I woke up this morning to a relatively cool, damp Batesville. It rained last night and the drizzling continued into this morning, but I am not complaining. Mild weather in the middle of summer is a delightful reprieve from the normal sunny days of blazing heat. How many of us have stepped out into typical July weather and longed for something pleasant? Well, here it is: What are you going to do with it?
Personally, I’m going to thank God for unexpected relief.
I’m reminded of the account of Jacob and Esau, but not the more famous part in Genesis where Jacob’s scheming and merciless actions deprive Esau of both his birthright and inheritance. Instead, I’m thinking of what came later, though it’s important to remember the last thing we read Esau thinks about his brother…
And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
(Genesis 27:41)
Some time passed after that, the brothers went their separate ways, but eventually, Jacob decided to meet Esau once again. Assuming his brother still harbored hatred for him, Jacob sent gifts and messages desiring peace. What he heard in response was, it seemed, less than encouraging…
And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.
(Genesis 32:6)
To Jacob, that sounds like Esau is bringing an army to wipe Jacob off the earth. Instead, when the two brothers finally meet, Jacob is relieved to feel the embrace of Esau, who hugged him so vigorously that they fell to the ground (Genesis 33:4). With their brotherly bond rekindled, I’m sure Jacob felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. Esau, too, was able to unburden himself of the hatred that once consumed him. Too often, family feuds lead to permanent separation. It was an unexpected relief—like a pleasant rain in the middle of summer—to see brothers dwelling again together in unity.
Thank God for it.
~Matthew