Restoration
Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. ~ Genesis 33:4
I’ve burned many bridges in my former life, and many of them added to the shame I carried from my past. There were times when I dreaded getting together with my family because I knew my lifestyle was not approved by them. It was uncomfortable to imagine how they must have felt about me. Yet in reality, they were kind and loving, rarely pointing out where I was failing. What I did not realize then was that they were simply waiting and praying for me to find my way back, so they could rejoice in the restoration of our family and see my life redeemed for God’s purpose.
When Jacob was preparing to meet Esau after many years apart, he was filled with fear and uncertainty too. Their last encounter had ended with anger and threats, so Jacob braced himself for hostility. Instead, Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, and forgave him. What could have been a moment of division became a moment of reconciliation and restoration.
Looking back, I know that is what my family longed for me. But because of my own guilt and pride, I kept my distance as much as possible during those years. Now, years later, I treasure the times when we can come together for visits. I no longer carry regret and remorse over the life I left behind. Instead, I have been restored to my place with my Savior and with my family. I have also seen God soften hearts and turn painful encounters into moments of peace. Sometimes it was me who needed to forgive, and other times it was me who needed forgiveness. In both cases, God’s grace brought healing where I never could.
This passage speaks to us today because many of us have people we avoid or situations that carry hurt. It might be a broken friendship, a strained family relationship, or an offense that seems too big to move past. Genesis 33 reminds us that God is able to bring reconciliation, even when it seems impossible. He can prepare the way, soften hearts, and restore peace in relationships.
Here are steps you can take to begin your journey to restoration:
- Pray for God to soften your heart toward anyone you are holding bitterness against and ask Him to prepare the way for reconciliation.
- Take the first step toward peace. This could be a phone call, a message, or a face-to-face meeting where you are honest yet gracious.
- Choose humility over pride. Jacob bowed before Esau as a sign of humility, and it opened the door for reconciliation. Look for ways to demonstrate humility in your own situation.
- Be willing to forgive fully, just as Esau forgave Jacob. Do not keep a list of wrongs but allow God to bring release and healing.
- Trust God with the outcome. You cannot control how the other person responds, but you can be obedient to pursue peace.
Today I want to encourage you that reconciliation is possible because God is the One who heals broken relationships. He can turn fear into peace and division into restoration. When you choose to take steps of faith and humility, you are walking in obedience to God’s call for forgiveness and love. You do not walk alone, He goes before you and prepares the way.
Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 33
1 Then Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with his 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and his two servant wives.
2 He put the servant wives and their children at the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last.
3 Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him.
4 Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.
5 Then Esau looked at the women and children and asked, “Who are these people with you?” “These are the children God has graciously given to me, your servant,” Jacob replied.
6 Then the servant wives came forward with their children and bowed before him.
7 Next came Leah with her children, and they bowed before him. Finally, Joseph and Rachel came forward and bowed before him.
8 “And what were all the flocks and herds I met as I came?” Esau asked. Jacob replied, “They are a gift, my lord, to ensure your friendship.”
9 “My brother, I have plenty,” Esau answered. “Keep what you have for yourself.”
10 But Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!
11 Please take this gift I have brought you, for God has been very gracious to me. I have more than enough.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift.
12 “Well,” Esau said, “let’s be going. I will lead the way.”
13 But Jacob replied, “You can see, my lord, that some of the children are very young, and the flocks and herds have their young, too. If they are driven too hard, even for one day, all the animals could die.
14 Please, my lord, go ahead of your servant. We will follow slowly, at a pace that is comfortable for the livestock and the children. I will meet you at Seir.”
15 “All right,” Esau said, “but at least let me assign some of my men to guide and protect you.” Jacob responded, “That’s not necessary. It’s enough that you’ve received me warmly, my lord!”
16 So Esau turned around and started back to Seir that same day.
17 Jacob, on the other hand, traveled on to Succoth. There he built himself a house and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place was named Succoth (which means “shelters”).
18 Later, having traveled all the way from Paddan-aram, Jacob arrived safely at the town of Shechem, in the land of Canaan. There he set up camp outside the town.
19 Jacob bought the plot of land where he camped from the family of Hamor, the father of Shechem, for 100 pieces of silver.
20 And there he built an altar and named it El-Elohe-Israel.
Journal:
- Who in your life do you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from?
- What step of humility can you take this week toward reconciliation?
- How have you experienced God’s grace in past situations where forgiveness was needed?
The Daily Dose 