“You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother.
But when you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck.”
Genesis 27:40
When Esau lost both his birthright and blessing to his conniving brother, he not only picked up the sword to kill, but he unknowingly took on a very heavy yoke, because “From that time on, Esau hated Jacob…” That yoke of anger made Esau a slave to his brother.
What a picture of unforgiveness…we become yoked to the one we hate. When we keep on rehearsing our enemy’s mean words or hurtful actions, we allow our lives to be dictated by theirs. Everything they say or do increases our anger and bitterness. That’s why the original Hebrew thought in verse forty is so intriguing. It gives the idea of becoming restless with that way of living and finally taking dominion. Forgiveness happens when YOU take charge of that anger inside and become its lord. YOU decide this is enough bondage and YOU let go of the anger. THEN you break free of its yoke. Freedom comes when you choose!
Jacob’s words to his son are profound…Esau would serve the brother he hated, living his life with the sword of anger. But, when he decided, Esau would shake the heavy yoke from his neck, and he would be free!
When I decide to forgive, the same result will be mine!
Comments