Chapter 33-34.

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES

THE BIBLE: EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES.

Chapter 33-34.

Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him affectionately and kissed him and both were in tears.  Jacob’s words to Esau in vs 10 as he meets him ” "No, I pray you, if I have found favour in your sight, then accept my present from my hand; for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God, with such favour have you received me. He enlightens him about the motivation for giving him the gift and expresses his gratitude to God.  He is satisfied with his life. 

Later in the chapter, Esau and Jacob journey together with Esau being prepared to walk at the pace of Jacob’s frail cattle. Jacob finally reaches Cannan.

In chapter 34, all of Jacob’s sons went over and plundered the city because their sister had been dishonoured there.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

·                     Have we had or wish for a reconciliation experience with family members?

·                     What are the elements that makes Jacob’s and Esau’s reconciliation amicable?

·                     Are we able to ‘walk the pace with a person to whom we have just been reconciled?

·                     What is it like to see the’ face of God’ in anther person?

·                     What emotions and desires of the heart come into play when reconciliation is required- are we like Jacob who expressed gratitude to God?

·                     Are we able to walk the pace of another person for some of the journey and continue on our own journey as we let them go?

·                     Are we able to be vulnerable with another person when the relationship is frail and insecure?

·                     What is our attitude to rape towards the victim and the perpetrator/s?