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I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

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6.21.2010

Gensis 33

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+33&version=NIV

Here's a bit better side to both Jacob, and especially Esau. Everything about their relationship as brothers has been tense, filled with manipulation, self-centered, deceitful, and has led to their estrangement from each other for about 20 years!

Jacob, having wrestled with God (ch. 32), an answer to his earlier prayer, now faces his brother, from whom he had stolen both birthright and blessing. He expects Esau has kindled rage toward him, and makes his own preparations.

But Jacob is surprised by his brother's actions, and there is some surprise in Esau over Jacob as well.

Reflections, questions, applications...

Have a great day!

Prayers,
Matt
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3 comments:

  1. DocJune 22, 2010 at 7:06 AM

    This is the first or one of the first times we see " if I have found favor in your eyes " ..........
    repeated many times more in the OT .
    I guess folks were concerned with being people pleasers even back then .

    I wonder if I would send my wife and kids on ahead of me if I expected my brother to kill me .

    Why would Esau want to leave some men behind ?

    ReplyDelete
  2. AndyJune 23, 2010 at 2:11 PM

    I love a happy ending! Or at least a good reconciliation :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. MattJune 28, 2010 at 11:02 AM

    20 years have gone by since Jacob and Esau last met. A few thoughts from this chapter that deserves a book.

    1. Chapter 32 reminds us that God deals with us in a way that is also meant to change how we deal with each other.
    2. Jocob bowed 7 times to his brothers but was meant to be the one to whom they bowed, if he had carried God's promises with more integrity (27:28-9).
    3. Tough men can be reduced to tears and clear the air if they would just get face to face and allow a little bit of humility to enter in.
    4. Though Jacob sends family out ahead of him, he ultimately goes first, limp and all.
    5. I cheered when Esau said, 'I have enough.'
    6. This all ended up truly costing Jacab.
    7. Seeing the face of God (chapter 32) can help us see the face of God in our relationships (chapter 33).
    8. Jacob still seems to have trouble letting go of the 'old Jacob' and living as the 'new Israel.'

    ReplyDelete

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