January 26 - Genesis 33:4

But Esau ran to meet [Jacob],

and embraced him,

and fell on his neck and kissed him,

and they wept

Genesis 33:4

 

Up to this point in the story, Esau is mainly hairy, stupid, and murderous.

• He sells his birth right for a bowl of stew (26:29-34)
• He is easily immitated because he smells like a barn (27:27) and feels like a goat (27:16).
• He marries a woman whose nationality and personality combine to "26:35 ma[k]e life bitter for Isaac and Rebekeh."
• He hates his brother Jacob with so much fury that he plots to kill him (27:41,44)

Therefore, today's verse is a huge surprise.

 

I can only give three potential explanations for Esau's change of heart ...

1. Time -- Maybe it is true that times heals all wounds.
2. Prayer -- In chapter 32, as Jacob began his journey back, he was rightfully afraid. Therefore, he prayed about this encounter. If we can believe that time can heal all wounds, we probably ought to add to the list that God can heal all wounds too. (Question: Who might you need to pray for in terms of healed relationships?)
3. Charity -- Charity's been given a bad name. In our time, it means "handouts to the poor." But what it means is really "benevolent goodwill and love." The opposite of charity is greed. It is holding on tightly to all kinds of things -- including perhaps, hurtful emotions. Esau has completely let go of bitterness and rage. When presented with gifts for appeasement, he's able to say, "44 I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself." And in a spirit of love, goodwill, and charity, he's able to "run ... meet ... and embrace" his prodigal brother.

In Christ's Love,

a guy who's cheering

for the hairy guy

(P.S. Have you watched football lately.

Half the players we cheer for are hairy guys too.

Go ________.)