Passage
Genesis 33:1-20 (ESV)
Victory and Final Judgment
Revelation 20:1-15
Key Verse: 20:15
Jacob Restores His Relationship with Laban
Date: May. 8, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 33:10b
Jacob said, “No, please, 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.
First, a surprising reunion (1-11). At daybreak, Esau appeared. Jacob quickly divided his family to protect them and went to the front and bowed down to his brother. But surprisingly, Esau ran up to him, hugged, and kissed Jacob. Esau testified that God blessed him abundantly and his anger had subsided. Jacob realized God's hand to resolve his relationship with Esau when Jacob lived by faith. Jacob insisted on Esau taking his gifts until he did. God wants us to resolve our past problems and restore broken relationships.
Second, Jacob settles in Sukkoth (12-20). Esau wants to unite their two families. But Jacob wisely decides to continue alone and persuades Esau to go on his way, rather than possibly risk stirring up old wounds. Finally, Jacob has rest from his past enemies, but now he wants security for the future. Jacob looks for a place of peace and rest and settles outside of Sukkoth. Then, Jacob built an altar and called on El Elohe, Mighty God. He needed God's protection from the warlike Canaanites.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for restoring my relationship and giving me peace. Please help me to trust in you to shield and protect me from all my enemies by your mighty power.
One Word: God restores Jacob's relationships
