As Jacob is on his way to the land of his birth, following the command of God, he comes to the land of Seir, in the country of Edom, where his brother Esau, whom he had wronged, lived. In an attempt to reconcile with his brother, Jacob sends messengers with gifts of cattle (oxen, asses, flocks) and people (men and women servants) to Esau (Genesis 32:4-6).
He had subtly tricked Esau into selling his birthday and deceived their father, Isaac, to rob Esau’s blessings (Genesis 27:36) making him lord (master) and Esau his servant (Genesis 27:37). Now notice that in his attempt to reconcile, he recognized his place and refers to Esau as lord (or master) and himself as Esau’s servant (Genesis 32:4) and requested that he finds grace in Esau’s sight.
Points to ponder:
From this account, first, we can learn a lesson on seeking forgiveness from other men and women whom we have wronged. We ought to recognize our position and place and seek to find grace in their sight. And second, the key words used in this situation are lord, servant and grace. In order to be reconciled with God, we need to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ and accept and allow him to be our Master for he is Lord and Master (John 13:14) and just as he came to serve, we ought to serve (Matthew 28:20). Before accepting Jesus as Lord and Master, sin reigns over all people unto death (Romans 5:21), but when sin abounded the grace (of God) became more abundant (Romans 5:20) so grace might reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:21).
Have you accepted Jesus to be your Lord?
Have you allowed him to be your Master?
Jesus’ grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9)!
Genesis 32:3-5 (KJV)
3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
4 And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:
5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
Romans 5:19-21 (KJV)
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
