Seeing the Face of God When We Reconcile – Beloved Women – December 6, 2023
READ: “And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good.” (Genesis 32:9 ESV)
TODAY'S ENCOURAGEMENT: Jacob experienced desperation when it was time to reconcile with his twin Esau. Esau and Jacob were brothers who grew up in the same household, yet their relationship was defined by deceit, distrust, but ultimately reconciliation. The scripture portrays their relationship through Jacob's eyes – the one who deceived, the one who fled, the one who was in deep distress, the one who wrestled, and the one who initiated the reconciliation.
Reconciliation and restoration often involve prayer and wrestling.
Before meeting Esau for the first time in twenty years, Jacob prayed. When Jacob prays, he remembers God's promises to him, acknowledging that he has to go through the valley of his meeting with Esau to get to God's promise for him.
When they finally meet, Esau runs to meet him, embraces him, and weeps. Esau's desire to kill his twin brother is gone, so much so that after hugging, Jacob said, "If I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me.” (Genesis 33:10 ESV)
May we see the face of God before we reconcile. His face will change our perspective, and like Jacob, we can look at our estranged relationships and see God's face in the estranged.
PRAY: Heavenly Father, I'm here in this space hurting because of estrangement. Forgive me for any part I played in this broken relationship. Change my heart, O Lord, and make it ever new. As Your child, we have a ministry of reconciliation. So Lord, provide a space for grace where You can intervene and relationships can be restored. In Jesus' name, Amen.
REFLECT: Who do you need to reconcile with today? Can you start by praying as Jacob did for your reconciliation?
CONNECT: Find more encouragement from Nylse Esahc at www.lifenotesencouragement.com.
© 2020 by Nylse Esahc. All rights reserved.
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