Series Introduction:

Last week, we focused on the parting of Jacob and Laban. Laban's selfishness, Jacob's fear and conflict-avoidant nature, and Rachel's idolatry almost led to a violent conflict between their families. Thankfully, God intervened, and both families were able to depart in peace. We saw how God often protects us in unseen ways, how idols can sneak their way into our families unnoticed, and now it is always better to confront our problems head-on with grace and truth, knowing that God is with us. 

Today's sermon takes us from one conflict to another as Jacob prepares to meet his brother for the first time in twenty years. Let us go to God's Word as Jacob prepares to meet with his brother. 

Scripture Reading: 

Genesis 32:1-21 (ESV)

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we gather in Your presence today with hearts open to receive Your Word and guidance. Open our hearts and minds to the transformative power of seeking to mend the bonds we have strained. May Your Spirit speak to us today, teaching us the ways of reconciliation, healing, and peace. Help us to listen to that higher calling, that voice of divine truth that beckons us to be peacemakers in this world. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

It's all too common to encounter broken relationships in this day and age. Healthy familial relationships are becoming increasingly rare, while brokenness and dysfunction are becoming the norm. Reconciliation, for many, appears to be a forgotten concept.

In a culture that prioritizes selfishness and self-centeredness, we tend to give in to the voice in our minds that calls us to let others make the first move and for us to hold fast to our pride. However, as Christians, we are called to listen to a different voice. God's Word teaches us that when we harm one another, it's our moral obligation to seek reconciliation. We do this because our God is a God of reconciliation. He doesn't desire to leave people in their brokenness and sin, and neither should we. Unfortunately, this path of restoration and reconciliation is often ignored and seldom taken.

This is God’s Camp! 

Twenty years prior Jacob had committed a serious offense against his twin brother, Esau. He used deception to acquire Esau's wealth, birthright, and blessing, tricking their father, Isaac. This deception caused his brother Esau to deeply resent Jacob, vowing to take his life. As a result, Jacob had to flee from his family and work for his deceitful uncle Laban for two decades. This experience taught Jacob that our actions have consequences that can last a long time, and our past mistakes can haunt us. However, God was kind to Jacob and kept His promises. Despite Laban's deceit, God protected Jacob and helped him prosper.

After some time, God informed Jacob that it was time to return to his home and confront his brother. Jacob was scared and felt helpless in this situation. He hesitated to face his brother, fearing for his life and the life of his family. But God assured Jacob that he was being protected by divine forces. 

Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, "This is God's camp!" So he called the name of that place Mahanaim. - Genesis 32:1-2, ESV

Jacob's eyes were opened to see a multitude of angels encircling him and his caravan, an army of heavenly hosts sent to ensure his safety during the journey back to the promised land. Jacob's camp was not the only camp in the wilderness that day. A camp of the army of heaven was with him, unseen by mortal eyes. This event was so impactful that Jacob named the place "Mahanaim," meaning two-camps, a reminder of the divine host that encircled him. It reminds us that, like Jacob, we are never alone on our journey; God's heavenly hosts continually surround us, guarding us from harm and guiding us on our path.

This is not just an Old Testament concept. In the book of Hebrews, we are told:

"Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? "- Hebrews 1:14, ESV

Angels aren't just passive observers watching us from above and wishing us luck. God intentionally sends them to assist, safeguard, and guide us in many unseen ways. Consider how much more confident you'd feel in carrying out God's will if you had an army of angels supporting you. There's no need to imagine it; if God calls you to something, He'll give you the tools and strength to succeed. We have nothing to fear because the God of angel armies is with us.

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them." - Psalm 34:7, ESV

We cannot always expect a vision of angels or divinely inspired dreams to guide us through life’s trials and tribulations. Still, the angels of God are always about us as ministering sprits and we have the Bible, God’s divinely inspired Word, which is a more sure guide than any dream or vision. As a Christian, you are never truly alone or without a Word from God to guide you through whatever circumstances you find yourself in.

God is good to give us the grace, strength, and renewal we need when we take the time to seek after Him. When we find ourselves overwhelmed with fear or stress, what we really need is a a fresh encounter with God, who will restore our strength and calm our fears by the knowledge of His presence and goodness. 

Humility and Meekness:

Notice also that Jacob took an essential initial step towards reconciling with Esau. The two brothers had been locked in a bitter conflict for quite some time. Jacob did not overlook or ignore the in his life problems, but rather he faced them directly. This is the crucial first step in any effort towards reconciliation - owning up to the pain we caused and committing ourselves to the healing process. Jacob wasn't seeking a temporary ceasefire but a genuine and long-lasting restoration of harmony in the family.

Jacob demonstrated wisdom in sending Esau a message before meeting in person. Sending a message before his arrival allowed Jacob to effectively convey his intentions. It also allowed both parties time to reflect, avoiding hasty reactions and leading to a more constructive dialogue. In the message, Jacob showed great respect by referring to Esau as his master and himself as Esau's servant. This act of humility displayed Jacob's commitment to unity and that he was not coming home to exert control or dominance. Additionally, the message updated Esau on Jacob’s well-being and all that had happened to Jacob since his departure twenty years earlier. This display of transparency helped to reassure Esau that Jacob had pure intentions, truly wanting to reconnect and restore their broken relationship. Furthermore, Jacob's request for permission to enter the land was a gesture that honored Esau's authority. It demonstrated Jacob's readiness to abide by Esau's decisions. If Esau was unwilling to meet Jacob, then Jacob would honor that by avoiding his brother. 

From Jacob, we learn that reconciliation involves direct communication, sincerity, respect, humility, and a genuine desire for peace. It also requires that we take responsibility for our roles in conflicts, just as Jacob did. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that true reconciliation is not just a human endeavor. Although Jacob played a role in reconciliation, God's intervention in softening Esau's heart would be the primary factor in whether or not the reconciliation of these two brothers was successful. This is a reminder that reconciliation often requires a spiritual transformation beyond human effort. This should encourage us to believe in the possibility of healing even the deepest wounds in our relationships. It also should be a reminder that all efforts to bring peace, reconciliation, and healing to broken relationships must be covered in prayer. There are some wounds in our life that only God can heal, but there is no relationship that cannot be mended if God wills for it to be so. 

Overcoming Fear: 

Unfortunately for Jacob, the messengers returned with what seemed to be bad news: Esau was assembling a force of four hundred men in preparation for their meeting. This meant that Esau was potentially hostile towards him and might have been assembling an army to attack him. We are told in verse seven that fear gripped Jacob’s heart. 

Despite his sincere efforts to make amends, Esau seemed to still be holding deep resentment, and may be planning a full-on armed assault. In this difficult situation, Jacob wisely turned to prayer and sought guidance from the Lord as his only hope. 

When attempting to reconcile, we may face situations where it seems impossible to achieve a positive outcome. The other party may seem unwilling to reconcile due to their hurt, anger, or bitterness. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, when reconciliation appears impossible, we can place our trust in the God who promises to guide and protect us. In our own journeys of reconciliation and the face of our deepest fears, God's presence and promises remain our steadfast foundation.

Despite facing what seemed like an impossible situation, Jacob turned to prayer and trusted in the Almighty to guide him through. It's a reminder that even when we feel helpless, there is always hope and comfort to be found in the presence of our Heavenly Father. 

And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’  I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’”

• Genesis 32:9-12, ESV

Jacob began by acknowledging God as the God of his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac. In doing so, he referred to God as Elohim, the true God of the heavens and the earth, the Creator and Sovereign of all. Jacob also addressed God as the LORD, Yahweh, the same God who had called him to return to the promised land and reunite with his relatives. God had promised to be with him. By using this term, Jacob recognized God as the LORD of salvation and redemption, the One who could provide assistance and deliverance.

Jacob humbly recognized his own unworthiness and acknowledged that he did not deserve even the smallest of God's mercies or kindness. However, Jacob expressed profound gratitude for the blessings that God had bestowed upon him. He admitted that God had lifted him out of complete poverty, with nothing but a staff in his hand, and had blessed him abundantly so that he could divide his wealth into two camps. Jacob earnestly prayed for protection from Esau, confessing his fear for his family's safety and well-being. He also expressed his desire to fulfill God's will and bring forth the promised seed, which included not only a great nation but also the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jacob's realization that God had blessed him despite his unworthiness is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and provision in our lives. It shows us how important it is to acknowledge and appreciate God's blessings, even when scared or desperate. Jacob's prayer also reminds us that prayer is our best hope, no matter how bleak our situation might be. We should ask God for help and guidance. In fact, we should always turn to prayer first rather than only as a last resort. We should remember that God sustains the entire universe with His unseen hand and is always there for us, even when other solutions seem possible.

Like Jacob, we too can call upon the promises of God, praying His words back to Him. When we call upon the promise keeping God, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, we can do so resting upon the promises of mercy and salvation we have received. We can pray for strength and courage, knowing that God will not break His covenant with us. 

Waiting on God: 

After earnestly praying to the Lord for deliverance, Jacob decided to send goodwill gifts to Esau as a sign of his peaceful intentions. His gesture was not just words, as he sent a substantial offering of 580 animals, including goats, sheep, camels, cows, and donkeys. This generous gift was proof of his genuine desire for reconciliation.

In his approach, Jacob displayed great respect and honor toward Esau. He divided each livestock herd and sent them separately to Esau, with intervals between their arrival. He instructed each worker to address Esau as "lord" when presenting the animals, making it clear that they were a gift from his servant, Jacob. By doing so, Jacob acknowledged that Esau was the offended party who needed to extend forgiveness and accept the offer of reconciliation. Jacob took responsibility for his past wrongs and genuinely desired peace and reconciliation.

Jacob showed a sincere dedication to making things right with his brother, Esau. Reconciliation involves not only speaking about it but also taking tangible actions that demonstrate goodwill, humility, and respect. By doing so, we fulfill God's call for us to be peacemakers and work towards repairing any broken bonds in our families, friendships, and communities.

After sending these goodwill gifts, Jacob spent the night in the camp. Patience is an essential virtue in reconciliation, for it allows space for hearts to soften, misunderstandings to be clarified, and relationships to mend.

During this waiting period, Jacob demonstrated his trust in God's plan for events to unfold. He took practical measures, such as sending gifts and showing respect, but he also recognized that the final outcome was in God's hands. Trusting in God's timing and providence is essential in achieving reconciliation. It acknowledges that even though we take action, the ultimate resolution often requires divine intervention and the alignment of hearts.

In our own lives, we encounter moments of waiting and anticipation in the pursuit of reconciliation. These periods can be challenging, testing our patience and faith. Yet, they also provide an opportunity for personal growth in our relationships. It is amazing how God can turn our fears and troubles into moments for our good by drawing us closer to Him. We are never stronger than we are most dependent and desperate for the Lord’s help. 

Let us remember that in our own journeys of reconciliation, moments of waiting are not signs of defeat but rather opportunities for growth and transformation. May we find the patience and trust to navigate these moments with grace and faith, knowing that, ultimately, the hand of the Divine is at work in the healing of our relationships.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on Jacob's journey of reconciliation, let us ground our hearts in the gospel message - the good news of Jesus Christ, the ultimate story of reconciliation.

When we have wronged others, reconciliation begins with humbling ourselves before God. We seek peace with Him, recognizing that forgiveness and restoration come from having a heart that is reconciled with the Creator. Through Jesus, we have been reconciled to God, which enables us to pursue peace with others. Our prayers should reflect our desire for reconciliation and healing, not only with God but also with our fellow human beings. Through Christ, we are called to be agents of peace and reconciliation, just as God, through Jesus, reconciled the world to Himself. Above all, we place our ultimate trust in God's providence. Whether or not people choose to make peace with us, we hold onto our promise keeping God.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You once more with hearts filled with gratitude and hope. We thank You for the lessons we have learned today from the life of Jacob and the power of reconciliation found in Your Word. Lord, as we leave this place, may the truths we have explored today be etched in our hearts. Help us to be people who actively seek reconciliation, not only in our words but through tangible acts of goodwill, humility, and respect. May we, like Jacob, have the courage to confront our past, seek redemption, and reconcile with those we have wronged. Grant us the patience to wait on You in moments of reconciliation, knowing that Your divine timing is perfect. In those times of waiting and anticipation, may we find growth and transformation, trusting in Your providence. Lord, we acknowledge that reconciliation is Your divine calling for us, a reflection of Your redemptive plan for the world. We pray that Your Spirit continues to work in us, enabling us to be ministers of reconciliation in this broken world. As we depart from this place, may Your peace dwell in our hearts, and may we carry the message of reconciliation with us wherever we go. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and the ultimate source of reconciliation, we pray. Amen.