Gen. 33

We would like to think that all of life’s situations have happy endings.  I would suggest that for the believer in Christ they do, in fact, have happy endings.  Of course that statement must be followed with an explanation.

What is a happy ending?  Better, what is happiness?  When one reads the beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-10) he is reading Jesus’ formula for happiness.  He says what seem to be contradictory ideas.  “Blessed are they that mourn.”  “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.”  Jesus makes it clear that happiness is not having things go perfectly according to “our” plan.  Happiness is not a “fairy tale” ending to every story.  We are happy when we come to find our deepest satisfaction in trusting God.

Have you ever had a situation like Jacob’s?  I must confess that I have had them often.  I was fearful or pressured about some task or relationship, to the point where I was miserable.  But then at some point I came to wrestle with God, to plead with Him for a blessing, a solution, an answer.  When the critical moment came I found it not to be fearful as had been anticipated.  And quite often it was because the situation or person was not what I had expected them to be.  The result was an unimaginable joy, expressing itself in deep gratitude to the One I knew had been working in all things.

Do you see the humor in this chapter?  First we see Jacob feverishly seeking to take care of the problem with Esau.  He divides the group, sending Leah first with her children (thanks again, Jacob).  Then Rachel advanced with her children.  And then came Jacob, bowing 7 times before his brother in hopes there will be peace.  But Esau jumped down from his camel and ran to embrace his brother.  Perhaps he had to wait for the last bow or two.  How funny.  Joyfully funny!  When God is at work we will have those kinds of situations.  Even if our situation is not resolved, God will work in such a way that we have a peace and joy that passes understanding.

Jacob’s bribe now becomes a gift.  Perhaps he is too proud to take back what he offered, insisting that Esau take what he doesn’t want or need.  Jacob is also unwilling to accept Esau’s offer of protection.  So Jacob goes as far as Succoth, and then shortly after crosses the Jordan and settles near Shechem. 

Shechem will have tragic consequences, but initially it reveals where Jacob has come in his relationship with God.  He erects an altar and gives God a name: El Elohe Israel, God the God of Israel.  When God blessed Jacob He did it with a new name, Israel.  Jacob acknowledges that God has blessed him as a “new man”.  

Has God answered prayer in your life?  Has He blessed you?  How have you thanked Him?  Have you been willing to go public with your praise?  Every time we experience His peace and joy is an opportunity to bless the Lord!