Listen to this devotion
Family Conflicts
In the Word
“O God … Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me … " (Genesis 32:9b, 11a).
Of the Word
In Genesis 32, Jacob seemed to have much to fear. He had stolen his brother Esau’s birthright and blessing. Esau threatened to kill him, and Jacob ran for his life.
Years passed. Jacob was ready to return to his homeland. When he learned that Esau was advancing toward him with four hundred men, he feared attack. He had sinned, and he deserved his brother’s wrath; but in all confidence he prayed to the Lord: “But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude’” (Genesis 32:12).
Jacob faced his brother knowing that the Lord would be faithful to His promise. When finally they did meet, Esau forgave Jacob, and the brothers were reconciled.
We may sometimes face fear and uncertainty in our families. Yet, even in the midst of a family conflict, the same Savior Who paid for Jacob’s sin and ours promises to care for us according to His perfect will.
Walking with my Lord
Lord Jesus, let me cast my cares on You because You love me with an everlasting love. In Your name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 21/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
