THE JUDGMENT OF EDOM

As twins, it would have been amazing if Esau and Jacob had gotten along. If they came out of the womb, enjoying each other presence and learned to help their brother. If both had nothing but the best interest of their sibling, they could have grown up and become a powerful two-headed force. It would have required both nations to do their best for themselves and the other. No other country or empire would have been able to stand against what would become Edom and Israel. That would have been nice. Nonetheless, as we read in this lesson, such thought was nothing more than mere pipe dreams like dust on the tips of butterfly wings. It was there and then, with a few flaps, gone.

A message was given regarding the younger brother’s status, and this prophecy pushed Rebekah into a mindset that would forever bring hostility to the young men. To her, she was doing what God wanted. She believed it was her duty to carry out the plans that God had relayed while she felt the tumble in her abdomen between two kids. Her actions then laid the foundation of mistrust, hatred, thievery, and even a desire to kill. There was genuine animosity of dangerous levels from Esau to Israel that only time and space could heal.

Any wound between two people can be healed with time, prayer, space, and more prayer. This does not mean that it would be easy. It is not like Jacob took Esau’s blessing they wrestled for a little bit, and then the next day, they ate lamb stew and carrots together. Not at all. Jacob had to run, never see his mother again, and wait until he had a large family before there was peace with Esau. Still, both people could come together and put aside their differences and wrongdoings with one another.

We can learn from Esau and Jacob’s tumultuous interactions. Some of us might have family, friends, co-workers, schoolmates, church associates, and even strangers in a grocery store with whom we might have issues. There might be an event or interaction, or the mere idea of them sickens you. Regardless of that issue, like the twins we learned about in this book, we must also lay aside our differences. It’s not easy. It wasn’t for them, and it won’t be for us. I wish I could tell you that all you have to do is fast and pray for a few hours, then text and call, and everything will be right as rain. I can’t because that would be a lie.

The process for all of us to mend broken relationships will differ depending on what happened. There might be betrayal, like in the one we studied, where something was stolen, or a crime was committed. Then again, the trouble might be not agreeing on a particular political view, the proper way to cook Thanksgiving turkey, your favorite sports team's ability to win, or whether a person brought the right gift for the correct holiday or occasion. Regardless of the issue, set those problems aside. What if your next blessing or the ability to live in perfection depended on your cantankerous relationship? If God let it be known, you will not receive what you need unless you try to squash the problems ripping your relationship apart. Notice how I did not say that you had to cure it. Both people must be willing. If they’re not, then so be it. At least God would have seen that you did your part.

Mending broken relationships is undoubtedly challenging. However, as we learn from the twins in the Biblical passage we studied, it is indeed possible to heal those who are in pain. Whether you caused the problem or the mistreatment was done to you, there is hope for healing. Follow His command. When the time is right, God will guide you toward reconciliation. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. It may be an arduous voyage, but it will lead to a peace that surpasses all understanding.