The Face of God

"But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept."

(Genesis 33:4)

Jacob was "the Trickster."  From the moment he was born, he was grabbing the heel of his (just seconds older) twin brother, Esau.  He tricked his father and grabbed his brother's birthright years later.  In fact, that incident forced him to flee for his life - his mother feared Esau would kill him!

Twenty years later, Jacob is finally ready to return home.  He now has 13 children by 4 different women (whom all still live together, 2 of them are wives, 2 servants given by their respective wives).... and countless sheep, cattle, and other animals.  But he's also completely terrified that his brother still might want to kill him.  In fact, he's willing to sacrifice half of his possessions if that will spare the rest.  On top of it all, Jacob prays to God for the very first time on record in Genesis... asking for safety & protection.

In the end, Esau proved to be the "bigger brother."  He overcame past hurts & grievances.  He was able to forgive & embrace Jacob.  It blew Jacob away!  Seriously.  "For truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God," says the Trickster (and I don't think he was fooling!).

When we forgive, we reflect God's face.  When we allow God to heal our past hurts and betrayals, we bring healing & reconciliation to others.  What a gift.