Was it time that healed this wound?

(Genesis 33)

Jacob had been afraid, and he believed he was in trouble.

He had cheated Esau out of his blessing (so it seemed, but Esau had willingly given away his birthright earlier), and Esau had sworn to kill him.

Now, returning home after many years (because God told him to), he was concerned about what Esau might do.

But things did not go as he had expected.

When Esau saw him—

…he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.

Was it time that healed this wound, or had God been working on the hearts of both brothers?

Earlier, while bringing his concern about Esau to God, Jacob had encountered a man (who we now know was an angel of God) that wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.

It was an encounter that marked him significantly—

Because Jacob would not let the man go, he touched Jacob on the hollow of his thigh, and it was out of joint.

Even limping, as a result of this, Jacob would still not let go.

He told the man—

…I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

He held on until the man said—

…Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

After this encounter where he showed what has now been called Holding Faith, Jacob received a blessing from God.

And then, he was face to face with this brother he feared.

But things did not go as he had expected.

Was it time that healed this wound that has festered that whole time, or had God been working in the situation all along?

Esau’s grudge wasn’t unwarranted, in a manner of speaking. Jacob had stolen his birthright and the blessing that came with it. Although he still got a blessing after begging for it with tears, that one incident with the porridge changed the course of his life forever.

But here he was now, embracing this same brother, and bearing witness to God’s grace towards him—

…I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.

The reconciliation was sweet and complete.

This healing has to be more than time could bring about.

For Jacob said—

…I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

We’ve been told that time heals all wounds.

Maybe.

But the healing time brings could never be as whole, complete, and sweet as what God could do when we come to Him.

May I encourage you today to just come?

His promise still stands—

You will find rest for your soul. 

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22 thoughts on “Was it time that healed this wound?”

  1. I love that —> “But the healing time brings could never be as whole, complete, and sweet as what God could do when we come to Him.” So true! I hear people say all the time, “Time heals old wounds.” But God heals them better! Thanks for this thought-provoking post.

    Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!

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  2. I think wounds can gently heal over time but without God’s intervention that healing is superficial. I believe no one can experience true healing and wholeness without the intervention of God. Thanks for posing this question.

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