In Genesis 33:3-4, Jacob, when approaching Esau, bowed down to the ground seven times. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him and they both wept.
After the horrific genocide in 1994, Rwanda focused heavily on national reconciliation.
The Gacaca Courts, a system of community-based justice, allowed perpetrators of the genocide to confess their crimes and ask for forgiveness, while victims could voice their suffering. The emphasis on unity and a shared vision for rebuilding the country contributed to Rwanda’s remarkable recovery and the avoidance of further ethnic conflict. Although there are ongoing challenges, the national narrative of “unity and reconciliation” has continued to play a central role in Rwanda’s politics and society.
In our quoted scripture, Jacob had lived for years under the shadow of a broken relationship with his brother, Esau. Their past was filled with deceit, betrayal, and conflict. Having stolen Esau’s birth right and blessing, the resultant rift was so deep that Esau had vowed to kill Jacob. After years of separation, Jacob now had to face Esau, but with trepidation and fear of retribution. However, what ensued was a stunning picture of grace and a lasting reconciliation, with no record of relapse into hostilities.
Their reconciliation must have been mutual. That “… Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept” showed his willingness to forgive Jacob and let go of his anger and bitterness, and the pain of the past – a rare display of grace. On the other hand, Jacob exemplifies a posture of humility. His bowing before Esau, offering gifts of homage, and acknowledging his wrongs demonstrate the humility required for true reconciliation.
We are called to the same grace and reconciliation that Jacob and Esau experienced. Perhaps there are areas where we need to humble ourselves and seek forgiveness. We are called to extend grace, even when the hurt is deep.
Note this: God is just and so anytime we are cheated and hurt, He sees and ensures that we are not made worse off after going through a pain. He surely would restore and make us great after our pain. Unfortunately when the pain is lifted and we are well to do, we still do not forget about the past. We try to either maintain strained relations under the guise of being careful, even when those who hurt us come wanting to make peace . Let’s learn from Esau, for, reconciliation draws the curtains on a dark past and opens a door for a brighter future. The Lord help us.
Source: newsthemegh.com