Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-04-19
Recognition, Reunion, Resolutions.

The limping figure that approached his
family that morning did not appear at
the distance to be the defiant Jacob, who
had welcomed every struggle in the past.
The greatest change was not visible in
the light of day, but II soon revealed it
self by the actions of his life. The man
who learns to leave all to God may not
see the movements of the Almighty, but
he knows that all things are working TO-
gether for his good, so in patience he
waits the outcome of his Lords labor.
Confidence in Jehovah did not alter the
prudence Of Jacob, for. dividing his loved
ones into groups. placing those he loved
last he went on before them. confident
of the outcome of meeting hts brother.
God had pardoned him. and he was now
prepared to look his brother in the eye,
having already proved his spirit of re-
pentance by trying to make ample resti-
tuition in the peace gifts that his serv-
ants had presented to Esau.
The Lord, who had transformed Jacob,
had been working also with Esau SO that
when Jacob. seeking forgiveness. drew
near in a conciliatory, courteous manner,
he bowed, after the eastern custom. seven
times in token Of complete submission
to ESau, who welcomed his repentant
brother with oItstretched arms. The
tears that fell upon each others Shout
der were caused by different emotions.
but the reunion was joyous in spite of
their tears. The introduction of the
wives and children was marked by more
than the mere formal introductions. We
can be assured that 1t would be used to
tell how Jacob had suffered for his
treachery by being trfcked through a
snare to marry Leah and of his toll for
the other wife as well as for his posses
sfons. Esau's generous heart was touch
ed by the story Of Jacobs trials He
rightly judged not only that he had SUI.
fered enough for the wrongs committed
in the past, but that he was entitled to
after the eastern custom to accept in
restitution. Finally, as a result of much
entreating. which one naturally expects
in the oriental. Esau accepted the gifts
of friendship and relieved Jacobs mind
of any further anxiety by forming com
pact of friendship, based not on the de-
sire to appease wrath, but on the grace
of God.
The foundation for the greatest fellow
ship in the world is the unmerited favor
of God. 1t is the tie that binds all into
the unity of the faith in Christ Jesus,
that has changed the currents OF civiliza-
ton and is Transforming the character
of nations slowly. surely and successfully
until all men nodded into the likeness OF
the Christ shall come to be kind one 10
another, tender-hearted. forgiving one
another. even as, God for Christs sake
hath forgiven us.
1t was in this spirit that they parted.
Esau TO go to SER. where he was cary
ing out by the power of the sword domin-
ion as a great war chief and Jacob TO
Succoth, near the point of their reunion.
where he built home and tarried some
time before he complied with the call to
return to the land OF promise not as
Jacob the supplanter, but as Israel. the
prince of God, to inherit the promise OF
Jehovah. Our future should not be mark
ed by such delays in seeking to possess
the world for the Prince of Peace, but In
his spirit We should go forth. after see
ing Him face to face. to conquer the
world for Christ, our Risen Lord and
King.