The Face of Restoration

Introduction

Well, good morning!

If you have a Bible and I hope that you do, go ahead and open it with me to Genesis 33.

Last week, if you were with us, we watched Jacob wrestle with God through the night. It was one of those defining moments — not just for him, but for the whole story of redemption. Remember, Jacob’s spent most his life fighting to control outcomes — scheming, striving, manipulating to get ahead. But in that dark night at the riverbank, God met him, God broke him, God renamed him.

That night wasn’t about punishment; it was about transformation. God stripped away Jacob’s self-reliance so that grace could take root. And when the sun came up, Jacob walked away limping — but he was finally free. He had a new name, a new identity, a new dependence on God.

But here’s what we’re gonna see this morning — the story doesn’t end at the river. Because now Jacob has to live out what God just did in him. It’s one thing to wrestle with God in the dark; it’s another to walk out that transformation in the daylight — in front of the very people you’ve hurt.

Genesis 33 picks up right there. Esau’s still coming — 400 men with him. Jacob’s limping toward the brother he deceived, carrying years of guilt, years of fear. But this time, he’s not leading with manipulation — he’s walking by faith. And what happens next isn’t just a family reunion — it’s a revelation of God’s heart.

Because restoration isn’t just about fixing relationships, like we’re gonna see this morning. It’s about reflecting the character of the God who restores.

Before Jacob could face Esau, he had to face God. But now, before Jacob can move forward, he has to face grace — this time, not just receive it, but actually extend it himself.

And listen — that’s where a lot of us struggle, right? It’s one thing to receive grace when you’re the one who’s failed…it’s another altogether to live out that grace out toward someone who’s failed you. We love the idea of reconciliation until it costs us something — until God asks us to forgive what still hurts, or when God tells us to humble ourselves where we’d rather just stay defensive.

It’s like standing in front of a mirror after a fight. You want the other person to look guilty, but the reflection that’s staring back at you — it’s you. That’s what restoration does. It holds up a mirror to our hearts and its says, “This isn’t just about them — it’s about you.”

You see, some of us, we’re praying for God to heal what’s broken “out there,” when He’s trying to start by healing what’s still broken in here. Because before God restores what’s around you, He’ll restore what’s within you.

And so, as we open Genesis 33 this morning, here’s the challenge I really want you to hang on to: Where might God be calling you to take a step toward restoration?

Maybe it’s someone you’ve avoided. Maybe it’s a conversation you’ve postponed. Maybe it’s bitterness that’s grown comfortable. Listen, whatever it is — God’s not asking you to fix it in your own strength; He’s asking you to reflect His heart in the middle of it.

Because restoration reveals the character of God — and it calls us to become reflections of His reconciliation.

Let’s look at this passage together — Genesis 33, starting in verse 1. Would you stand with me as we go to God’s Word?

Genesis 33:1–20 ESV

And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants. And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Then the servants drew near, they and their children, and bowed down. Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down. And last Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down. Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob answered, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.” But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me. Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Thus he urged him, and he took it. Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you.” But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die. Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, at the pace of the livestock that are ahead of me and at the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir. (Shere)” So Esau said, “Let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir (Shere). But Jacob journeyed to Succoth (Sue-coat), and built himself a house and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth (Sue-coat). And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. And from the sons of Hamor (Hey-mor), Shechem’s father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (El…A-low-hey…Israel).

Thank you, you can be seated.

[Prayer]

If you’re taking notes this morning, I have four points for us…Number 1, Growing in Courage…Number 2, Growing in Humility…Number 3, Growing in Wisdom…and then finally, Number 4, Growing in Gratitude.

Listen, each of these points…this isn’t a list of things “we have to do,” its not a “be good - do good” list”…these are things that God naturally does in us as He brings restoration to our lives. Remember every time we go to Scripture, its not about us…its about helping us better understand who it is we follow and who serve…Every piece of Scripture, its about the person and work of Christ and about His redemptive narrative concerning man’s fallen nature.

And so, if you’re there me…let’s look at this first thing together.

I. Growing in Courage (vv. 1-3)

Growing in Courage.

Look with me at verses 1 through 3:

“And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants. And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.”

Now, don’t miss this…this isn’t just about Jacob facing Esau. This passage, its about Jacob finally walking in faith. This is the first time in the entire narrative where Jacob isn’t hiding behind someone else anymore. He’s not scheming. He’s not sending gifts ahead of him to soften the blow.

No, we see Jacob out in front (I know what it looks like…putting the least desirable to most desirable…but this isn’t Jacob hiding)—he’s limping, he’s exposed, he’s leading in faith.

And listen, that takes courage, right? You just have to understand its not the self-made, grit-your-teeth kind of courage…No, this is God-grown courage. The kind of courage that only comes after the wrestling. This is the courage of a man who's been broken by grace and now walks with a limp.

Notice what the text says: “Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming…”

This is a man who's lived in fear of this moment for over 20 years. He stole Esau’s birthright, he deceived their father, ran for his life, and now the moment of reckoning has come.

And remember, in chapter 32, Jacob, he already heard the news: Esau’s coming…with 400 men. That’s not a family picnic — that sounds like war.

But here’s what’s changed: Jacob isn’t running anymore. He’s not hiding. This isn’t about sending the women and children ahead while he stays back in safety (Again I know what it looks like). But he’s stepping out. We see him bow low here. He walks forward. And listen, that posture — seven bows — its the ancient Middle Eastern equivalent of saying, “I deserve your wrath, and I appeal to your mercy.” It’s not a strategy; it’s surrender.

This is courage born from repentance.

You see, courage in the Christian life, its never about pretending you’re fearless — it’s about pressing forward even when your knees are shaking, because you know Who goes before you.

We see that same kind of courage in the New Testament — in Paul’s letter to Philemon. Remember Onesimus (O-Nes-a-Mes), the runaway slave who came to faith under Paul’s ministry? Paul sends him back — back to the same master he had done wrong by — carrying nothing but a letter and a new identity in Christ.

That’s Gospel courage. Because when grace takes a hold of you, it doesn’t just change your status before God; it gives you strength to face what you once fled.

Like Jacob, Onesimus (O-Nes-a-Mes) couldn’t rewrite his past — but he could walk into it with a redeemed heart and a Savior who reconciles.

Martin Luther, he said, “Peace if possible, truth at all costs.”

Jacob’s finally walking in that kind of truth — costly truth. The truth that says: “I was wrong. I sinned. I need mercy.”

That’s what real, Spirit-formed courage looks like. Its not arrogance. Not defensiveness. Repentant humility that’s willing to face what it once fled.

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Let’s be honest — some of us, we’re in Jacob’s sandals this morning…There’s relationships in our lives where we’ve caused harm…or we’ve avoided the hard conversation…we’ve built walls instead of bridges…and now God’s saying: “It’s time to go back. It’s time to walk toward what you’ve avoided.”

That takes courage, right? — not natural courage, but supernatural courage that’s born out of grace.

And listen, the only reason Jacob can walk toward Esau in this moment, its because of what happened the night before. He’s limping…you remember that? His hip’s out of socket. But that limp is proof that God’s already won the deeper fight — the one in Jacob’s heart.

Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “The man who’s conquered by God is more than a conqueror.”

Jacob’s courage doesn’t come from his own strength — it comes from surrender. That’s the paradox of the Gospel: when we’re weak, then we’re strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Now think about that: Jacob bows seven times. In biblical terms, that’s the number of completion, total submission. Jacob’s not trying to justify himself anymore. He’s not making excuses. He’s not trying to spin the story. He’s acknowledging that he was wrong, and now he’s entrusting himself to God’s mercy — and Esau’s.

It reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 5:23–24:

“If you’re offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there… First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

You see, courage isn’t just about facing lions or stepping into danger — sometimes the greatest act of courage is simply taking the first step toward reconciliation. Owning your sin. Humbling yourself. And saying, “I was wrong.”

Thomas Watson, the Puritan, once said: “Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.”

Jacob’s tasted the bitterness of his sin. He’s felt the weight of a broken relationship. And now, Christ is sweet. Mercy is sweet. And he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it right.

Guys, this is where restoration begins — with courage to go first. Courage to say, “I won’t blame shift anymore.” Courage to say, “I won’t wait for them to come to me.” Courage to trust God enough to take the risk of reconciliation.

But listen—too many of us, we lack that kind of courage. A lot of us, we’re wimps when it comes to the gospel. Restoration gives us boldness, but some of you, you’re sitting in the pews—clapping, and nodding, feeling inspired—but you’re not facing your sin. You’re not confronting what needs to be confronted. You’re not even proclaiming the gospel to the people God’s put in your life. Guys, that’s not gospel courage…and someone needs to hear that today.

Gospel courage, it involves us moving first to toward the things God’s called us to.

Because listen, that’s the heart of the gospel. That’s exactly what Jesus did for us. He didn’t wait for us to come to Him. He didn’t sit back and demand we fix ourselves. No — Romans 5:8 says: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Christ came first. He took the initiative. He moved toward us — and now He calls us to reflect that same kind of reconciling courage.

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And so, where’s God calling you to take that first step?

Maybe there’s someone in your life you’ve wronged — a spouse, or a sibling, a friend, a co-worker. Maybe you’ve been waiting for them to apologize… and God’s saying to you right now, “No, you go first.” Maybe the fear of rejection’s kept you stuck — but God’s saying, “You’ve been with Me. You’ve wrestled. You’ve been changed. Now go walk that out.”

Because listen, grace doesn’t make you passive — it gives you courage.

You don’t have to know the outcome. You don’t have to control the other person’s response. You just have to walk forward — limping if you have to — and trust that the God who restored you to Himself, He’s more than able to restore what’s been broken in your life.

And so again — don’t let fear paralyze your faith. Don’t let pride keep you distant. Take the first step. Bow low. Walk in courage. Because the God who’s reconciled you to Himself, He’s also called you to be a minister of that same reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).

And sometimes, all it takes to start… is the courage to go first.

II. Growing in Humility (vv. 4-11)

Point number 2…Growing in Humility.

Let’s look at what happens next — starting in verse 4:

“But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.”

That’s not what Jacob expected. That’s not what he prepared for. Remember, he lined up his family in order, he sent waves of gifts ahead, he bowed seven times to the ground — he did all that because he was expecting wrath. But instead of a sword, he gets a hug. Instead of revenge, he gets reconciliation.

Listen — this moment, right here — this is where the gospel breaks through again in this narrative. Because for the first time in a very long time, Jacob’s not posturing himself to gain anything. He’s not trying to climb. He’s not trying to control. He’s simply receiving grace. And that kind of grace — the kind you know you didn’t earn — it humbles you.

Some of us need to be humbled this morning. We walk around thinking we’re the smartest, the most spiritual, the best thing since sliced bread—but God’s calling you to humility whether you like it or not.

Jacob’s learning what humility actually is right here in this passage. Its not just words… its not just outward posture…its a heart that knows: I deserve judgment…but I’ve been met with mercy.

You see, pride always assumes we’re owed something. Humility knows we’re owed nothing and that anything good we receive is just sheer grace.

And so when Esau runs to Jacob and embraces him, what’s Jacob’s response?

Look at verses 5 through 8:

“When Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, ‘Who are these with you?’ Jacob said, ‘The children whom God has graciously given your servant.’ Then the servants drew near… Leah… Joseph and Rachel… and they bowed down. Esau said, ‘What do you mean by all this company that I met?’ Jacob answered, ‘To find favor in the sight of my lord.’”

Now again — don’t skip past this.

Jacob’s not just being polite here. This isn’t empty courtesy. This is a radically different tone than the Jacob we’ve known before. This is the deceiver — the heel-grabber — speaking not like a manipulator but like a man who’s been changed by grace.

Look again at verse 5: “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”

Listen, that’s a theological confession.

Jacob’s not taking credit for his family here, or his blessings, his flocks — he’s acknowledging everything he has as the undeserved kindness of God. And that’s what humility sounds like. It’s not false modesty. It’s honest gratitude. It’s looking at your life and realizing, “I didn’t get here because of me — I got here in spite of me.”

John Calvin said, “Men never seriously apply themselves to God until they’ve been brought to an end of themselves.”

That’s where Jacob is.

He’s not the self-made man anymore. He’s not trying to talk his way into favor or scheme his way into blessing. He’s been wrestled down by grace — and now, he’s standing as a man who’s been emptied of pride… and filled with humility.

And we see that even more clearly in verses 9 through 11. Look at Esau’s response:

“But Esau said, ‘I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.’ Jacob said, ‘No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me.’”

Now that phrase right there — “seeing your face is like seeing the face of God” — that’s a pretty awesome statement, right? Some commentators are split on exactly what Jacob means, but here's what’s clear: Jacob’s connecting the grace he’s received from Esau… to the grace he received from God.

It’s as if he’s saying, “I didn’t expect to survive that night with God. I didn’t expect to survive this meeting with you. But in both cases… I was met with mercy and I recognize now its all from God”

Jacob’s finally seeing grace not as a private experience but as something that touches every part of life. Because humility doesn’t just change how you see yourself… it changes how you see others. It makes you grateful. It makes you openhanded. It makes you generous with the grace you’ve received.

And that’s why Jacob urges Esau to take the gifts. Look again at verse 11:

“Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.”

Notice the language — “Please accept my blessing…”

In Hebrew, it’s literally “Please accept my berakah (bear-erica)— my blessing.” That word’s intentional. Jacob who once stole the blessing from Esau. He’s now offering a blessing.

Don’t miss that — Jacob’s trying to restore what he once took. That’s proof of transformation. Jacob’s not just giving Esau gifts — he’s making restitution. And that’s what humility does.

When real repentance is at work in the heart, it doesn't just say, “I’m sorry” — it says, “How can I make this right?”

J.C. Ryle, “True repentance is no light matter. It is a thorough change of heart about sin, a deep sorrow for it, a hearty renunciation of it, and a sincere turning to God.”

That’s what we’re seeing in Jacob right here.

His humility isn’t shallow — it’s costly. It’s sacrificial. It’s visible. Because it’s rooted in the very mercy of God.

…

Let’s pause for a moment and ask a hard question:

Where do you need to grow in humility?

Maybe you’ve been forgiven — but you’ve never made things right. Maybe you’ve received grace — but you’re still walking around with a proud heart. Maybe you’ve prayed for reconciliation — but you’re refusing to lay anything down to make it possible.

Guys — grace that saves us, should also shape us. If God’s forgiven you, then that should make you the first one to forgive others. If God’s shown you mercy, that should humble you — not puff you up.

Jesus said in Luke 18:14, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Again — humility isn’t self-hatred. It’s not walking around with your head down pretending you’re worthless. It’s seeing yourself rightly — in light of God’s holiness and in light of His mercy.

Charles Spurgeon said it best: “Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self.”

Not more than you are. Not less than you are. Just honest. Dependent. Grateful.

Jacob’s making that right estimate now. He’s walking in humility — not to earn forgiveness, but because he’s already received it.

And for some of us, that’s the next step. It’s not just confessing sin to God — it’s owning our sin before others. It’s giving up the right to defend your image. It’s choosing to reconcile even when it costs you.

And listen — that doesn’t come naturally. But the good news is this… humility’s not something you have to produce in yourself. It’s something the Spirit of God produces in you — as He shapes you to look more like Christ.

Because ultimately, what we’re seeing in Jacob… it’s just a shadow of Jesus.

Jesus is the greater Jacob — who didn’t just humble Himself before a brother He wronged… but before sinners who wronged Him.

He laid down His rights. He carried our guilt. He bore our shame. And He didn’t just bow seven times — He bowed His head on a cross and died for the undeserving.

And now, He calls us to walk in that same humility.

Paul says in Philippians 2:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself… humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

And so church, if we’ve been changed by that kind of humility — how can we not extend it? How can we cling to pride when Christ let go of glory for us? How can we hold onto grudges when Christ laid down His life to forgive ours?

Guys, grace should make us low — again not because we’re worthless, but because we know how much we’ve been given.

And so the question today is simple: Where is God calling you to walk in humility?

It might be in your marriage.…your parenting. It might be in a broken friendship… or even in how you think about your past.

Wherever it is — remember this: God gives grace to the humble. And He’s ready to pour it out on those who stop striving… and start surrendering.

III. Growing in Wisdom (vv. 12-16)

Point number 3…growing in wisdom.

Pick it up with me in verse 12:

“Then Esau said, ‘Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you.’ But Jacob said to him, ‘My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die. Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly… until I come to my lord in Seir (Sheer).’”

Now at first glance, this just looks like polite logistics. Esau offers to travel together — Jacob, being cautious, he declines.

But there’s actually more going on here — and it has everything to do with wisdom.

Jacob's just experienced a very powerful moment of reconciliation. Emotions are high. Forgiveness has been extended. Esau’s warm and welcoming. And the temptation in a moment like this would be to rush in — to rebuild everything overnight, to pretend like nothing was ever broken.

Some of us think we’ve got it all figured out. We know the Bible, we’ve read the commentaries, we think we’re wise—but we’re not teachable. We’re not even willing to listen to the Holy Spirit sometimes.

But notice Jacob doesn’t do that.

Instead, he slows things down.

He acknowledges the limits of his family, the needs of his flocks — and he makes it very clear: he’s not gonna move at Esau’s pace. He’s gonna walk at the pace of wisdom.

Listen — this is so important for us, especially in the context of relational healing. Forgiveness and reconciliation, they’re not always the same thing. Forgiveness can happen in a moment. But reconciliation — trust rebuilt, patterns changed, wounds healed — that takes time. And that’s okay.

Jacob’s not being deceptive here. He’s being discerning. He’s not avoiding Esau — he’s wisely creating space, because he knows the history, and he knows himself.

In fact, even though he says he’ll meet Esau in Seir (Sheer), Scripture never records that he actually goes there. Instead, he eventually settles in Succoth (Sue-coat) (v.17) and then in Shechem (v.18). And that sparks a lot of debate — did Jacob lie? Was this disobedience on his part?

But it’s worth noting: the text doesn’t condemn him here. There’s no rebuke, no divine judgment — its just a quiet movement toward safety and separation.

But why?

Because wisdom sometimes means knowing when to walk with someone — and when to walk separately.

Jacob’s learning that reconciliation doesn’t mean returning to the way things were. Restoration doesn’t require total closeness with everyone — especially when history’s complicated and trust has been fractured. Wisdom makes room for grace and boundaries.

Proverbs 14:8 says, “The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way.”

That’s what Jacob’s doing. He’s discerning the way forward — not based on emotion, but based on what’ll protect his family and honor the process.

And this is so important, especially for those of us who’ve experienced that kind of hurt.

Maybe you’ve been in a place where someone said, “If you really forgave me, you'd go back to how things were.”

But listen — forgiveness is free. Trust is earned. And wisdom helps us navigate that difference.

Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” That verse gives us space, right? It acknowledges limits. It reminds us: wisdom doesn’t just ask, “What feels good right now?” — it asks, “What leads to peace in the long run?”

That’s what Jacob’s doing. He’s not acting out of fear — he’s walking in a new kind of maturity. The old Jacob would’ve manipulated, or lied outright, or tried to win Esau over for his own gain. But right here…he’s letting grace do its work… and he’s choosing the slow path of wisdom.

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And so, here’s a thought for us:

Where do you need wisdom in your own relationships? Where do you need to set some healthy boundaries — not out of bitterness, but out of clarity? Where do you need to slow down and discern — instead of rushing in to restore something too quickly?

Maybe it’s a relationship that’s been restored but it still needs room to grow. Maybe it’s a person you’ve forgiven but you know you can’t walk side-by-side with ‘em right now.

That’s not failure. That’s not a lack of grace. That’s wisdom — Spirit-led, grace-shaped wisdom.

Because restoration isn’t always immediate closeness. Sometimes it’s slow healing, or honest distance, or a patient trust in God to do what only He can do.

Let’s be the kind of people who walk in that kind of wisdom…Again, we wanna be more like Christ…Just because we’ve dealt with a situation…(we’ve offered forgiveness…or humbled ourselves)…we still don’t wanna be negatively influenced…Our goal in our own restoration, it’s to become more like Christ. And so, walk in wisdom…know what leads to peace…and know what’s holy and honoring to God.

IV. Growing in Gratitude (vv. 17-20)

Point number 4…Growing in Gratitude.

Listen, let me just reiterate again…this is not a “to-do list.” This isn’t 4 ways to live your best life now. All these things, its about what the Spirit of God does in a person as He restores ‘em. He gives us courage…He humbles us…He makes us wise (gives us discernment)…and listen, He causes us to become grateful. This isn’t about us at all, its about the Spirit of God. And it should be a mirror for us this morning…Has the Spirit caused these same things to flow out of me?

Let’s pick it up in verse 17:

“But Jacob journeyed to Succoth (Sue-coat), and built himself a house and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth (Sue-coat). And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem… and he camped before the city. And from the sons of Hamor (Hey-more)… he bought the piece of land… There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (El…A-low-hey…Israel).”

You can almost feel the peace in these verses. The tension that’s carried this story since chapter 27, it finally lifts. Jacob’s no longer running in fear. For the first time in decades, the text says he came safely. That word in Hebrew, it means “whole, complete, at peace.”

What we’re witnessing here, again it’s restoration. God’s brought Jacob full circle. And notice how Jacob responds: he worships. He builds an altar. He calls that place El-Elohe-Israel (El...A-low-hey...Israel) — “God, the God of Israel.”

This is the first time Jacob uses his new name in worship. It’s as if he’s saying, “The God who met me, who broke me, who blessed me — He’s mine, and I’m His.” Gratitude ,its moved from his lips to his life.

Listen, some of us, unlike Jacob, we’re not grateful. We go through the motions, we complain in worship, we forget what God’s done for us, and we act like His blessings, they’re our due.”

You see, true gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you” to God — it’s living surrendered before Him. Gratitude builds altars. Gratitude remembers who kept you safe when you should’ve been destroyed. Gratitude names God rightly, because it recognizes, “Everything I have, every step I’ve taken, every breath I breathe — it’s all grace.”

Jacob could’ve settled in comfort. He could’ve just moved on and enjoyed his flocks. But instead, the first thing he does in this new season is stop and worship. That’s what a transformed heart does — it doesn’t take credit; it gives glory.

Psalm 116:12 says, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?” That’s the posture of a grateful life. Not trying to pay God back — but pouring your life out in response.

And notice the order here — courage came first, then humility, then wisdom, and now gratitude. Because gratitude is the fruit of restoration. When you’ve faced what you feared, when you’ve been forgiven more than you deserve, when you’ve seen God’s wisdom protect and guide you — what else can you do but worship?

Jacob’s altar stands as a testimony: the God who wrestles, He’s also the God who restores. The God who wounds, He’s the same God who heals. And when you know that, gratitude becomes more than just an emotion — it becomes a way of life.

And so, as Jacob settles in the land, he’s not boasting in what he’s gained — he’s bowing before the One who gave it. That’s where restoration leads: not to pride, not to self-sufficiency, but to worship.

Gratitude is the language of those that have been restored.

Closing

And so, let’s go back to where we began this morning — what does real restoration look like?

It’s not just turning a page or getting life back on track. It’s what happens when God Himself meets a person — when He confronts them, wrestles them, breaks them, when He calls ‘em by a new name. Restoration, its never surface-level; it’s the deep work of grace that changes who you are.

Jacob’s story shows us that when God restores, He leaves a mark. The limp reminds you that grace costs something — that strength is found only in dependence. You can’t encounter God and just walk away the same. Restoration looks like courage that faces what you once terrified, humility that bows low instead of boasts, wisdom that seeks God’s will before your own, and listen gratitude that overflows into worship.

That’s the picture of a life touched by God.

And so, as we close this morning, would you bow your head and close your eyes with me for just a moment?

As the praise team comes back up, I want you to take this time to just reflect. Has God’s restoring hand left its mark on you? Can you see His grace shaping courage where there used to be fear? Humility where there was pride? Gratitude where there was once striving?

Maybe this morning, God’s confronting you — not to condemn you, but to call you. To bring you out of hiding. To remind you that He still renames those who come to Him in surrender.

And maybe you’ve been far from Him — running, resisting, worn out from trying to fix things on your own. Hear this: the same God who met Jacob in the dark is the One who meets you now through Christ Jesus. On the cross, He took what was broken in us and He made peace through His blood. He bore our sin and our shame, He took on God’s wrath — so that you and I could be restored to Him.

That’s what grace does. it’s God stepping into your place. It’s His power meeting you in your weakness, His mercy rewriting a story you thought was finished. Grace doesn’t ignore sin — it conquers it. It doesn’t just welcome you back — it makes you new.

Some of you may feel the tug to respond right now — to take that first step toward Him. Maybe that means coming forward to the altar (we’ll have some men up here to help you). Maybe that means seeking Him quietly where you are, asking Him to change your heart.

But if you’ve never surrendered to Christ, I want you to listen to Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Acknowledge you’re a sinner…acknowledge what you deserve, that you can’t save yourself…and turn to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

God’s calling you to turn toward Him today. He’s ready to forgive, He’s ready to restore, He’s ready to make you new.

But listen, if God’s already done that work in your life, then this is your moment to reflect and respond again — to ask God to show you where grace is still calling you to courage, to humility, to wisdom, to gratitude.

Let’s be still before God, let’s reflect, respond…and then I’ll close us in just a moment.

[Prayer]