Day 9 – It’s never to late for forgiveness.
Todays reading: Genesis 29:1 – 33:20.
Genesis 32:9-12 “Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”
When Jacob left his mother and father in fear of Esau he fled to his mother’s family to find a wife. Laban, his uncle, was excited to see him, but made him work for the hand of his daughter Rachel. After 7 years of work Laban tricked Jacob into marrying his other daughter, Leah. Jacob was furious. So, Laban said if he worked 7 more years he could marry Rachel, too.
After both marriages were consummated only Leah was able to bare a child, but Jacob truly loved Rachel. A battle began between the 2 sisters over how many children they could each have including to their servants. It was jealousy that lead to this, but the Lord still blessed Jacob with 12 sons, 1 daughter, and many livestock.
After 20 years he decided it was time to return to the land the Lord had promised him and leave his uncle’s home. Leaving Laban would be much more difficult than expected, but even more difficult would be his decision to return to the land where his brother lived because when he left Esau had wanted to kill him.
Jacob prepared for his return by separating his people, preparing an offering for Esau, and praying to the Lord for the journey ahead. That night he would wrestle with the Lord. God in turn changed his name from Jacob to Israel because he prevailed against the Lord, not that he had beat God but he sought God fully. The next morning he met Esau who welcomed Jacob with open arms and love. Forgiveness. In the same way it is never to late to return to the Lord. Forgiveness is always given.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you that no matter what I can always turn back to you because I seek you fully. Please never let me forget this. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Running 2 Fly 