“So he lodged there that same night, and took what came to his hand as a present for Esau his brother: 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. 16 Then he delivered them to the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put some distance between successive droves.” 17 And he commanded the first one, saying, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going? Whose are these in front of you?’ 18 then you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.’ Genesis 32:13-18 NKJV
“4But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept . . . 9But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” 10 And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favour in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. 11 Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” So he urged him, and he took it.” Genesis 33:4-11 NKJV
Father of reconciliation,
The two brothers meet. And embrace and the the air is cleared. Jacob shows genuine remorse for their parting and joy in reuniting. He also in his own way makes recompense for what he stole. He gives Esau riches as he would have had if he was not usurped as firstborn. He lavishes and gives. And Esau accepts.
Reconciliation involves acknowledging hurt, offering forgiveness, and rebuilding trust. We see these two men meeting and acknowledging each other. Each is willing to put the past behind and Jacob finds favour in his brothers sight and is able to try to make recompense. And it is accepted. The fear Jacob had is gone, he can afford to be generous because God has been generous with him. And he can settle back in with his family in the land.\
You, God begin to show us how generous You God are with us. Your history with Your people shows how patient and forgiving You are. And You still planned through each generations far from holy living and all mans sinful history Your overwhelming plan to offer forgiveness through Your Son Jesus. Knowing we would cruelly reject him. You continue to build trust. So we can discover that You God are trustworthy, generous and will never leave us. Even when we don’t deserve it. We are able to return to You and then find our promised land in a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4). We can only really know how to forgive and let go when we experience an encounter with You, God personally in Jesus. And know Your total forgiveness ourselves. And today we are learning to build our trust in You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 20th January 2026
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.
And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.
Lyrics: Psalm 23 and Stuart Townend