The Transformation

Genesis 33

“Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. 2 He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear.3 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.  4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.”

Jacob and Esau could never have reconciled without the transforming hand of God.

Esau had sworn to kill Jacob.  Jacob had hidden himself from Esau for 20 years.  During that span, God had worked in both of their hearts, giving Esau the ability to put aside his pride, anger, and his quest for vengeance, and giving Jacob the courage to accept responsibility for his actions and the vulnerability to seek to be reconciled with his brother.

God is a transforming God who can transform us despite the things that have transpired in our pasts.  God can use our past to inform our future. He can take something tragic, such as a broken relationship, and use it for His good purpose.

 May the love of Christ be with you

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)