My what a week(or two) I had! First a diverticulitis attack that put me in the ER and on my back for almost a week then a bout of Gout, another week off my feet. Pain killers kept me from being able to focus to much on studying go I will try to get back in the swing here.
Today I read Genesis 33. Jacob meets Esau and finds that inhe is happy to see him. Not angry and wanting to kill or harm him as he had thought. In fact Esau doesn't wish to accept the gifts from Jacob, but Jacob insists. Esau wants to accompany Jacob back home but Jacob is skeptical and lingers back when Esau insists on leaving troops to protect Jacob, he still refuses. Jacob is weary of Esau's offer.
In the end Esau went to Seir and Jacob went to Sukkoth. Then the Bible states:
18 After Jacob came from Paddan Aram,[b] he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in Canaan and camped within sight of the city. 19 For a hundred pieces of silver,[c]he bought from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, the plot of ground where he pitched his tent. 20 There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel.[d]
Why didn't Jacob return to his father's land? I feel he was still afraid of Esau. Maybe he felt Esau's welcome was not genuine. So Jacob's deceit is still haunting him. If he hadn't deceived Esau in the first place then he would have no reason to fear his brother.
This rivalry is present till this day between Israel and Islam today. Brother's yet enemy's. It is also present here in our own country among our own families. When we truly learn to Love as God Loves,
Forgive as God Forgives, then we can have true healing. Until then we will have division.
I thank God for His unfailing Love and Forgiveness!
Have a Blessed Week Friends!
Deb B
The Crafting Fool
