Fight NightShembull

Even after being face-to-face with God, Jacob was scared of Esau in Genesis 33. Imagine being Jacob: you have literally just wrestled with God, and now your brother who swore he was going to kill you is on his way with hundreds of men. You would probably be a little frightened, too. Jacob made sure to split up his family because he feared the worst. He even bowed to the ground seven times before coming near Esau.

To Jacob’s surprise, Esau ran to meet him and greeted him with an embrace and a kiss. What a wild turn of events! Jacob tries to make amends by offering gifts to Esau, saying, “‘If I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me.’” (Gen 33:10 ESV)

Here, Jacob makes an interesting parallel between his encounters with God and his brother. Both times, he experiences unexplainable favor. After the ways he wronged Esau and sinned against God, Jacob did not deserve either love or blessings. However, Esau decided to reconcile with Jacob and move past their former conflict. He even invited Jacob to journey with him. Although Jacob declined, the brothers parted ways with a peaceful relationship.

Throughout his life, we see Jacob fighting. Fighting for status. Fighting for blessings. Fighting in relationships. What can we learn from someone whose life was a constant struggle? The story of Jacob is one of reconciliation. Jacob is reconciled to God when he receives his new name Israel. It is only through his reconciliation with God that Jacob can then make amends with Esau.

When we remember who we were before we met God and how desperately we needed forgiveness, we can forgive just as He has forgiven us. Jacob and Esau show us how reconciliation is rooted in God’s love, and through Christ, we can extend the same great love He has shown us.