By the way, the picture at the left shows the finished craft project belonging to this lesson. Templates and complete instructions are included.
Devotional Thoughts about Genesis 32:3-33:17
Pretend you're Jacob, leading a huge caravan the long way home after many years in exile. You hadn’t gotten far before your uncle caught up with you. He reproached you for having left secretly with your family, which consisted of his daughters and grandkids. After discussing that, the two of you had parted in relative peace.
But now as you approach home, you wonder what might await you there. You’d left the country 20 years earlier to escape your brother’s murderous threat; what can you expect from him now? Although the nasty trick you’d played on him was so long ago, there's no reason to assume he’s forgotten or excused it. You proactively send Esau a message to inform him of your return and ask for a friendly reception.
His terse reply really spooks you: He's coming to meet you with 400 men! Why are there so many unless he plans conflict? You confess your unworthiness to God and ask for His mercy and protection for your family. Then you pick out a gift from among your herds and send it ahead to your brother.
That night you have the bizarre experience of wrestling with a man who turns out to be God Himself! Then in the early morning light you see Esau approaching with his caravan. You limp ahead of your family to meet him, bowing on the way. What a wonderful surprise when he runs up and hugs you!
Reconciliation is a magnificent gift from God. Lord, give me the humility to apologize and to forgive others.
Downloading lesson files
If you're interested in the lesson files, simply click on the appropriate link above to download them in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. Two more blogs and lessons about Peace are coming.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.