Make That Call - Flashback

Good morning! Happy Friday!.  Today's power scripture comes from Genesis 33:4:  “⁴ But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” (NKJV)

Today’s scripture text refers to the meeting between two brothers who had been estranged due to deceit, anger and fear.  Jacob had stolen the birthright of his older brother through a conniving scheme cooked up by their mother Rebecca. Once the plot was successful, Esau’s anger grew into a pre-meditated murderous fever.  Jacob left, fleeing for his life.  Now many years later Jacob is returning home and humbly approached his brother hopeful that revenge is still not on the front burner.  To his dismay not only is Esau not intent on killing him, but he is eager to greet him and rekindle the brotherly relationship they once enjoyed. 

In spite of his apprehension and even the report that Esau was accompanied by more than 400 men, Jacob pushed forward to make the reunion a reality.  He knew that it was important in his destiny to return home and reconcile with his brother, no matter the cost.  Consider your own situation. What you are afraid of?  What has you acting apprehensively?   Do you have someone in your family or a close friend who you have avoided because you just did not want to face the unknown of what would happen if you contacted them?  Have you delayed in speaking with people who you were once close to because you have made certain changes in your life of which you believe they would disapprove?  Do you stay away from family gatherings or job outings or church fellowship meetings because you want people to love you the way that you want instead of accepting them for loving you the way that they know how? 

Jacob might not have been totally sure of how he would be received, but he prayed about his decision to return home and he knew that God’s hand was upon him.  You know that God wants there to be harmony amongst his children; therefore any acts of love, reconciliation and forgiveness are surely under his hand of guidance and protection.  You have no need to be afraid.  You just might be surprised that the Esau of your situation is eagerly wishing to see you return.  And if it so happens that you were the one mistreated then take a lesson from Esau and accept willingly and openly those who come back seeking to reconcile.  If you read the text of this initial reunion carefully you will notice that nothing is mentioned about the past, the deceit, or even about forgiveness.  The brothers focused on family and the concerns of the present.  Shallow your pride; kick fear to the curb; pick up the phone and make that call.  Don’t text or email or send a message by carrier pigeon… make it personal - make a call and ask the Holy Spirit to direct your words so that God is glorified, the situation can be rectified and relationships can be fortified. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Have an awesome weekend.  See you on Monday! Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn