GRACE WILL LEAD ME HOME

Grace My Fears Relieved

The Lord delivered Jacob from his fears.

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Isaiah 12:2 ““Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.””

The Lord calls us to take action as we trust in Him.

See Philippians 2:12–13...

The Lord used Jacob’s actions to soften Esau’s heart.

See Matthew 5:23–24...

Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (see Proverbs 15:18, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 29:22)

Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”

Jacob had sent the generous present to make amends with Esau. While he awaits Esau’s reaction, he separates his family, so that if they are attacked, some will be able to escape. He goes ahead by himself to meet Esau, bowing to the ground seven times. This is a sign of complete submission. And it is stunning when you remember part of the blessing that Jacob received. Isaac said that Jacob’s brothers would bow down to him. And now, in this incredible act of humility, Jacob bows down to Esau. And in another surprising turn of events, Esau runs to meet him. They both embrace and weep at this joyous reunion. God’s compassion, mercy, and grace are all over the lives of Jacob and Esau. We see that although God had chosen Jacob to be Isaac’s heir through whom the Messiah would come, He still richly blessed Esau. Esau himself testified that he had plenty. The 400 men with him further testified to the fact. Jacob is quick to give the Lord the credit for richly blessing him. And now the Lord blesses him again by reconciling him with his brother. Jacob is so moved he says that Esau’s welcome and acceptance of Jacob was like God blessing him through Esau. Esau offers to travel with Jacob or leave behind some men for protection. Jacob said that there was no need. He would travel at a slow pace because of the children and animals and would eventually come to visit Esau in Seir. The last time they parted was as enemies, but this time they parted as brothers and friends. It is amazing what our God can accomplish when we trust in Him.

His Word My Hope Secures

Because God always fulfills His word, we can have hope as we trust in Him.

See Genesis 28:13–15...

The Lord kept every bit of His word that He gave to Jacob. He was with him, and blessed and kept him. He brought him back to the land of promise. He was already causing his offspring to multiply. He gives him plenty of room for his great possessions. Now he even officially gives him a portion of the land as a down payment in view of the coming complete fulfillment of the promise.

Joshua 21:45 “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”

Numbers 23:19 “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”

Those of us who have placed our faith in Christ have great reason to rejoice. Because His word is certain and sure, we can be confident that His grace will one day lead us home to that heavenly shore.

He Will My Shield and Portion Be

May we never forget to worship, praise, and offer thanks to the One who so richly deserves it.

Psalm 73:25–26 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 50:14–15 “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.””

Hebrews 13:15 “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”