Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering (Matthew 5:23-24).
Jacob and Esau were estranged brothers. As young men Jacob stole Esau’s birthright (Genesis 27). Because of his treachery Jacob was exiled from Canaan. The brothers separated and did not see each other for years. After several prosperous years in exile Jacob wanted to return to the land of his father. But he lived in fear and distress of Esau (Genesis 32:7). When he received word from Esau, Jacob feared of war and divided his family and possessions in the hope that some would survive.
Jacob also purposed in his heart to present gifts to Esau as a peace offering (Genesis 32:13ff). Maybe Jacob was presenting gifts as a covenant offering which was common in the ancient world. Also, Jacob may have been presenting the offering as restitution for the blessing he stole from his brother years before.
When the brothers finally met Jacob found favor with Esau and declared, “If I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!” (Genesis 33:10, NLT). Jacob is using the language of sacrifice. The word accept is commonly used of God’s favorable response to sacrifice. Jacob’s peace offering is an act of worship. Reconciliation is an act of worship that requires sacrifice – the surrender of self.
Maybe Jesus had this story in mind when he said, “first be reconciled to your brother.” Many times we come to worship God seeking healing for our broken relationships. Strangely enough, the healing of broken relationships will not be found at the altar of worship. Jesus commanded, “Leave the altar and go.” Broken relationships can only be reconciled in face to face confrontations which feature soft-spoken words and hearts of mercy.
Each time we worship God we must hear Christ’s call to be reconciled. Many of us are estranged from people we have loved. Maybe we have grown accustomed with the distance of separation, suppressed the emotional distress, and are afraid of reconciliation. But the friendly smile of reconciliation is like seeing the face of God. The ancient priestly blessing expresses the hope of a community living in peace.
May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace (Numbers 6:24-26).
Giving to God’s people, and God’s church, is an expression that we have been reconciled to God, and to each other. We are called to live generously toward others. God smiles at us, and we smile at others. The smiles reflect the joy of reconciliation. That’s why God loves a cheerful giver! (2 Corinthians 9:7).
This post is from Radical GENEROSITY
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