tSoGS Genesis 33:1-20 Reflection

Genesis 33:1-20

Jacob is limping home - probably thankful that he's a little slower. He's got a new name - Israel - wrestling with God. Amazing that a nation known for it's determined historic faith is called Israel.

Israel is limping home. And he's been sending significant gifts ahead of him to soften up his older brother, Esau.

When he sees his brother showing up with 400 men, he divides up his family so that some will survive the expected attack. Women and children to the front! Our brave hero puts his least desire-ables up front - first the servants and their children, then Leah and her children and guess who's in the back? Rachel and favorite son Joseph take up the rear! Anyone ever learn about "family systems" in psych or counseling classes? Dysfunction passed from generation to generation. Abraham played it. Isaac and Rebecca played it. Jacob played his favorites too. Did you come from a family that played favorites? Break the cycle.

Jacob is man enough to step out and lead the procession. He bows seven times. Then the miracle. Esau comes running up and hugs and kisses his younger brother. They weep. Two men, twenty years older and wiser, reconcile. It is one of the most beautiful pictures in the Bible. The prodigal son comes home and unlike Jesus' parable, this older brother does the right thing, even though he lost his birthright to the younger. (Don't think listeners of Jesus' parable didn't make the connection.)

Jacob introduces his family and insists that Esau take the animals he sent ahead of himself. This is important because it is part of the reconciliation - Jacob has made restitution and Esau has accepted it. Jacob acknowledges his relief that he was greeted with a smile. But sends Esau away with his men.

Now in Canaan, Jacob sets up "permanent" shelters and in Shechem buys land - putting down roots and laying claim to the land his future generations will possess. He sets up an altar to El - Elohe-Israel - God, the God of Israel - God, the God of the one who wrestled with God.

It's okay to wrestle with God. And when you lose, you win.

Who do you need to reconcile with? What are you willing to do to restore relationship?

Start limping home.