come together again until the death of Isaac.  Peace was enough.  Sometimes life is so hard and crushing that our mistakes make no room for relationship.  But, God can graciously make peace in impossible places, and that is enough.  

After all the long days of travel and turmoil, Jacob gets his own piece of the promised land.  He builds barns for his livestock and then purchases a place for his own tent.  We also see him build an altar, like his father before him.  Under the banner of El-Elohe-Israel, God, the God of Israel, everything looks settled and peachy.  This isn’t to be though.  The family drama created by two many wives and unruly brothers will soon bring calamity and upheaval.  Hold on, Israel’s days are anything but settled.  

Questions for Reflection:

1.  Why does Jacob phrase seeing his brother as, “seeing the face of God” and what does this tell us about how he felt about the reconciliation?

2.  In what ways can you see God’s promised care in Jacob’s journey home and his successful reunion with Esau?

2.  What situation are you walking into that you are having to “do afraid”?  What verses in God’s Word are especially comforting to you in those times?