Forgiving Jacob

Genesis 26:17-27:46

Matthew 9:1-17

Psalm 10:16-18

Proverbs 3:9-10

What stood out to me today as I read was the story of Jacob deceiving his father and stealing his brother's blessing.

What Jacob did is clearly wrong, he lies and he takes what isn't his, there is no disputing that. But what I find interesting is that even though Jacob was the one to wrong his brother, Esau is the one whom we know goes on to live a hard and troublesome life.

And maybe you could say it's because of what Isaac spoke over him that his life became so miserable...but really I think it's because Esau wasn't able to forgive his brother.

His brother wronged him and Esau couldn't let it go, he allowed it to fester and grow. He allowed himself to hate his brother and he even plotted to kill his brother. This is also clearly wrong, but more than that it hurts Esau more than it hurts Jacob.

It reminded me of grievances I carry...I think I am justified because I have been wrong. I hold them in my heart and repeatedly run the arguments through my head and think up "what should have happened." And all the while I'm only hurting myself, and the future of these relationships.

It's not necessarily those who wrong you who suffer, because if you are not able to forgive, you will suffer.

Lord, teach me to forgive. Help me let go.

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Tomorrow:

Genesis 28:1-29:35

Matthew 9:18-38

Psalm 11:1-7

Proverbs 3:11-12