Fresh off his wrestling match with God, Jacob looks up to see his brother and his four hundred men approaching. With wisdom, Jacob divides his household and goes in front of them all to meet his brother with humility. The joy of the reconciliation of these two brothers is evident from both men. Jacob confesses before Esau all the blessings that God has bestowed upon him, and Jacob freely shares these blessings with Esau. However, Jacob does not journey together with Esau, lest Jacob’s family grow tired or be tempted toward idolatry by Esau’s extended family.

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 33:1-20.

To learn more about Trinity in Vinton, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Genesis 33:1-20: The Joy of Reconciliation