Twenty years after Jacob left home to escape his brother’s anger, he and Esau were briefly reunited. Jacob now had a large family and much wealth, yet he was still not clear of his old ways. When he heard that Esau was coming with four hundred men to meet him, Jacob was greatly distressed (Gen. 32:7). He sent lavish gifts ahead, hoping Esau would accept him. Self-preservation remained his primary concern. During a significant overnight encounter with God, Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint, and he clung to the Man who wrestled with him. Even so, it appears Jacob still behaved deceptively when Esau eventually met him. In contrast, Esau seemed to be a changed man. He no longer carried his old anger against his brother. He and Jacob embraced one another and wept together. By some measures, Esau actually appears to be the better person in Genesis 33.

But something important surfaced in the brothers’ conversation. Regarding Jacob’s gifts, Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself” (33:9). Jacob replied, “Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough” (v. 11). Each man had become prosperous, yet Jacob brought the grace of God into the conversation while Esau simply emphasized his wealth.

Esau was the man of the flesh. Despite appearing successful, calm, and contented, he gave no honor to God. Here is a lesson for us. Many successful people have attractive personalities but no reverence for the Lord. Indeed, Esau’s self-satisfaction blossomed in future generations into active violence against Israel.

Meanwhile, despite Jacob’s imperfections, he at least acknowledged God as the source of blessing. We too have many shortcomings, but this is the way for us to take a step on the path of faith.