Podcast Introduction

Our reading today is Genesis 32-35, and I’m calling the episode “Wrestling With God." 

Comments on Genesis 32-35

Jacob is again the main character in today’s reading. I’m sure you remember what we have already learned about him, the kind of man he was. What is the meaning of his name? Right. Deceiver, supplanter. He was a liar, a manipulator, a con man. He was the younger of twin sons (Esau was his older brother), but he conned the rights of the first born from Esau. Then he conned their father, Isaac’s blessing, away from Esau. It’s no wonder that Jacob was afraid to meet Esau and his army of 400 men. He figured Esau was going to kill him. 

But of course, that is not what happened. When they met, Jacob bowed to the ground seven times, and “Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around (Jacob’s) neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.” 

And then, a little later, after Esau told Jacob that he didn’t need the gifts that Jacob wanted to give him, Jacob says,”“No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!”

It is like seeing the face of God. Now, if you or I said that, we would be saying it mostly as hyperbole, because I know I have not yet seen God’s face, and I’m guessing you haven’t either. But Jacob HAD seen God’s face just the night before! Jacob actually wrestled with God, and he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.”

And what did Jacob see in God’s face, beloved? He saw forgiveness. He saw love. Despite his past sins, God blessed Jacob there in that place that Jacob named Peniel.

And so when he received forgiveness and love from his older bother, Esau, and he looked at Esau’s tear-stained face, it truly was like seeing the face of God.

Beloved, Luke 15:7 tells us that “there is … joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God”. It is in God’s character to forgive, it is not the exception. This is the Good News that we should be shouting from the rooftops. God wants to forgive the sinner, if he or she will only turn from their sins and ask Jesus to forgive them and become their Savior and their Lord.

Young or old, rich or poor, Jesus will meet you where you are. As Esau ran to meet Jacob, Jesus will run to meet you. This truly is the Good News. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 32-33 NIV, Ch. 34-35 WEB

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