March 26, 2021 | Genesis 32

Read Genesis 32

Scripture- Genesis 32:19-20-  He also instructed the second, the third and all the others who followed the herds: “You are to say the same thing to Esau when you meet him. And be sure to say, ‘Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.’” For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.” 

Observation- Jacob knew that he had wronged Esau. He figured that the only way to get Esau to accept him was to offer him gift after gift after gift. That was the only thing he could think of to pacify Esau’s anger. 

Application- I see that same mindset in my own relationships. When I hurt someone or I mess up, I generally think that the only way I can pacify someone’s anger or disappointment is by offering something to make up for what I did. I can even bring that same mindset into my relationship with God. When I know that I’ve sinned, I think I have to pacify him with doing better, living holier, or being in church more. The list can go on and on. The truth is, I can’t bring anything to him to pacify his anger over sin. There’s only one who can: Jesus. Through his death and resurrection, God’s anger over sin has been pacified. As the hymn goes, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” Today, God receives me because of grace. 

Prayer- Jesus, thank you for pacifying God’s anger over my sin. Because of you, I can approach God confidently, clinging to your cross, and there find grace and mercy. Let me cling to your cross today knowing through that I have acceptance. Amen.