A Homecoming

Our story of Jacob and Esau began with the conflict over Jacob stealing the blessing of the first born.  It is now coming full circle to the reconciliation of these brothers as Jacob returns home.  If you were here last week, Jacob sends messengers to Esau to announce his return and the messengers return with the news that Esau is coming with 400 men.  While this seems quite ominous, we learn that Jacob has had the struggle of his life with God.  In God's way, he left this struggle humbled and defeated but victorious in receiving the blessing of God the right way.  He has a new name, a new orientation and a new understanding of God.  He enters this story strong and yet limping in weakness.  Jacob has experienced the incremental grace of God in what began with deception will now end with reconciliation (Ross).  The question remains: will Esau forgive or get even?  What will God do?