TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Sandra Chua

I like watching sewing hacks on the internet. They sew holes and tears on clothing. Sometimes, it looks like a camera trick because you can barely see where the torn part is. Other times, they cover the tear with seemingly simple embroidery, and the clothing item looks even better than the original. Mending things does not look like an option to the younger generation. They usually just buy new stuff instead of fixing them. In regards to relationships, sadly, it seems the same.

Mending a relationship is not easy. Jacob had not seen his brother Esau for the past twenty years. The last time they were together, Esau was plotting to kill him. Now he’s going back home, and news has it that Esau is coming to meet him with four hundred men! Jacob earnestly prays to God for deliverance from his brother. He also prepares droves of animals to give as an appeasement present to Esau. He arranges the marching order such that the gifts go ahead of him and his family. He even arranges his family by order of importance to him. Notice he puts Rachel, his favorite wife, at the end of the line, probably thinking she could escape if ever Esau suddenly attacks.

Upon meeting him, he bows humbly before the brother he offended. To his great relief, Esau runs to meet him and embraces him warmly. He sees his welcoming face. Genesis 33:10 states, ‘Jacob said, “No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably.”‘

He knows that God has answered his prayer. God had set things right for him and his brother.

REFLECTION

How have you prayed for  God to restore your broken relationships? How have you seen God’s answer through the faces of those you have disappointed with?

PRAYER