The Methodist Devotional I ALREADY HAVE PLENTY MY BROTHER Monday Sept. 22, 2014. Esau asked, “What’s the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met?” “To find favor in your eyes, my lord,” he said. But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” “No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it (Gen 33:8-11). Jacob was giving to gain favor from his senior brother Esau for the wrong done so many years back. Jacob was actually appeasing his brother for his past deeds. Even though Jacob did not apologize to Esau directly, by his gesture, it was implied. By accepting the gift, Esau also in essence, proved to Jacob that he has forgiven him. By giving and accepting, the two brothers displayed elements of contentment, gratefulness and gracefulness. For Esau, because he had enough, initially asked his brother to keep the gifts. He accepted the gifts since his junior brother insisted and even said, to see his face was like seeing the face of God. For equating seeing Esaus face for Gods, Jacob was admitting that Esau was the senior brother. Probably, the admission humbled Esau and he was grateful to both God and Jacob. Do we show gratefulness to God for touching those who wrong us to come back and apologize? It is a mark of contentment and also gracefulness. We should be content with that grace of God, when we are enabled by God to forgive others. As Christians, we are what we are because God has forgiven us (Eph 2:2-5, 8) By accepting the gift, Esau in essence, proved to Jacob that he has forgiven him. Do we accept the apology of those who wrong us bring? If we do, we are just saying to God that we are satisfied with the gift of eternal life, to the extent that, we are also ready to for give others ( see Mark 11:25; Matt 6:15). These are also marks of contentment, gratefulness and gracefulness, all to God. There was also an element of contentment from the two. Esau felt he had enough and that Jacob should keep his gifts. While on other hand, Jacob felt giving out that gift was no way going to affect his wealth, and that, what was left was enough for him and his household. We should learn how to be content with whatever we have. Let us be content with little and plenty. Contentment is to learn to have ENOUGH. Having enough is to understand the basic needs of life, that is, daily bread, clothing and shelter; all others are extras. We should learn how to share the extras with others, even the basic when necessary. When we do, then we can say, My brother, I have plenty, keep what you have. Prayer My God and my King, I thank you for the message of contentment. I pray Holy Spirit, help me to be content in all aspects of life, being family life, business, ministry and relationship, in Jesus name. Amen. further Studies 1Tim 6:6-10 Eph 2:3-8 K. Essibrey-Annan (kayannan@gmail / 024 642 5541)
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:40:43 +0000
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