Read Genesis 33:1-16
Verse 1-16 -
Jacob, having by prayer committed his case to God, went on his way.
Come what will, nothing can come amiss to him whose heart is fixed,
trusting in God. Jacob bowed to Esau. A humble, submissive behaviour
goes far towards turning away wrath. Esau embraced Jacob. God has
the hearts of all men in his hands, and can turn them when and how
he pleases. It is not in vain to trust in God, and to call upon him
in the day of trouble. And when a man's ways please the Lord he
maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Esau receives Jacob
as a brother, and much tenderness passes between them. Esau asks,
Who are those with thee? To this common question, Jacob spoke like
himself, like a man whose eyes are ever directed towards the Lord.
Jacob urged Esau, though his fear was over, and he took his present.
It is well when men's religion makes them generous, free-hearted,
and open-handed. But Jacob declined Esau's offer to accompany him.
It is not desirable to be too intimate with superior ungodly
relations, who will expect us to join in their vanities, or at least
to wink at them, though they blame, and perhaps mock at, our
religion. Such will either be a snare to us, or offended with us. We
shall venture the loss of all things, rather than endanger our
souls, if we know their value; rather than renounce Christ, if we
truly love him. And let Jacob's care and tender attention to his
family and flocks remind us of the good Shepherd of our souls, who
gathers the lambs with his arm, and carries them in his bosom, and
gently leads those that are with young, Isaiah
40:11. As parents, teachers or pastors, we should all follow his
example.
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