Fred Craddock

The Joy of Reconciliation

Read Genesis 32:1- 33:20 • Jacob and Esau Reconcile Pastor Sim Fulcher Two brothers are at war. There seem to be no prospects of ever resolving their differences. Yet it happens. Peace! The reconciliation tastes so sweet that the forgiven one says, “... it was as the face of God smiling on me” (33:10b The Message). It truly feels good to be forgiven. Have you ever experienced or witnessed conflict within your family or among close friends? This passage deals with helps in working toward a solution in that sticky kind of situation. It suggests what to do, what not to do, and how far reaching the results might be. First, we look at what not to do. In chapter 27 we read of Jacob’s lying, cheating, and stealing; with Esau, his brother, being the brunt of it all. Now, twenty years later, Jacob faces the problem he has been running from for years but has never resolved. His problem is Esau whom he has greatly wronged. Esau was on the way to meet Jacob these many years later and Jacob was afraid (32:6, 7). Jacob immediately turns to his usual way of meeting problems— he uses the best human wisdom he can muster, and he had plenty of it. He sends gifts to Esau. This is NOT a good move. Esau later said to Jacob, “What was all that for?” Esau was kinder than the parishioner of Dr. Fred Craddock, noted author and pastor. Craddock tells of a woman whom he was trying to help with her shaky marriage. One day she showed up with the news that the marriage was over. What had happened? Her well-healed, too often absent husband had presented her with the keys to a brand new sports car; all hers. She threw the keys at him and stormed out. She was for reconciliation but she was not for sale! Jacob finally resorted to his “last ditch effort” which should have been his first effort. He got alone with God (32:22-24). It turns out his real problem was not with Esau. It was with God Himself. During that night of dealing with God, God showed Jacob that the person Jacob really needed to square with was Jacob himself. The Name Jacob means “supplanter” or “imitation”—not the real deal. This is precisely what Jacob had been doing; living a lie. He had been trying to be somebody he was not. But not anymore! Jacob not only became a changed man; God even changed his name. And to top it off, God also gave Jacob a renewed and happy relationship with his brother, Esau.

P r ay e r O God, thank You that like with Jacob even when we are unfaithful You remain faithful. I acknowledge that you have a big plan for this world. Help me in my relationships today. Help me to live so that everything I do and say will be a help and not a hindrance to Your will on this earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 10 Questions What new name did God give to Jacob, a name by which God has blessed the whole earth? (32:28)

What did Jacob name the place where he wrestled with God and why? (32:30)

Is there a need in your life for reconciliation? Plan to get alone with God about this; and be willing to learn something about yourself. Also plan to see anew the face of God and His smile upon you.

MY Reflections Does any particular verse (SCRIPTURE) in today’s reading speak to you?

OBSERVE what this verse is saying to you:

How can you APPLY this verse to your life today?

My PRAYER for today is: