Day 15 - Leaving Well

Day 15
Genesis 31-32, John 13

 We see many examples of tying up loose ends and making amends in our readings today. First of all with Jacob. As he rushes away from Laban and fears him, we see in the end how things are made right between them. Jacob and Laban make a covenant and Laban is able to give his daughters and grandchildren a proper send-off. Because Jacob was humble enough to come to an agreement with Laban, that bitter taste of who Jacob is isn't left in Laban's mouth.
As Jacob is approaching Esau, after many years apart after robbing him of his blessing and rights of the first born, Jacob begins to fear facing him. Sending gifts and calling himself Esau's servant, Jacob hopes to make amends with his bother as well. We are left a little bit on edge, as this story will continue in tomorrow's reading, but as you can see, Jacob's efforts at this time are much different than the motives he had as a younger man. We see the growth that Jacob went through, probably because he got a taste of what it was like to be cheated from Laban.

Is there someone you need to make amends with? Perhaps they haven't made the effort, but why can't you make the first move? Jacob had cheated his brother, but had been cheated by Laban, but we see how each of those relationships are on their way to being restored. Jacob's heart changes greatly after growing.

In John, we read as Jesus prepares for His departure, He strives to leave well in humility. Washing His disciples' feet and being an example of servitude to them, we are also called to be such servants to others. It is interesting that this is where Jesus to love others and prove that people will know we are His followers by our love.

We are called to love and to leave this life, full of love. There is much debate on the meaning of "love" in today's world. But Jesus offers unconditional love. Because He offers this though, doesn't mean He jumps on the bandwagon of your lifestyle or your choices all the time. He loves us no matter what, but that doesn't mean He agrees with what we do or supports it.

This life can be over in the blink of an eye. Relationships can end in much the same way. A person you see today, you might not see again. What taste are you leaving with them about you? Are you striving for servitude and humility as Jesus did before He left this world? Or do you cling to the grudges, the past, and your own agenda as you go about this life? Love others. Forgive others. Serve others - even if the "others" aren't those you want to love, forgive or serve.