I love when Jacob and Esau reunite. When Jacob and Esau were last together, Jacob was stealing Esau’s blessing. His mother and he were following a plan of deception with included wearing clothing to disguise the truth, and cooking food to carry out the bad intentions. Yes, it was all a part of the youngest son ruling the oldest, as was spoken before these men grew to this point; however, the deception was present and emotions were high. Esau wanted to kill Jacob.
Jacob was fearful of Esau and took off for another area directed by his mother. When Esau was nearby, Jacob separated his family into sections and sent forth a large gift. Esau doesn’t seem angry at all. He doesn’t seem like the same Esau who threatened Jacob’s life. Instead he comes forward with a smile and an embrace. Jacob says that Esau’s smile “is like seeing the face of God!”
Wow. The face of God. Esau’s smile was like the face of God because it was grace-filled. It was compassionate and merciful. Esau did not approach wanting the vengeance he once desired. He came with forgiveness. When people see you today, will they say it is “like seeing the face of God” or something very different? Remember, we are to bring Jesus everywhere we go—forgiveness, love, mercy, grace, compassion, humility—everywhere we go.
“But Jacob insisted, ‘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!’” – Genesis 33:10 [NLT]
Tania Gutekunst 