Series Introduction:

Today, as we conclude our sermon series on the life of Jacob, we are confronted with a pivotal moment of reckoning, reconciliation, and redemption. Jacob's journey, marked by its struggles and conflicts, has been one that many of us can relate to. From the very beginning, his life was embroiled in turmoil as he emerged from the womb, clutching the heel of his brother, Esau. That seemingly inconsequential moment set the tone for much of his life, earning him the name Jacob, meaning "heel-grabber" or "supplanter."

As we've journeyed alongside Jacob, we've witnessed moments of divine revelation and personal transformation. Jacob's spiritual journey was nothing short of miraculous from the awe-inspiring dream of the ladder to heaven at Bethel to his mysterious encounter with God at Peniel. His name, which once symbolized deception and cunning, came to symbolize his transformation into a man who wrestled not only with his fellow man but with God Himself.

And now, here in Genesis 33, we find Jacob standing at a crossroads, facing his past, his sins, and his brother, Esau. After years of separation, this reunion is fraught with uncertainty and heavy with the burden of past grievances. It is a moment of reckoning, a moment when Jacob must confront his past actions, seeking reconciliation with Esau.

Jacob's story is one of hope and healing, reminding us that, regardless of our struggles and conflicts, there is always a path to reconciliation and a way to draw closer to our promise-keeping God.

Scripture Reading: 

Genesis 33:1-20

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we gather here today with humble hearts, seeking to draw wisdom and inspiration from the story of Jacob and Esau. We recognize that this tale of conflict, betrayal, and, ultimately, reconciliation holds lessons for our own lives. As we delve into the Scripture, may your Holy Spirit guide us, open our hearts, and illuminate the path of reconciliation in our own journeys. Grant us the strength and wisdom to embrace forgiveness, humility, and the transformative power of your grace. We ask for your presence to be with us as we explore these truths. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

Despite their history of betrayal and anger, Jacob and Esau managed to find their way back to each other. If Jacob and Esau could find their way to reconciliation, then there is hope for all of us. No matter how deep and strong the divisions in our lives may be, reconciliation is possible through the grace of God. It serves as a reminder that forgiveness can heal wounds, restore dignity, and bring about a renewed sense of unity and love among those who were once estranged. In our own lives, we may encounter situations where we have been wronged or have wronged others. Still, we should take heart in the story of these two brothers, for it shows us that through faith, repentance, and the willingness to extend forgiveness, reconciliation is possible. 

A Brotherly Embrace

At the beginning of our passage, we find Jacob, a man who had lived a life filled with deceit, manipulation, and a constant striving to secure his own interests. He had deceived his brother Esau and fled for his life, fearing Esau's justifiable anger. But now, after two decades of separation, Esau was approaching with four hundred armed men, and the potential for danger loomed over their encounter. Would Esau hear what Jacob had to say? Would Esau forgive, or would Esau carry out his threat from twenty years prior when he vowed to take Jacob’s life?

Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” - Genesis 27:41, ESV

In wisdom and deep love for his family, Jacob took precautions to protect them. He separated them into a procession, putting the maidservants and their children in the front, followed by Leah and her children, and finally, Rachel and Joseph at the rear. This wasn't an act of cowardice but a selfless act of putting the well-being of his beloved wives and children above his own. Jacob, who had often put himself above others, was now putting himself on the front lines of danger to ensure the safety of his family. This is a testament to the transformative power of God's love, which can change even the hardest hearts into hearts of sacrifice and love.

As Jacob approached Esau, he exhibited humility, respect, and courtesy. He walked out ahead of his family and stopped seven times to bow. This act of bowing seven times was a sign of deep respect, an act usually reserved for kings. Jacob was not cowering; he was showing honor and humility. It serves as a powerful reminder that humility and respect can pave the way for reconciliation.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” - James 4:10, ESV

But here we witness the miraculous work of God's grace. In a moment that can only be described as divine intervention, we read, 

"But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept" - Genesis 33:4, ESV. 

The transformation in their relationship is nothing short of miraculous. God had worked in the hearts of both Jacob and Esau, leading to this beautiful reconciliation. Esau's anger and desire for vengeance had been replaced by love and forgiveness. Jacob's scheming and fear had given way to humility and a desire for reconciliation.

This account reminds us that God's grace knows no bounds. It can soften even the hardest of hearts, heal the deepest of wounds, and bring about reconciliation in the most unlikely circumstances. As we reflect on this story, let us remember that reconciliation is not just a human endeavor but a divine work, and it is possible through the love and grace of our Heavenly Father.

Meeting The Family

Recall that Jacob had left home as a single man twenty years ago. Esau had not met Rachel, Leah, or any of his nieces and nephews. 

And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Then the servants drew near, they and their children, and bowed down. Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down. And last Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down.”  - Genesis 33:5-7, ESV 

As Jacob introduced his children to Esau, he didn't simply present them; he gave a testimony to the grace of God. Jacob declared that these children were a gracious gift from the Almighty. This acknowledgment resounded with the truth that children are indeed a precious blessing from God, as the psalmist beautifully extols in Psalm 127:3.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” - Psalm 127:3, ESV

When Esau asked the meaning of all the the goodwill gifts that Jacob had sent him, Jacob had to sheepishly admit that he sent the gifts in an attempt to earn Esau's favor. Jacob hoped that these material offerings would soften Esau's heart, and become a plea for favor, acceptance, and reconciliation. Surprisingly, Esau did not care about Jacob's gifts. After all those years of separation and hurt, Esau's heart was set on a different prize – he yearned to see his brother again. Both men essentially wanted the same thing, a healing of the broken bonds of brotherhood.

In the exchange of words that followed, we witness a beautiful shift in their perspectives. Jacob referred to Esau as "my Lord," recognizing his brother's greatness, while Esau addressed Jacob as "my brother," declaring equality and unity. This change signifies not only a transformation within Esau but also an change in their relationship during those twenty years apart. The younger Esau, once consumed by anger and vengeance, had threatened to kill Jacob due to the deceit that led to the loss of his inheritance. Now, as an older and wiser man, Esau's priorities had shifted. Material possessions held no sway over him; his heart longed for family reunification. He only accepted the gifts upon Jacob's insistence. 

“Esau was described in Heb 12:16 as an “immoral or irreverent person… , who sold his birthright in exchange for one meal.” Yet he says, “I have enough.” The other was a man who had wrestled with God and who had power with God and with men as a prince. He also says, “I have enough.” It seems to me as if, on that occasion, the blessing of their father Isaac rested on them both…” 

- C.H. Spurgeon 

Likewise, the younger Jacob had deceived his father and brother and stolen from his own flesh and blood. Now, as an older and wiser man, he returned home with humility and generosity, desiring only to restore what he had broken. 

This narrative of Jacob and Esau's transformation offers us a crucial lesson for our own lives. In a world that often pressures us to pursue material success and accumulate wealth, we may, at times, lose sight of what truly matters – our relationships, our family, our friends, and our loved ones. The pursuit of wealth, possessions, and power can be relentless and alluring, but it's ultimately the people in our lives who bring us the most profound fulfillment and happiness.

The transformation of Jacob and Esau serves as a reminder that it's never too late to reevaluate our priorities. As we journey through life, we must keep in mind that while material possessions may have temporary value, the love we give and receive, the bonds we forge with others, and the reconciliations we seek are the treasures that endure. These are the things that bring us the most profound satisfaction and lasting joy. 

The Ultimate Reconciliation: 

We find in the account of these two brothers a reflection of our own journey toward reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Just as Jacob and Esau were once torn apart by deception and betrayal, we, too, have been estranged from our heavenly Father due to our sin and disobedience. Our spiritual exile has left us feeling distant, adrift in a world that often leaves us searching for meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

But praise be to our Heavenly Father, for He did not abandon us in our moments of separation. His infinite love and boundless mercy drive Him to pursue us relentlessly. In Jesus Christ, we see the embodiment of God's unyielding desire to reconcile with His wayward children. Christ, the ultimate bridge-builder, spans the seemingly insurmountable chasm between our brokenness and God's perfect holiness.

Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bestowed upon us the most precious gift of reconciliation. He became the divine mediator, the ultimate reconciler, offering us the opportunity to bridge the gap that our sins had created. Just as these two brothers, with tears and forgiveness, embraced one another, we, too, can find ourselves wrapped in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father. 

This story serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to seek forgiveness, to mend broken relationships, and to extend grace to one another. Just as Jacob and Esau set aside their past grievances, we, too, can set aside bitterness, anger, and pride to extend grace, forgiveness, and love. It's through these acts of reconciliation that we bear witness to the transformative power of God's love in our lives.

Conclusion: 

As we conclude our message this morning, I would like to give you the opportunity to experience reconciliation for yourself. Just as Jacob and Esau had been estranged due to sin, so too have we all been separated from God by our transgressions.

As we stand before a holy and righteous God, our sin is a chasm that we cannot cross of our own accord. We, like Jacob, are left in a state of fear and shame, acutely aware of the judgment we deserve. Yet, amidst this bleak landscape of estrangement and guilt, God's mercy shines like a beacon of hope.

The love of God is not passive, but rather, it is active and pursuing. It does not require us to make the first move, but instead, it reaches out to us even when we are still far from Him - when we are still stuck in sin and lost in our rebellion. The story of Jacob is not just an individual tale of reconciliation, but it is also a metaphor that describes the overall plan of God's redemption for all of humanity. It shows us that God is a loving Father who does not judge from a distance, but instead, He seeks us out and pursues us even when we are running away from Him. No matter how broken, ashamed, or sinful we may be, He meets us where we are and showers us with His love and grace.

In Jesus Christ, God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has bridged the chasm of sin that separated us from God. It is through Jesus that we, like Jacob, can be restored to fellowship with God. It is through Jesus that we can be clothed with the robe of righteousness, that our spiritual hunger can be satisfied, and that we can be welcomed back into the family of God.

So, let us learn from the story of Jacob and Esau. Let us turn back to God, knowing that He is waiting to receive us with open arms. Let us embrace His offer of reconciliation, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. For it is in reconciliation with God that we find our purpose, our peace, and our eternal home.

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Lord, as we conclude our time of reflection on the story of Jacob and Esau, we stand in awe of your boundless grace and the transformative power of reconciliation. We thank you for the example of these two brothers, who moved from conflict to forgiveness and embraced one another with open hearts. Just as you orchestrated their reconciliation, may you work in our lives to mend broken relationships, heal wounds, and bring about unity.

We are reminded that the ultimate reconciliation is found in Jesus Christ, who bridged the gap between our brokenness and your perfect holiness. Help us to cherish the precious gift of salvation and to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others that you have offered to us. Let us be instruments of peace and reconciliation in this world, reflecting your love and mercy.

As we leave this place, may the lessons of Jacob and Esau stay with us, encouraging us to seek reconciliation, find contentment in your love, and trust in your promises. May we go forth as peacemakers, carrying the message of your redemptive love to a world in need. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.