Ultimate Reconciliation

This week's Torah Portion, VaYishLach וַיִּשְׁלַח (And He Sent), speaks about the reconciliation between Esau and Jacob. It is an interesting setup; if we observe closely, we can see that this "reconciliation" is not organic, which means that it was somewhat forced for the benefit of Jacob, who is transformed into Israel in this passage. Jacob was given wisdom and instruction by Adonai to win over his brother's favor and forgiveness by presenting him with gifts and words of repentance before physically meeting with him. Some of the rabbinic midrash (these are extra-biblical discussions and explanations from rabbis over the centuries recorded for clarification) note that Esau was still angry with his brother's treachery and deceitfulness that caused him to flee and was still seeking revenge. It was Jacob's recognition of wrongdoing and the attempt to make amends that solidified the reconciliation.

"Jacob sent (VaYishLach - And he (Jacob) sent) messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. He instructed them: 'This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: 'Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.''" Genesis 32:3-5

This is a key understanding of the steps required for full restoration. True reconciliation cannot occur without repentance and when needed reparation. Jacob received Adonai's favor and was guaranteed victory in his situation, but that didn't mean that Jacob did not have to pay a price. I think this is key to understanding salvation. Most contemporary Christians believe that Yeshua (Jesus) did everything for us to obtain salvation and therefore we do not need to do anything, but over the years I began to see that I completely disagree. Before you jump to conclusions and think that I believe in works-based salvation, let me stop you and clarify. I often speak of this because in my opinion it isn't brought up enough, but I know that the blood of Jesus has covered all wrongdoing, past, present, and future. I understand that without Christ's blood, we wouldn't have a leg to stand on when facing the Almighty on the day of reconciliation. With that said the scriptures are very clear about what happens when you receive that atoning blood and how to receive it. First, we MUST repent. Repent includes recognition of wrongdoing and a correction in behavior. A change MUST occur in our lifestyles if we are to receive the atoning blood of Christ. That means we MUST align ourselves to God's standards of living:

"If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:6-9

Notice there are a whole lot of IFs in these statements. IF, is a subordinating conjunction and therefore conditional. This means that the second portion of the statement depends on the first. IF we WALK in the light, THEN the blood of Jesus purifies us from ALL sin. Therefore, nothing I'm saying here should be controversial or contradictory. Here is another:

"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." Matthew 3:8-10

Our Messiah's own words demand us to produce fruit (deeds or works) in keeping with repentance followed by a warning that status or labels will not save us from the "ax that is ready to chop off ANY tree that doesn't produce good fruit" and will be thrown into the fire (I don't think He could have given a more vivid illustration).

So there is a price to be paid even AFTER salvation for true reconciliation with our Creator. A life of service and devotion to Him. A price that anyone who truly understands the benefits and blessings that come from a life of obedience will gladly pay. Just like Jacob gladly paid tribute to his brother in order to reconcile with him. Material possession was something that Jacob did not lack and knew that YHVH could easily replenish for him. He also didn't hold on to his pride and humbled himself before his older brother by giving him the respect he was owed. He was owed that respect solely based on his position as the firstborn. It was God-given and therefore had to be honored. Jacob, now Israel, understood this and was blessed by surrendering to it.

As Jacob, if we understand this and honor our "older brother" Yeshua by giving Him our repentance and then honor Him with our first fruits and humbling ourselves before His authority, we too can be transformed from יַעֲקֹב Jacob (עָקֵב Heel grabber often assimilated by a deceiving nature) to יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel (One who lets God prevail and is transformed into a שַׂר Prince of אֵל God). When we do this, we will be able to stand firm in the final reconciliation with Adonai. The day of atonement where we can rely on our "older brother's" protection and covering of His blood atonement.

Psalm 133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"

The practical lessons for today, outside of the salvation context, are these:

Take a moment to meditate on your life and see if you need to make things right between you and someone else. If you find anything that requires reconciliation, then repent and take immediate action to make things right. Keep in mind that at times, if possible, repentance requires steps of mediation and making things right. "I'm sorry" is a good start, but at times it should be only the first part. God's blessings in your life can be hindered by past mistakes that have not been resolved:

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny." Matthew 5:23-26

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15

The implications of these statements by Christ are so serious that He cautions us, once again, that it may result in the ultimate consequence of "being thrown into prison and paying the last penny." One may argue again that this is a salvation issue, but I don't want to beat a dead horse. Something to ponder and put into practice as we progress in learning more and more from the Almighty. Our transformation is and should be a lifelong journey. With that, I leave you with the usual loving salutations: Shavuah Tov Ve'Shalom.