Forgiven

Genesis 32:7-8

New King James Version

So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies. And he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape.”

For Your Encouragement

The offender runs when no one is pursuing him. So goes the Akan proverb of Ghana. It is so true of everyone without Christ. You may not relate but ask yourself why fear drives your life. Why the lack of peace despite all your accomplishments?

Jacob had grievously offended his elder brother Esau by robbing him of his blessings (Genesis 27:18-29). After taking a long refuge with his uncle in Paddan Aram, Jacob set out to return to his home country (Genesis 31:17-21). The Lord had made him rich with a large family and great wealth, and he looked forward to a good life back home. Yet one thing eluded him—peace.

Jacob dreaded the wrath of Esau and feared for the security of his family. He prayed to God to rescue him, yet he could not release his fears (32:9-12). Finally, the man rolled out an elaborate plan to assuage his brother—bribe him with a fat portion of his herd (7-8; 13-18). It is interesting to observe how he arranged for his family to meet Esau (33:1-3). I am so glad God plays no favoritism (Acts 10:34).

God had settled the matter between Esau and Jacob, but Jacob did not know. Jacob lived in fear while Esau came in peace to welcome his estranged brother. His gift was unnecessary for him, for he had a good portion of his own. Esau wanted to receive his brother with open arms and accompany him and his family home. Jacob, however, was still running away in his heart, so he doubted that Esau would be cordial with him (Genesis 33:8-9). Does it sound familiar?

Millions of people still live in the shadows of their past, where fear has oppressed them variously. They cannot forgive themselves for something they did a long time ago. The forgiveness of Christ has limited meaning to them, so they keep running when no one is following them. If only they could somehow make it right with a gift or something to appease the person they offended. They invent unnecessary, elaborate schemes to try and undo the past.

Glory to God, He has worked forgiveness for you and me of the Cross of Calvary (Colossians 1:14; 1 John 2:2, 12). How, then, could you insist on maneuvering your way to peace when God has worked it all out for you in Christ (Romans 5:1-2)? Is not His peace enough to calm your heart and cleanse you from a guilty conscience in Christ (Hebrews 10:22)?

So, don’t live in fear like Jacob before he met Esau. Take hold of the promise of God’s forgiveness in Christ and live your life without guilt (1 John 1:8-10).

Trust and obey Him in everything, clinging to His word for guidance; then live in the comfort and protection of His promises (Psalm 91:1-16; 23:1-6).