July 24

Making Things Right


So Esau hated Jacob … and said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand, then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Genesis 27:41 (NKJV)


So Isaac sent Jacob away….

Genesis 28:5 (NKJV)


Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return … and I will be with you.”

Genesis 31:3 (NKJV) .


[Jacob] crossed over … and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him and they wept.

Genesis 33:3, 4 (NKJV)


Jacob was like you and me … human to the core. Known as a cheater, his most famous con was stealing his brother’s inheritance. Since this was a really big deal to Esau, Jacob found himself on the run and living far from home. This is where God did a work with him and it's where He chooses to work with so many of us who need to come down a notch, but with Jacob, it took more than a change of scenery ... it took years.

Over time, God would teach Jacob humility and trust and, finally, convince him to turn in his running shoes. God's lessons are worthwhile, for Jacob became Israel, God's man and the father of a great nation. You see, historically, God does good things with His people, and do you know what? He wants to do something good with us too.

He wants to right the wrongs in our lives and bring healing to our relationships, but it isn't easy. It happens when we learn His ways. Like when we humble ourselves and trust Him and face our worst fears. This is when we find God's embrace, God's kiss, and it is like none other, because ... it makes all things right!


Father, help me overcome my fears by trusting You and by humbling myself before those I may have offended. Amen.