But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.
-Genesis 33:4
To understand this passage we need to get a clear look at what is going on here. What Jacob was fearful would happen and what actually occurred are extremely different. He was afraid that Esau would exact vengeance upon him for stealing the birthright all those years earlier. But that is not what happened at all. In fact, the complete opposite took place. The Bible says that when Esau saw Jacob that he ran to him, threw his arms around him, embraced him, and wept with joy. It says that Jacob was weeping also. Esau had many years to think about what had happened between him and his brother. Somehow he had gotten over all of the vengeful feelings he had harbored so long ago. When he saw his little brother all he could think about was how much he had missed him. What a wonderful situation this turned out to be.
What Jacob had thought would be a fearful reunion had turned out to be a tearful reunion. Both men, overcome with emotion, embraced one another and wept. What a beautiful picture of love, joy, grace, and forgiveness. Wouldn’t we be missing something if we failed to point out the powerful spiritual application in this event? Indeed we would.
- Jacob expected wrath, but found forgiveness
- Jacob expected anger, but he found tenderness
- Jacob expected vengeance, but he found grace
The same holds true with us when we come to the Lord Jesus Christ. I deserved His wrath, but what I received was grace. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. This grace is available to all who will trust in the Lord. No one will be excluded or turned away. Open your heart and trust Christ today.
