Nougat 14

I’ve noted before that in my experience; the repetition of a word, phrase or even a story in the Bible is more than just a stylistic device. Especially when it’s not an exact repetition. Consider today’s Holy Nougat; are we being asked to notice more than the words?

“Jacob said [to Esau], “No, please; if I find favor with you, then accept my present from my hand; for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God—since you have received me with such favor.” … But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God?” Genesis 33:10; 50:19 NRSV

Background

We note firstly, that both texts are placed as the climax of a conflict between brothers. Jacob, with his twin Esau, from whom Jacob stole the birthright God had announced was Jacob’s; and Joseph, Jacob’s beloved son with brothers who’d tried to kill him, then sold him intentionally into slavery. Pretty dramatic tales; and in both texts, this is the reconciling moment.

Yet, one could say they were anticlimactic: for in both texts, the what happened before could be considered the climax of the story. After fighting with the angel of God – and winning – almost anything that happens after in Jacob’s life pales in comparison. Even his name was changed! In Joseph’s case; he and his brothers had seemingly reconciled; they were at ‘… and they all lived happily ever after …’ , when the brothers returned to (Finally) ask Joseph’s forgiveness.

Texts in Context

Further, we note that although the statements are closely worded, one could argue that they are opposite to each other. And of course this is somewhat the result of the character who speaks. Jacob is receiving his brother’s forgiveness; Joseph is offering forgiveness. But how does God fit in in either conversation? I propose that it’s rooted in the nature of the wrong and the background.

We might recall that when Jacob was close to seeing Esau face to face; he separated his wealth: flocks, servants, and family in groups before spending the night alone. And that’s when he wrestled with God’s angel! My theory is, the wrestling match represented Jacob’s fight for equanimity with his brother. Having ‘overcome’ the angel, Jacob overcame his greatest fear. Seeing Esau took him back to the promises God gave him, And he KNEW he had God with him – he understood the point of the wrestling match. Seeing Esau was like seeing and hearing God all over again.

Ironically, Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son, was a seer (ie a prophet) in his time. But that gift had not been affirmed by his family – not his brothers nor his father. Yet, even when he lost his family, he didn’t lose faith. Which is ironic, because the vision that he would have held on to required his family reconciling. Despite the brothers’ act of treachery! Joseph had already forgiven them and showed it in his actions. So, although he offered grace; he KNEW he wasn’t the Source of that Grace.

Lessons Learned

What we see therefore, is an invitation to see God in moments of Grace. The power of forgiveness is that it allows us to see God in the other. In seeking forgiveness, we ought to see God in the act of forgiveness. When we extend forgiveness however; we see God in the offender. I pray God’s Grace on us, whether we forgive others or are seeking forgiveness.

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May all we seek be found in Christ