Nougat 10

Hi

Death and burials seem to bring out our true selves; not always the best. With the rising mortality rates and the restrictions on funerary services, relationships may be more strained than usual. But STOP ! There’s a lesson for us embedded in today’s Holy Nougat

“Isaac lived for 180 years. Then he breathed his last and died at a ripe old age, joining his ancestors in death. And his sons, Esau and Jacob, buried him.” Genesis‬ ‭35:28-29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Again history has away of repeating itself. The burial of Isaac by his sons is a parallel reflection of Abraham‘a burial. With Abraham; it was Isaac and Ishmael; which we assume signified that Isaac was at peace with his brother despite the separation. ‬‬This separation began between the mothers, with Abraham’s consent; and we celebrate the reunion, despite the context.

On the other hand; it was Jacob who instigated the rift and its extension; for even after their 20-year reunion, Jacob kept his distance. This distance was put aside (perhaps momentarily) for Isaac’s burial. Did it really require Isaac dying for the brothers to reunite? No, not in my estimation. But we see ‘proof’ of the healing in their joint acts of burying their father.

Which brings it back to us. Under the current pandemic restrictions, many of us will not have the benefit of a funeral to sort relationships out. And we might not have the luxury of meeting at a funeral, as we don’t know all the details about our future. Are there rifts we need to heal; whether created by us or others? Is it time to ask God for the grace to let go of the hurts inflicted by others? Are there other relationships that we need to be praying about, that God would heal them before we transition from earth?

Lord, You are the healer of broken hearts; the restorer of the breach. Thanks for the reminder that we can turn all relationships over to you. We give our families, friends and foes into Your hands and invite Your transformation and intervention.

Be glorified by restored relationships please Lord; beginning with me. This is our prayer dear Jesus, amen

In Christ’s love and grace . . .