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—
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—
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—
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!
Great read. Like the linked passages. Yes, I believe bringing our hurts to God helps us heel more than time ever could. With time we can believe we are heeled while the pain may only be dulled. God has to be in it.
Your Inspire Me Monday neighbor.
Exactly! God has to be in it. Thanks for visiting, Suzette. Many blessings to you!
He does!! Thanks for visiting, Patsy. Many blessings to you!
I definitely have a limp – I’ve wrestled with God more than a few times!!!
And faith that has grown through that time, I believe! Thanks for visiting, Susan. Many blessings to you!
I agree. Only God can truly heal. Visiting you from the tell his story link up. laurensparks.net
Only He can! Thanks for visiting, Lauren. Many blessings to you!
Forgiving and even blessing people who do not deserve to be forgiven is God’s command for us. It’s not always easy.
True, Laurie, but with God’s help we can do it well! Thanks for visiting. Many blessings to you!
Only God enables us to forgive as He forgave us. This is such a beautiful illustration of mercy!
Blessings,
Tammy
Amen! Only God! Thanks for visiting, Tammy. Many blessings to you!
Pondering all this. I think time is necessary for wounds to heal, but I also think it depends on what we do with the time…
So true, Michele. What we do with the time matters a lot. Thanks for visiting. Many blessings to you!
I have always loved that verse when Jacob sees Esau and its like seeing the face of God. That is a complete picture of restoration and reconciliation.
It is! And that verse is just beautiful! Thanks for visiting, Nylse. Many blessings to you?
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.
True, Michele, only God’s intervention can make it complete. Thanks for visiting. Many blessings to you!
Very good thoughts. Time doesn’t heal, in fact, sometimes it festers a wound. Only God truly heals.
Thanks for coming by the LEgacy linkup and sharing with us!
Amen!! Thanks for visiting, Mandy. Many blessings to you!
In my experience, time can dull but not heal.
So true, Lauren! Thanks for visiting. Many blessings to you!