We can Make Peace with Others

What is peace?

We've gotten to learn a lot about Abraham's family in the last few weeks. The last time we heard about Abraham's grandson, Jacob, he was all alone in the wilderness and he had a crazy dream.

Jacob and Esau had a rough relationship. Jacob stole Esau's birthright, which was a blessing for his future. Esau was so angry about this that Jacob actually felt like he had to run away from home.

Now, years had passed. They had both gotten married and had families of their own. Jacob came into Canaan and remembered his brother, so he sent his servants ahead to ask Esau. heard that Esau wanted to see him face to face. This made Jacob afraid.In the dream Jacob had before, God had promised to Jacob that he would always be a part of God's family.

Prayer helps us remember that we need God.

Hear what he says: Genesis 32:9-12

Genesis 32:9–12 (CSB)

Then Jacob said, “God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Go back to your land and to your family, and I will cause you to prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. Indeed, I crossed over the Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps. Please rescue me from my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children. You have said, ‘I will cause you to prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to be counted.’ ”

Jacob was reminding himself of God's promises even though he was very afraid of what would happen when he would have to meet up with his brother.

(What Jacob do?)

Jacob prays … This is the first prayer recorded in the entire Bible

What does He pray for ? He is first asking God for help. Secondly, he reminds God of his promises. Finally, Jacob asks God to keep his promises.

When we are afraid we can ask God for help, when we are angry we can talk to God, and when we are confused ,and we can talk to God because it reminds us that He is in control.

Prayer helps us remember that we need to trust God and his promises!

We find his promises in His word.

Jacob PRAYS and after that, he sent a bunch of gifts ahead with his messengers to try to see if they would help Esau forgive him.

But something happened, it was night time and when Jacob sent all of his family and his children to go meet Esau, Someone came to meet Jacob! A man came out of nowhere and started to wrestle with Jacob.

Jacob kept gettingThe man him until sunrise!!

The man was wrestling with Jacob, but then He hits Jacob's hip and it moved out of place. Jacob is helpless and there is nothing else he could do but hold on to the man.

Genesis 32:26–32 (CSB)

Then he said to Jacob, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”

But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

“What is your name?” the man asked.

“Jacob,” he replied.

“Your name will no longer be Jacob,” he said. “It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.”

Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.”

But he answered, “Why do you ask my name?” And he blessed him there.

Jacob then named the place Peniel, “For I have seen God face to face,” he said, “yet my life has been spared.” The sun shone on him as he passed by Penuel—limping because of his hip.

V. 27

The man asked what is your name? Jacob told him. Do you know what Jacob name means? Deciever, liar and trickster.

How did Jacob get his blessing from His father? He decieved his father by making him think that he is the oldest brother.

V. 28

The man said your name will no longer be called Jacob ! Your new name will be Israel! Jacob’s entire life

but when Esau saw Jacob, he ran forward and hugged him. He didn't want all the things . . . he was just happy to see his twin brother again.Because God had given him peace, Jacob was able to walk forward and begin to repair his relationship with his brother.