This part narrates Jacob’s preparation to meet his brother Esau after years of separation. Jacob sends messengers to Esau with gifts and a message of humility, hoping to find favor and reconcile. The passage reflects Jacob’s fear and anxiety, as he remembers the past conflict over birthright and blessing. He divides his people and possessions into two groups, prays for protection, and sends gifts ahead to appease Esau. This highlight’s themes of humility, reconciliation, and reliance on God during times of uncertainty. Jacob’s actions demonstrate his transformation from a deceiver to someone seeking peace and integrity. It also reminds us of the importance of addressing past grievances and seeking forgiveness for our wrongs and bringing unity to the table.

It reads in Genesis 32:3-21 Easy:  Jacob sent men with a message to his brother Esau. Esau was living in the land of Seir, also called Edom. Jacob told his men, ‘This is what you must say to my master Esau: Your servant Jacob says, “I have been staying with Laban until now.  I have cows, donkeys, sheep and goats. I have male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord so that you will be happy with me.”  When the men returned, they said to Jacob, ‘We went to your brother Esau. Now he is coming to meet you and he has 400 men with him.’  Jacob was very frightened and upset when he heard this. So, he separated his people into two groups. He also separated his animals. He thought, ‘If Esau attacks one group, the other group may run away safely.’  Then Jacob prayed, ‘God of my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac, Lord, you said to me, “Go back to your country and to your relatives. I will do good things for you there.”  You have always loved me. You have continued to be kind to me. I do not deserve this. When I crossed the Jordan River to go to Haran, I only had my stick. But now I can make two big groups of people and animals.  I pray that you will save me from the power of my brother Esau. I am afraid that he will come and attack me. He may also attack my family. But you have said, “I will give you many good things. I will give you so many descendants that nobody will be able to count them. There will be as many as the pieces of sand on the shore of the sea.” ’  Jacob stayed in that place for the night. He chose some of his animals as a gift for Esau.  He chose 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 female sheep and 20 male sheep. He also chose 30 female camels, with their young ones, 40 cows and ten bulls, 20 female donkeys and ten male donkeys. He told his servants to take care of them. He separated each group of animals from the other groups. Jacob said to his servants, ‘Go in front of me. Keep some space between each group of animals.’ He told the servant who led the first group of animals, ‘When my brother Esau meets you, he may ask, “Who do you belong to? Where are you going? Who do all these animals belong to?” Then you must say, “They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift that he has sent to my lord Esau. Jacob himself is coming behind us.” ’ Jacob also told the servants who led the other groups of animals, as well as the servants who followed behind them, ‘You are to say the same thing to Esau, when you meet him. You must also say “Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.” ’ Jacob thought, ‘Esau will be happy to receive my gifts. He will no longer be angry with me. Then, when I meet him, he will not hurt me.’ So Jacob sent the men with his gifts to go on to meet Esau. But he himself stayed in that place for the night.

Father God, I thank You and Praise You for reflection on the transformative power that You can heal hearts and mend situations. Like Jacob he faced the uncertainty of reconciliation with his brother, I too come before You with uncertainties, fears and hopes. Grant me the courage to approach those I have wronged or those with whom I have unresolved conflicts. Help me to act with humility and sincerity, trusting in Your guidance and grace. May my efforts to mend relationships be infused with Your love and wisdom. Strengthen my heart to face the challenges ahead and let Your peace reign in my function with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving. Thank You and praise You for Your power to heal and transform, for making all wrongs right through hearts that are open to Your love and guidance. Father, I ask that You continue to mend brokenness, restore relationships, and lead us in Your ways of truth and grace. May Your will be done in every situation and may Your light shine through us as we walk in faith and obedience. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus precious name Amen.