Bible Study:
Genesis Chapters 33
A Picture of the God ‘s Acceptance
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I can only imagine what it’ll be like to see you face-to-face. But I think for a moment terror will paralyze me, and then, as you embrace me, Your perfect peace and love will wash away all fear. Praise, honor, and glory belongs to You, Most High God. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Introduction:
When I entered the courtroom for jury selection, I was shocked to see a man I knew in the defendant’s box.
Lord, please don’t let me be selected for my neighbor’s trial, I prayed. How could I be impartial? I know him too well.
Sure enough, my number was one of the thirty called to be interviewed for selection. I prayed again. One of the first questions asked was: “Do you know this man or have contact with him? If so, please raise your hand and when called upon, approach the bench.”
Although the judge was a very polite man and I knew I had done nothing wrong, I trembled as I stood face-to-face with such an authoritative figure. He had power over me and I respected that. After I explained my relationship with the defendant, the judge dismissed me from the jurors’ box for that case.
The Lesson:
As Esau and his men came near, Jacob trembled and prepared to face his brother. Jacob’s bowing seven times while approaching his brother showed respect and acknowledged Esau as the superior.
1. THE GREETING: Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him. And they both wept. As in the account of the father greeting the prodigal son, this is a beautiful image of God’s welcome to a repentant sinner. (See Luke 15:20).
2. JACOB’S HERITAGE: In our society, we usually consider our possessions our heritage rather than our children. Nevertheless, Jacob presented his family to Esau as the heritage which God had blessed him with. Jesus regards believers as His heritage before the Father. As recorded in the gospel of John, Jesus frequently referred to His disciples as “those whom the Father has given me.” (Examples: John 10:29; 17:2, 6, 24.) The author of Hebrews reveals: For both he that sanctifieth [Jesus Christ] and they who are sanctified [believers] are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me (Hebrews 2:11-13). Solomon also wrote: Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD (Psalm 127:3a). As God considers our children our heritage and part of our heavenly reward, we, too, need to value our descendants. When we consider the implications of this, prayer for our children becomes more essential. It also magnifies our responsibility to nurture and teach them about the LORD.
3. THE PEACE OFFERING: In chapter 32, Jacob sent a large amount of livestock accompanied by his messengers to Esau as a token of peace and as a plea for forgiveness. But the gift could not atone for the transgression. Similarly, in effort to attain forgiveness, many Christians as well as non-believers attempt to appease God through their works only to learn that their works cannot save them. They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) (Psalm 49:6-8)
4. GRACE: Esau said, “I have enough.” (Genesis 33:9). Within that statement, we find Esau implying—“you don’t need to buy my forgiveness, I no longer carry a grudge.” I don’t think it’s presumptuous to say that God had dealt with Esau as well as Jacob in the past twenty years. No human forgives such grave offenses without the LORD’s intervention. At that point, Esau illustrated the grace of God that even Jacob recognized. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). (Ephesians 2:4-5).
5. OFFERING OF GRATITUDE: Jacob persisted in offering his gift to Esau, but changed his reasoning. If Esau had truly forgiven him, Jacob desired to show his gratitude through the fruit of his labor. The work did NOT change, but Jacob’s attitude had. He no longer attempted to buy what could not be redeemed. Instead, he demonstrated his thankfulness and through doing so, proved his humility. Within our Christian walk, we continue to do good works, but not to redeem ourselves, rather as an act of gratitude. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
6. THE ACCEPTED GIFT: As a token of goodwill, Esau accepted Jacob’s gift. This portrays God’s acceptance of our works that we do in gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice. Good works stemming from any other motivation will be burned as wood, hay, and stubble; and we will suffer great loss. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (I Corinthians 3:11-15).
Conclusion and Challenge
Although God desires for us to come to repentance and has established a means of reconciliation, let’s not overlook His judgment. As the above verse indicates, our work will be exposed before the Holy God. Jesus said, “. . .but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28b). This is reverent fear similar to the fear law-abiding citizens feel when approached by a police officer or the nervousness we experience when we approach the judge’s bench.
Reverent fear is a trait many people seem to lack these days. It shows a lack of respect for the law and for the Lawgiver.
Jesus died to enable us to approach the throne of grace boldly. Nevertheless, let us not forget who we are and who He is—boldly approach Him, yes—but in awe and with great respect of His sovereignty and with much gratitude for our salvation.
