But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. (Genesis 33:4)
You ever build yourself up for a bruising having done something really horrible?
If you have not been in that position, you are truly blessed. Although it wasn’t particularly terrible, there were a few … indiscretions that I was a part of. Having conducted them and then finding out my Dad would know, I would be very concerned about what would happen to me when he found out.
I remember one particular occasion I took something that my Mum had expressly said should not be taken because it was being saved for something important. She gave me the Look of Disappointment and informed me that she would have to inform my Dad on his return. Well, you would be hard pressed to see a boy more terrified. She didn’t have to ask me twice to tidy up my bedroom or anything else. I was the most compliant boy in the world all in the hope that maybe it would avert the disaster impending.*
With that in mind, you can understand Jacob’s concerns.
The last time he heard about Esau the threat was clear that just as soon as their Dad was dead, Esau would make sure Jacob would join him in the grave. Jacob was also aware that the grudge was somewhat of his own making with first of all stealing the birthright and then snaffling the blessing.
So the news that Esau and a band of hundreds of men were on the horizon, filled the younger twin with dread that made my boyhood apprehensions appear as light as they really were. You an imagine what a pleasant surprise it was to see his brother rushing to embrace him.
Jacob was concerned about getting the Abel treatment from his older brother. Esau was just glad to see his brother again and see how times have changed for the brother last seen making a beeline for the hills.
The mercies of God can truly be likened to that pleasant surprise. It is not condoning wrong behaviour and it certainly does not say justice should be ignored. No, mercy gives us the platform to be all we can be in the right way. We may not deserve it, we may have deserved something far harsh, but today, thank God that His mercies are fresh for the needs of the day.
* By the way with regard to this episode, when my Dad returned home, he was informed of my mother of what I did. He then asked me to explain myself. I offered no flimsy excuses (for a change) and simply apologised and asked for his forgiveness. On that occasion, for reasons still unknown to me, my Dad told me to make sure I didn’t do it again and that was it.
I was so surprised by this act of mercy I remember the daze I was in after he left the room!
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 