Run!

Daily Reading: Genesis 33

Scripture Focus: But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. (Genesis 33:4)

Devotional Thought: Some reunions we run to, and others we run from. In the reunion between Jacob and Esau, Jacob wanted to run away from his brother, but Esau ran to his brother. Jacob was afraid of Esau whom he had cheated out of his birthright and blessing. Then, Esau had threatened to kill Jacob who quickly fled. Now, a reunion was required.

Jacob was prepared for a fight. He had strategically divided up his household, expecting his brother to attack. He did, however, approach Esau in humility, bowing to the ground seven times until he came near to his brother. Imagine his surprise as Esau ran to him not with murderous intentions, but to embrace him, weeping. Esau, who had every right to withhold forgiveness from his brother, does not walk but RUNS to him in his eagerness to forgive! This is one of only a few times in the Old Testament where a man of this culture is said to run.

Esau’s response to Jacob was one of wonderful grace and mercy. When we are called to forgive those who have wronged us, do we begrudgingly forgive because we know we should? Do we fail to have that forgiveness touch our hearts? Or, do we forgive as Esau forgave Jacob? Do we set aside our pride and our self-righteousness and forgive freely, knowing that we have also been forgiven much?

As amazing as Esau’s example was, there was a more perfect example of this forgiveness given centuries later. Jesus "ran" to earth to take on the sins of the whole world - to offer us forgiveness through his blood, when we deserved it least. Let us offer forgiveness as freely as it has been offered to us!

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, thank you for offering forgiveness before our hearts were even turned towards you in repentance. It is through your grace and mercy that our hearts can turn to you in love, mourning our sin but then comforted by our Father. Please help us to forgive others as we were forgiven by you.

Psalm of the Day: 7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, "Glory!" 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. 11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! (Psalms 29:7-11)