A Picture of Repentance

What does repentance look like? Israel has wrestled with God concerning his brother and the command to return. He fears for his life and that of all who are with him. Esau is coming to meet him with a band of 400 men, and Israel has no idea of the intent of his brother. Yet God has promised to be with him. He has God’s word to lean on but must still deal with Esau. The passage before us today deals with Jacob’s apology and spirit of repentance and contrition concerning his earlier dealings with Esau. When we come to God in the attitude Jacob displayed, then we too can find forgiveness and restoration. Although Jacob, now Israel, doesn't fully trust Esau; we can fully trust God and take him at his word. Esau also pictures what forgiveness looks like if we can assume his was a genuine forgiveness and not seeking to put Jacob at ease to do him harm. Human relationships can be confusing and complicated. Yet seeking forgiveness and restoration in order to mend them is Biblical.  After the encounter with God and then Esau, Jacob built an altar to the Lord.  How many altars or road posts have you built and established to the Lord in your life?  These milestones serve as reminders of God's faithfulness; His power, presence and protection in our walk of life.

Verse of the Week:

And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel. (God, the God of Israel) 

Genesis 33:20.