Let it Go

"Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept." -Genesis 33.4

Twenty years ago Jacob tricked his brother out of both his birthright and blessing. The last we knew Esau had vowed to kill Jacob as soon as their father died. Jacob fled, but God has told him to return, and has passed the covenant of Abraham on to him. But this covenant has come with the words, "Go back home." Everything has led up to this moment. Finally, after all this time, and all the events, the twin brothers come face to face.

Esau runs to him and embraces him. The two of them reunite, and revenge couldn't be farther from the picture. Esau has let it go. He values his brother more than any birthright or blessing. It's been twenty years since they've seen each other, and the only thing on Esau's mind is making up for lost time.

Men, what are you holding on to from the past? What is so important about this grudge you're holding? Is the revenge you seek really worth it? How many relationships have been lost because of a lack of forgiveness? How many memories have been forfeited because you've clung to the past? How much growth has been stunted because you haven't let it go?

I need to point out, forgiveness does not mean what happened was ok. Forgiveness does not mean that what happened didn't hurt. Forgiveness does not give the person permission to do it again. But forgiveness says I don't hold this against you, and I don't allow myself to be imprisoned by this anymore. God will have justice, don't worry about getting even. But if you seek to become like Christ, holding on to the wrongs against you, or that you've committed against others, will greatly slow you down.

Esau isn't the only one to let it go, Jacob does do. He has humbled himself before his brother, seeking forgiveness and mercy. He doesn't beat himself up over the past, but seeks to reconcile it and move forward. And Esau, who could have taken revenge instead offers the forgiveness that is being sought. They both have let it go.

What are you holding on to? Something that you've done? Something that was done to you? Why can't you let it go?

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Go First

"Then Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids. He put the maids and their children in front, and Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother." -Genesis 33.1-3

Jacob sent everyone on ahead, and he remained alone with God. They wrestled, and Jacob was forever changed. Now the time has come to face his brother after twenty years. The trickster may have hid behind the women and children, but Israel, he who strives with God, boldly goes first.

Men, where are you when it's time to face your fears? Are you out in front, facing it head on, protecting those you love? Or are you bringing up the rear? Do you send everyone you know out to take on the battles that are yours to fight? The trickster is a coward who hides in fear when he is unable to deceive his way out of a situation. But he who strives with God is bold and courageous. He is prepared to pay the cost and accept responsibility for his actions.

Which one are you right now? More importantly, which one do you want to be tomorrow? Will you stand up and go first, or hid in back trying to save your own skin? Before Jacob may have hid, but after he has been changed by God he boldly goes first. What will you do?

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor