GENESIS 33 THE PASSING OF TIME There comes a hairy man with four hundred men around him. It looks like a serious confrontation is about to take place. Why the show of might on Esau's part? Coming towards him is a present of animals stretched out on the road - this is the present of a wealthy man: droves of cattle, camels, goats, sheep and donkeys. Why this show of wealth on the part of Jacob? Probably on the part of Esau, he wanted to intimidate the brother he wanted to kill the last time they saw each other and to let him know he could kill him now. Perhaps on Jacob's part, the gift was a bribe to appease Esau, but also it indicated the blessing of God was upon him. Such evidence of material wealth was uncommon and way beyond what was normal even in those days when blessing was measured in material things. As these two groups came together, the intention of the present was already noted and had done its work in the bitter heart of Esau. With the passing of time there was a change of heart on the part of both brothers. The bitterness was gone from the one. The subtlety and deception were gone from the other.
All situations in life cannot be dealt with quickly. Some very important things take time. Time allows for serious reflection. Time gives a larger perspective of a matter. Time removes the heat of passion and enables us to think in terms of choices and consequences. Time may not remove the problem but directs us to find a sensible conclusion. Time that passes gives one opportunity to consider the ramifications of the actions one takes, particularly as to how it affects others beside me.
Wisely Jacob approached his brother for this first-time meeting as one would approach a king. In this way he was making himself subservient, no doubt hoping to dispel any thoughts Esau might still have of revenge. Respect for others is never out of date. To give an equal, due respect above and beyond what is expected, is never a wasted exercise. It does not have to smack of false humility if you look upon your brother or sister as God sees them. It is a mistake if we measure a person's worth against what we feel is our worth, because usually we way overestimate ourselves, rather than see ourselves as others see us.
Whatever was Jacob's intention, it worked. Esau greeted him with a big hug and tears. The passing of time allowed the bitter wounds to heal. The passing of time gave perspective to their lives and to the value of their relationship that had been broken by deceit on the one hand, and murderous anger on the other. God is often able to do far more for us after we have done what is right, then when we laid our own plans in the first place. Often the blessings that follow have never been anticipated. God gives us ample opportunity to act in wisdom in the fear of the Lord towards another person and may bring results beyond what is natural. What started out as something appropriate, ended up as something supernatural with the stamp of God upon it. With the passing of time we have more of a tendency to look on earthly things with spiritual eyesight.
Gifts are often given to win support, to win approval or even as a bribe. Gifts given from the heart to simply let another person know they are valued and loved, is the highest form of giving. When a gift is given as a sign of affection it is often one that is kept in an obvious place as a reminder of the giver. Many refrigerator doors are covered with childish drawings to remind mothers and grandmothers of a child who wants to show his or her affection and love in the best way they can.
There are generally gifts exchanged when heads of state meet, as a sign of hope and solidarity. Usually those gifts reflect a person's occupation, nationality or the known interests of the one about to receive the gift. Esau, a herdsman, would have recognized the value of the gift he received from Jacob. Whenever we start to reflect on the gift of God and the many accompanying gifts associated with eternal life, it does renew a spirit of appreciation in the Person who gave us the gift. We experience its blessing constantly. That is how one experiences the quality of life that the gift of eternal life has given us. Constantly we are aware of this new life we have. This is one of the many proofs of reality that a person has accepted Christ as their own, personal Savior. The passing of time enhances the gift to the one who receives it. It seems, and is, more valuable each passing day. Each time an animal of Esau's herd dropped her young, he would be reminded because of the peculiar color and size of the animal, that this is the fruit of my brother's labor and the proof of his love for me.
Jacob had learned a good lesson in Padan-aram: don't live too close to your family. When there are two different sets of values, two different beliefs when it comes to God and His Word, two different degrees of commitment to the Bible, two different goals in life - it is impossible to live close together. These matters will come up. We may be able to physically live near without any serious problems. But when it comes to matters of the soul and spirit, these differences are too deep within us to compromise or ignore permanently. They are bound to surface, and each will try to justify his position and persuade the other that he is wrong and needs to change to the other's point of view. Wisely, Jacob had learned and he and Esau kept their distance though they were comparatively close until Isaac died.
There is an interesting thing about the passing of time - As it goes by, it seems like clearer light shines On issues and events that, when they actually took place Seemed to be indelibly printed on each person's face.
But the passing of time allows for a clearer perspective. It goes beyond the passion of the moment and verbal invective That took place at the first, but now has been allowed to fade. And most people involved don't even remember what was said.
The passing of time also gives opportunity for serious reflection. And on the part of believers makes real their sanctification. We realize the things that divide people are of the flesh, The passing of time enables us to concentrate on the things that are best.
The passing of time is not only to correct wrongs, but it does give light That shines more and more to the perfect day where there is no night. It lifts our eyes above the things that are temporary and passing, And focuses our attention on the things that are everlasting.
The passing of time turns children into adults; And sometime we are embarrassed by our childhood faults. Now we can begin to understand things we didn't know, And as time passes our growth in maturity begins to show.
The passing of time makes the aging process obvious. And things we once fought for, now are superfluous. We know with the passing of time how short our time is, And we realize what God has allowed us to have was, and is always His.
The passing of time will stop in the not too far distance. When there is one eternal day, there will be no resistance To the work of God in us that was developed in a life of faith. And through God's people then, He will show the exceeding riches of His grace.
"I know Father, I have learned a lot of Thee and myself in the passing of years. The time seems to have flown by and I have missed a lot of days of lessons. But I am still learning, and I thank Thee for still teaching me Thy Ways, Thy Word and Thy Will. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."