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MERCY and GRACE

Genesis 33:1 & 4
"1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids."

"4 And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept."

Decades later, in today's verses, Esau and Jacob reunited. Kissed and made up, so to speak. Things never got to a point where it was like the SIBLING RIVALRY never took place. It's effects went on for MANY generations. The Edomites, Esua's descendents will always be trouble for the Israelites. Their interactions were chariterized by enmity and many times outright hostility.

Like many of the situations in the Holy Scriptures this is a CAUTIONARY EXAMPLE. We are NOT supposed to be like Jacob and Esau. We should not let RIVALRY ruin our relationship with our SIBLINGS, or anyone else! We need to value people more than your own ego.

It is this very human struggling thar Jesus comes to redeem! You and I have rivals and out of the broken relationships God will bring healing. Jesus became incarnate and allowed Himself to be sacrificed on the cross for Esau and Jacob's sins. And! Your and my sins. All of it the envy, deceit, anger, violence, division, arrogance and all the rest. Jesus paid for the sins of the world! God has MERCY and GRACE for us all. 

Rejoice and be glad with us at one of the oldest Lutheran Churches in the region! It is beautiful! An old stone building with vibrant stained glass everywhere you look. And, ornately carved wood altar and flying pulpit! It is an amazing sight to behold. And, the people are VERY friendly and welcoming. The Pastor's are outstanding and outgoing. We look forward to seeing you in worship.
https://holyghostfbg.org/
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