Esau wants to accompany his brother, but Jacob says he will move alongslowly at the pace of his children and young livestock. - P75
Jacob also declinesEsau‘s offer to leave some men with him. - P75
So, Esau returns to Seir, and Jacobgoes to Sukkoth and builds shelters there. Jacob buys a plot of ground in thecity of Shechem in Canaan and sets up an altar. - P75
Jacob is now a changed man, as his new name, Israel, attests. - P76
Whilehe and his brother, Esau, are reconciled, Jacob finds it more prudentto settle in the land away from his brother. - P76
So, Esau departs with hismen, leaving Jacob to build a place for himself. - P76
Reconciliation does notalways mean a complete restoration of broken relationships. Like Jacob‘ship, some things cannot be mended. - P76
But as Christians, we should seekto live at peace with all people while building lives that follow God‘splans and purposes in all that we do. - P76
Like Jacob, we must learn to livewith others while maintaining our spiritual identity and calling. - P76
Archeological excavations indicate that Shechem was a major centerof pagan worship. - P76
Like his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaacbefore him, Jacob builds altars of his own as he travels through these
idol-worshiping territories. - P76
He calls the altar El Elohe Israel, whichbeaconmeans "mighty is the God of Israel." - P76
This altar thus serves as aproclaiming Israel‘s God, and it stands as a declaration of faith in God‘sgracious promise to the descendants of Abraham. - P76
We may not buildphysical altars today, but we can and should claim our communitiesand cities for Christ in prayer while living as lights that testify to God‘sgrace and power. - P76
Like Jacob, we are sometimes called to slow down. - P77
Instead of frantically tryingto keep up with others, we need to set aside time to seek God‘s counsel. - P77
As wefast and pray, let us examine our goals and make sure we are following God‘sguidance. - P77
Lord, may I reflect the image of Christ as I embrace the specific calling You have set
before me. - P77
May my identity in Christ serve as a witness to Your matchless love and grace. In His name, amen. - P77
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