Two Nations
Author:
January 09, 2019
The Lord said to her, “Two
nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one
people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
– Genesis 25:23, NIV
Jacob and Esau were brothers
in the Old Testament. Jacob, the younger brother, stole the elder’s birthright.
Worried his brother might kill him, he fled to a distant land.
Jacob and Esau were brothers
in the Old Testament. Jacob, the younger brother, stole the elder’s birthright.
Worried his brother might kill him, he fled to a distant land.
The two brothers both became a
nation. Esau’s people were the Edomites. Jacob’s people were the Israelites.
When Israel was journeying to the Promised Land, the Edomites would not let
their kinfolk travel through the land.
Unfortunately, this was the
beginning of a bitter dispute that frequently results in battles and war. A lot
of lives were lost because one nation would not show grace to another.
Sometimes, family
relationships are hard and it’s important to watch out for those roots of
bitterness. They can quickly become harsh words and ugly feuds that leave both
of you with deep scars. Challenge yourself to take the high road. Ask God to
show you how to extend grace in these moments.
God, please help me in my relationship with (name). You
know the struggles we face. You know how I want to “get even” sometimes. Give
me the strength to rise above my pettiness. Grant me supernatural grace because
I can’t do this on my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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