Estranged Siblings

    If you have a sibling, then you know that there is a nature to the relationship.  All siblings argue, but there is an understanding of knowing that you have each other's back throughout life.  In a since they should be best friends for life.  You should be able to have a silent understanding that bonds feelings of security to be yourself.  However, that is not how it works with all siblings.  Some experience distrust from major life incidents, estrangement, or indifference.  

    Jacob had hurt Esau on several occasions and not a minor way.  There was reason for Esau not to trust Jacob, now Israel.  They had lived their entire adult lives apart from each other.  They did not even know each other anymore.  That is why when Israel saw Esau he put the maidservants and their children up front, then Leah and her children, then Rachel and Joseph in between them.  He probably assumed that Esau would not hurt them or do anything rash in front of them.  His salvation had just happened, so some of the self preservation at all cost nature had not died quite yet.

    As Esau got near Israel, Israel bowed seven times to show respect and honor.  It is a form of submission.  It seemed to work because Esau ran and gave him a hug and they both wept.  After years of tension, to let it go has to release a lot of emotions.  It is like a dam opening up. Israel then introduced his brother to his family.  Just because they were twins does not mean that they were family.  We choose our family.  It can be blood or it can be friends, as long as we are following Jesus He will provide a family.  

    The brothers caught up for a while.  It came time for Esau to return, so he offered to escort Israel and his family home.  Israel decided it would be better if Esau went ahead.  He wanted to rest after the emotional day.  He insisted that he just needed a day.  He had a lot happen in the last 24 hours.  He probably really was emotionally spent.  Esau want home and Israel went the other direction.  Israel built a place for the livestock and built an altar.  However, there is more to it than that.  After all the years he had wronged his brother, he knew he could not trust his brother.  He had changed, but had Esau?  

    Maybe you face that kind of thing with your siblings.  I really hope not.  Maybe you have just drifted where they are strangers to you.  It is heart breaking, but it can be fixed.  Go to God with your concerns, hurts, mistrust, or confusion.  If you are close to your siblings, then do not take them for granted.  It is a special relationship that should be cherished.

Genesis 33