Jacob & Esau Reunited

Published Dec 2, 2024, 10:00 AM

# 42 - Jacob & Esau Reunited - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein we explore a powerful story of reconciliation, where years of betrayal and fear give way to forgiveness, healing, and restored relationships. This episode reveals timeless lessons on grace, courage, and the transformative power of God's love in mending what is broken.

Episode 42 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Genesis.

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For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.

Show Notes;

(01:55) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(03:16) Jacob & Esau Reunited

(15:08) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

Previously on the Chosen People. I have not seen my brother in a long time.

I will go to him.

You will go to him. I'm not sure that's necessary. He's merely going to pass through and only wishes to have peace between the two of you.

I go, I go now.

He so gestured to a few of his men.

Bring four hundred men. What did you do to this man to make him hate you so much? I wanted more. I was willing to do whatever it took to get it. Now I have it, and I fear it will be taken from me. If we are to survive his side, we must seek God most High. I'll return shortly.

In the distance, through the mist, Jacob saw a trail lit by hundreds of torches.

He saw, will be here by Dalla. What will I do?

As Jacob considered these things, he felt a shift in the air. Someone was there with him. He turned and saw a figure walking toward him through the twilight haze.

He saw, Ah, is that you?

Jacob knew what he had to do. He felt sure that he had to wrestle with God himself and prevail. The two men converged, bodies clashing into each other like colliding waves. In a storm.

Let me go.

The day has broken.

The man tugged his leg away, but Jacob refused to let go.

Please, please bless me. I won't let you go until you bless me.

Your name shall no longer be Jacob, shall be called Israel, for you have struggled with God and.

Have prevailed.

In the shadows past betrayals. Can two brothers find the light of reconciliation? Shallo, my friends from here in the Holy Land of Israel. I'm l Extein with International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and welcome to the Chosen People.

Have you been.

Impacted by this podcast? We'd love it if you could leave us a review. We read all of them and they help us gain a better understanding of who we're reaching. And if you're interested in learning more about the countless lives being helped here in Israel by my work at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, you can visit IFCJ dot com. We are on the forefront of helping bring biblical prophecy to fruition and helping to save lives. Now let's begin. Have you ever feared meeting someone from your past? Genesis thirty three tells us such a story, one dripping with tension and redemption. Two brothers torn apart by betrayal stand on the precipice of reunion. Jacob and Esau names that echo through the ages. But this isn't just an ancient story. No, this is our story. It's a story of reconciliation, of courage, and effacing the broken places within ourselves.

Every step stung, pain shot down Jacob's leg as he hobbled down to the valley. Each step, although painful, reminded him of his victory. With that victory in mind, Jacob descended to meet his brother. Jacob turned to Rachel and the rest of his family, eyes moistening with anxiety and hope.

Remember to stay behind me, at least a few yards away. Do not come unless I beckon you. And what do we do if he attacks? Flee for your lives. Back to Laban the camel should be able to outrun his men.

They marched together, her family built on life, eyes, deception, disguises, and stolen promises. But perhaps maybe God would go before them. Perhaps God would move the heart of Esau to show mercy. Esau's company finally materialized. Jacob squinted to see against the sun's piercing glow. Esaw marched with the same bear like stride he had always walked with. His hairy, broad barreled chest flexed with every breath as he quickened his pace.

He's seen us.

Jacob called out to his family behind him and gave them the signal to cease. Jacob's hip ached, but he quickened his pace toward his brother. Esau matched his speed, transitioning from a march to a stride. He was still large. His muscular frame shook the ground as he ran. Jacob's pace turned to a sprint. When he was only a few paces from his brother, Jacob slid onto the ground, fell on to his face.

And bowed, have mercy on me. Brother.

Jacob looked up. Esau didn't soften his footsteps. He continued to run with determined force.

He isn't relenting.

This might be the end.

Then, to Jacob's dismay, Esau slid into the dirt and wrapped his brother up in his thick, furry arms.

I've missed you, brother.

Esau, squeezed the breath out of Jacob.

Youugh, you what.

You missed me?

I missed you or my brother?

And I missed you.

Jacob couldn't help but laugh under the crushing weight of his brother's embrace. Slowly, with strained and weak arms from hours of wrestling, Jacob returned to his brother's embrace, and that's when it happened. The damn broke. For years, Jacob held the weight of his guilt for what he did to Esau. Jacob cherished his birthright and bless him, but he knew he cheated to get it. But now that he had wrestled with God, he was a changed man. Tears rolled down Jacob's face. The two of them wept in each other's eyes for a long while, content to let sobs fill the silence. Esau held Jacob's shoulders and looked him up and down. He placed a hand on Jacob's face and laughed.

You finally grown a beer. Well, you had taken all the hair and had to travel to find some Uncle Laban probably had floodin despair. Yes, good one, dear brother.

They laughed and wiped their faces. Esau looked behind Jacob's shoulders. Leah and Rachel stood a few paces away, with their children behind them.

Who are these with you?

My family? Rachel?

Leah, come on, over.

Jacob gestured for them all to come over. They dismounted their camels and carefully padded toward them. Jacob waved his hand to reassure them everything was all right.

These are my children. God has been gracious to me. Yes, very very blessed. Blessed indeed, brother, and I sent gifts to share in that blessing.

Why are the gifts, Jacob?

To find favor in your sight? Brother, I have enough keep it no. Seeing your face is like seeing the face of God. You've accepted me when you could have killed me.

Accept my blessing.

Those were the words that Jacob needed to say, and Esau needed to hear. Jacob needed to give a blessing, and Esau needed to receive one. It was a beautiful moment of redemption, one that would have never been possible if Esau hadn't quieted his need for revenge. An eye for an eye would have given him a moment of satisfaction, but robbed him of the joy he had with his brother.

Brother, come to my village, stay with me.

We journey together.

Jacob saw the excitement in his brother's eyes. There was a childlike glee and innocence contrasted with his manly and tough frame. Jacob sighed. He wanted to say yes, but knew he couldn't. He was on a mission to Canaan and his family couldn't endure the travel back to Esau's land. He had to move forward, not backward, especially after everything they had endured. His family deserved to step into Bethel.

Many of my children are very young and unable to travel at your pace. There are many nursing flocks and herds under my care as well. If I drive them too hard, they won't make it.

Jacob paused. Even after receiving a new name, Israel, some old habits died hard. The scoundrel within him that played loose with the truth took over, and he told another lie to his brother.

You go on ahead, go at the pace that suits you, and we will pay slowly behind until we meet you and see her.

Esau's grin softened, but the innocence in his eyes remained. With a warm squeeze of Jacob's shoulders, Esau.

Replied, some of my men will stay.

They help and protect.

Oh, dear brother, there's no need. I've found enough favor in your sight.

Okay, brother, I will.

Go Esau embraced Jacob again, squeezing a few laughs out of him before turning to depart. As he left, Leah approached from behind.

We aren't going to see her, are we?

No, we are not. What a shame.

It would have been nice to meet the twin who took all the good nature.

The words stun but they were true. Jacob shook his head, ashamed that even after wrestling God and having his life saved, he still couldn't seem to shake his nature. Just then everything narrowed. Jacob heard the familiar voice of his God.

Go to the land I have given you the place where I met you before return Israel to Bethel.

Jacob led his caravan in the direction of Bethel, but paranoia nagged at him.

You I have enough to dwell in Bethel and isolated from other clams and trade. What if we fall on hard times?

God had clearly told Jacob to go to Bethel, but Jacob wondered if he could delay his obedience a little longer. He turned to his men and gave the command.

Men set the course for suckof Why are we going there? Did God not tell you to go to Bethel? God wants us to thrive in Bethel. I can't go there until I know we've amassed enough wealth. Suckoth will be good for trade and partnerships. There's a city there, sketch him. I think it will be good for us, as you say.

Jacob's people settled there and built booths for their livestock. Jacob intended to sell some of his herd and use the wealth to purchase more farming tools. If Canaan was going to be his permanent home, he needed to figure out how to farm sustainably. It didn't take long for the city of Shechem to take notice. Pymore, the city's chief, came galloping with his sons behind him. He wanted to survey Jacob's wealth to determine if he was a threat or not. Hamol was a white jawed man with eyes too close together. His sons were all tall, thin framed, and pompous looking. Jacob wasn't impressed or threatened. Haymore dismounted and greeted Jacob with a smile. His gray beard opened to a grotesque mouth moistened by fermented goat's milk and wine.

It would seem a small kingdom has wandered into my land.

Who are you and what's your business?

I am Jacob, son of Isaac and Abraham. I've come to settle here on the outskirts of your city for a time. I don't come empty handed, as you can see, I have flocks to barter and wool to sell.

It's been a while since the city saw such a large household enter at once. I have no doubt your presence will be beneficial, but there's still a matter of the price to pitch your tent on my land?

Is the commerce I bring to your city?

Not enough? You speaking hypotheticals.

We don't know your value yet, son of Isaac and Abraham, whoever they are.

Jacob turned back to his family. His eldest sons, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah stood behind him. They were sizing up the sons of Hamour, hitching for conflict. Jacob was done fighting. He wanted ease and peace. He turned back to Hamore and extended his hand.

Name your price, one hundred pieces of silver upfront for the land, And if you don't prove yourself to be good for our people, then I'll have my sons come to shake more out of you.

That would be unwise Jacob gestured to his sons behind him. Haymour's sons puffed out their chests.

I don't want trouble, and I promise that whoever blesses me will himself health be blessed.

We'll see about that son of Iglick, Admiral. I can't remember.

Isaac and Abraham, my Lord Haymour, I pray you will remember when your city is more prosperous due to our presence.

Haymoor rolled his eyes and gesture to his eldest son.

This is my oldest Shechem. He'll be back to collect your rank. I suggest trading him to a meal every now and again when he visits.

He's named after the city.

And he will all be his one day, so you best be good to him.

Shechem flashed a mocking smile. Jacob could feel his son's tensing at the sight of him. Hamer and his sons rode off. Jacob turned, looking at his family's bulking glass. Jacob wagged a finger and spoke to his boys.

Give that man no reason to hate us, do you hear me?

They nodded and left. Jacob sighed as he watched them go. He knew he shouldn't be here, yet fear kept him from moving forward. It would be his undoing.

After years of running, after years of wrestling, not just with one another, but with themselves, with the past and with God. After all these years, they finally meet Jacob and Esau, these two brothers with a history of betrayal, anger and separation. And what happens not what we might expect, not bitterness or vengeance or retribution, but forgiveness and embrace tears. It's staggering, isn't it to see such fear and anger give way to love and mercy In a world where conflict seems never ending, where division is the order of the day. Bible story is so refreshing, and it's a story that makes me look in my own life at the grudges I hold, at the people I avoid, and I wonder, I ask myself, could I find the strength to embrace my enemy? Could I let go of the past with a heart that's actually wide open? It makes me long for that kind of healing, for that kind of transformation, to see the face of someone I'm afraid to face and say, as Jacob did, quote, seeing your face is like seeing the face of God.

End quote.

What would our world look like if we lived out this story? What would it look like if we met the people that we've wronged and the people who have wronged us with open arms instead of clenched fists. In the Anction story, I personally find hope, hope for reconciliation. That hope begins early in this story. Verse four is one I've always found very dramatic.

Quote.

But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him. He threw his arms around his neck and kissed him, and they wept end quote. Can you imagine that? What a moment Esau, who had given his brother Jacob so much pain and so much grief, dissolfs into tears. But you might ask, was Esau sincere? Had he really repented of his evil ways? Samson refetel Hersh, a great rabbi in nineteenth century Germany, had something so beautiful to say about this. He said, quote, one cannot cry unless one is genuinely moved, because tears to flow from one's innermost feelings end quote. He explained that Esau's tears and his embrace proved that he was more than a selfish, violent hunter. It showed that esau also came from Abraham and was capable of putting aside his feelings of hatred in favor of love. Maybe all of us today, in our evil, broken, dark world can find optimism in this teaching. If Esau can break into tears as he embraces his brother Jacob, maybe the evil doers in our own world can learn to regret their evil deeds and their evil ways. Maybe they too can learn to feel compassion. This story also makes me think of words of another one of our rabbis here in the Holy Land, way back in the first century. Simon Benzoma asked the question here in Israel many many, many many years ago, who is rich? And he answered it with most profound, spiritually attune, and connected answer, he who is happy with his lot. What I hear him saying is that it's not how much someone has that makes them wealthy or not, it's the joy that they find in what they have. There are those with abundant wealth who live in poverty, never satisfied, always wanting more. But then there are those of modest means who live in joy, who don't feel like they lack anything. And we see this in today's episode. Jacob and Esau stranged brothers meet after long years. Jacob, the father of our nation, sends a lavish gift to Esau over five hundred animals. That was a gesture of peace. An Esa, wealthy in the eyes of the world, says, quote, I already have plenty, my brother. End quote. Now listen to Jacob's words. Urging Esa to accept, he says, quote, for God has been gracious to me, and I have all I need end quote In Hebrew. The way he said this was yesh li kole, which means I have everything. Esau's wealth lay in the quantity of riches he possessed. He had plenty, but there was always room for more. But Jacob saw his wealth as divine provision. Jacob's wealth, hmm. It met his needs because it was given to him by God. I have everything, he said, and he meant it. He meant it because he lacked nothing. And isn't that kind of the same for us. Don't you feel that, even though if you would like or want more, that God gives us exactly what we need, and he provides so that we can fulfill His will in this world. My prayer, my friend, is that we all learn to be happy with our lot, and content with what we've got, with what God has given us, sink back to the garden. Adam and Eve hiding from God, the first rupture in human relationship with the divine, or to Caine, enable the tragic tale of brother against brother ending in bloodshed. But here in Genesis thirty three, we see a very different path. Jacob and Esau, who one seemed destined to follow that same destructive pattern, break the cycle. And I have to ask why why would Esa, who had every reason to hold a grudge, run to meet Jacob, embracing him with tears and joy. Well, because this is the story of God's chosen people, a story where reconciliation isn't just possible, but central to God's plan. Here, this ancient narrative shows us that healing isn't just a distant dream, but a very real and very attainable possibility. In Jacob and Esau, we begin to see God's plan revealed to mend what is broken, to heal what is hurt. It began in the garden, was marred by sin, but is always moving forward towards reconciliation and restoration. So what do we do with this Bible story? Well, let's be inspired to seek forgiveness and let's offer it freely. God's grace empowers us to heal and restore broken relationships. Think about those relationships in your life, the one is marked by tension, by silence, by pain. Identify them, name them, and then take steps to try to repair them. Do the brave thing, do the godly thing, reach out, seek forgiveness, offer forgiveness. How do we do that? We have to trust in God's healing power to restore and to renew. It's not just about them, it's not just about you.

It's about us.

It's about living out the story the destiny of God's chosen people. And it's the story of reconciliation. It's a story of grace. And yes, it's a story of blessing. And so I bless you this final blessing on you and your life and on everyone you love. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you. May he be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.

Amen.

You can listen to the Chosen People with you. Isle Eckstein add free by downloading and subscribing to the Pray dot Com app today. This Prey dot Com production is only made possible by our dedicated tea of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, Edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Bree Rosalie and Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review,

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