OCTOBER 31, Genesis 33:1-5, 35:1-3  

At this stage of his life, Jacob had a large family. He had also built up his wealth. It was time for him to take his family and leave Laban to head back home. The dreaded time had come for him to face his brother Esau whom Jacob had tricked out of his birthright.

Esau came with his 400 men. He must have remembered his father’s words – “ Thou shalt serve thy brother.” Was his brother coming back to fight him? He must be prepared. But Jacob thought otherwise. He was fearful that Esau would still be angry with him. He must divide his family in case there is trouble. Seeing his brother from a distance, Jacob bowed to the ground seven times. And his entire family also bowed. Now Esau could see that Jacob had not come to fight. In fact, Esau was touched by Jacob’s humility. He hugged Jacob and kissed him. Jacob introduced his family, recounting God’s goodness in giving him all those children. It was a happy reunion for the two brothers.

Jacob bought some land in Shechem in the land of Canaan to settle down with his family. After living there for ten years, the Lord reminded Jacob of his promise that if the Lord led him back safely, he would go to Bethel and sacrifice. So he did. He made his family give him all the idols they may have had, and he buried them under an oak tree. At Bethel, Jacob sacrificed to God on an altar. God gave His promise again. Jacob’s name would be Israel, and he would become a great nation, and kings would come from him – in particular – the King of Kings (our Lord Jesus Christ).

Rachel had another baby at Jacob’s old age and Jacob loved this child dearly. He called him Benjamin, meaning “son of my right hand”. Now Jacob had 12 sons. Jacob also reunited with his father Isaac before he died.

Jacob had his ups and downs in his life. He was not without sin, but at times he was a man of great faith. We, too, are not sinless. No one is sinless, except Jesus Christ. And we, like Jacob, can sometimes go back to our old “self ” to commit the sins we should not. May we learn not to do so but to rely on God, and not to do things our way.

Thought: Live our life the way God wants us to!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have been so gracious and kind. I thank You that out of Your mercy You have blessed me and I praise and thank You. May I live my life in a way that will please You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.