[:en]BROTHER TO BROTHER
In Genesis, it recorded many stories about Sibling Rivalries: Cain and Abel (Gen. 4), Iaaac and Ishmael (Gen. 21:8-10), Jacob and Esau ( Gen. 25:19-34), Joseph and his brothers (Gen. 37)
Esau’s twin brother had cheated him twice, so he wanted to kill Jacob. (Gen. 27:41) Decades later, Jacob and Esau reconciled (Gen. 33). But the rivalry continued on in their descendants, who became the nations of Edom and Isarel. When the people of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Edom met them with threats and an army. (Num. 20:14-21) Much later, as Jerusalem’s citizens fled invading forces, Edom slaughtered the refugees (Obadiah 1:10-14)
But when Jesus came, he changed everthing, telling His disciples to “Love one another” (John 13:34). Then he showed us his LOVE by dying for us.
May God’s grace transform our sibling rivalries into brotherly love. – (Tim Gustafson)
[:]