Jeffrey Holton
  • Home
  • About
    • Resume
    • Sermons
    • Family Discipleship
    • Book Reviews
    • Philippines
  • Blog
  • Pictures
  • Contact
  • Archives

A PASTOR IN TRANSFORMATION

Foundations Week 4, Day 4

1/25/2018

0 Comments

 
Scripture Read:  Genesis 33 - 35
Title: The Joy of Forgiveness
​
H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:
:  "But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept..'"  Genesis 33:4

(E) Explain: The last time Jacob and Esau were under one roof it was a VERY tense situation.  Maybe that is putting it a little lightly.  The last time the two brothers were together Esau wanted to kill his brother.  If you remember Jacob deceived his father (with the help of his mother) into passing along the blessing (that belonged to Esau to him by pretending he was Esau.  Prior to this Jacob tricked Esau into selling him his birthright for a bowl of stew.  To say that the brothers had a love/hate… mostly hate relationship would be putting it bluntly.  
Now is the moment of truth…  Esau is coming with his 400 men.  Jacob’s mind is racing.  What is Esau going to do?  Will God really protect him?  Did he send enough gifts to appease Esau’s anger? 
Esau’s response was not what Jacob was expecting.  Jacob was cautiously going to his brother in humility, reverence and fear.  However Esau runs out and embraces and kisses him.  They wept together and no words are spoken.  Forgiveness happens first then they speak. 

(A) Application: The key theme of this account is forgiveness.  Forgiving someone who has wronged or hurt you is probably one of the most difficult things to do in life.  However, we see in this wonderful story of how two brothers who were once at war with each other are now reconciled.  Jacob seeks forgiveness, Esau gives forgiveness and Jacob receives it.  I think giving and receiving forgiveness comes easy to some and for others with great difficulty.  Giving and receiving forgiveness go hand in hand. 
Since I am a follower of Jesus Christ I know what it is like to receive forgiveness.  I have received the ultimate pardon of sin through faith in Jesus Christ.  Because of his sacrifice I have received forgiveness

(R) Respond:  God, may I seek forgiveness from anyone I have wronged?  May I receive forgiveness from anyone who will give it?  May I give forgiveness to those who have wronged me?  May I never forget the power of forgiveness?
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.



    Picture
    Jeff has been in ministry for well over two decades. He currently serves as Campus Pastor at West Bradenton Baptist Southside Campus in Bradenton, Florida.

    Jeff Has authored an Advent Devotional (The Advent of Jesus) and a devotional on the book of James (James: Where Faith and Life Meet). Both are available on Amazon.

    He is married to Carrie and they have four children, Micaiah, Gabe, Simon, and Berea.
    Preview or purchase Jeff's Books






    RSS Feed

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About
    • Resume
    • Sermons
    • Family Discipleship
    • Book Reviews
    • Philippines
  • Blog
  • Pictures
  • Contact
  • Archives