Ascending Together

There’s something about bad behavior that comes full circle.  People who are dishonest are often more fearful that others will steal from them.  Spouses who engage in adultery are less likely to trust their mates even when they are innocent of any wrongdoing.  We may in fact judge people by our own standards.  If we haven’t lived up to them to a high degree, do we believe that all people are equally deficient?

Within our series, God and the Messy Family, we have come full circle with Jacob and Esau in this Sunday’s passage from Genesis 33:1-17.  When Jacob last heard from his brother, Esau was not looking for a hug.  Twenty years had now passed.  Jacob was older and wiser and maybe repentant.

He sends gifts ahead to Esau – are these an apology or is he only trying to save his own skin?

In the interest of avoiding the trap I wrote about at the beginning, I will give Jacob the benefit of the doubt and assume he is honestly seeking to make amends!

It seems that Esau has forgiven his brother. 

And yet, Jacob has difficulty trusting him.  He sends Esau (and his men) on ahead and then settles elsewhere.  It may be the doubt he has for Esau stems from his own double-dealing behavior.  What does it mean for us to accept the grace offered -whether from a family member or from God?  And how do we overcome our reluctance to see ourselves in a better light? 

Join us for worship in the sanctuary where I’ll be preaching the sermon entitled, “O Brother Who Art Thou?”  We will be engaging in Vacation Bible School in the days following and I’m looking forward to playing Joseph, son of Jacob for story time each evening.  I always enjoy my interactions with our children so help spread the word!  And even if you don’t have younger kids, there are classes for adults as well!

If you missed last Sunday’s sermon, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/friHI6oBjns.