Excuses we use…

Genesis 32 Feigned Love.

There is a little bit of Jacob in all of us. For example, you are invited to someone’s home or some fellowship outside but feign illness or busyness not to attend. That is where we find Jacob—and ourselves.

Again we return to the truth of Prov 29:25 “the fear of man is a snare..” Like Jacob, we are not willing to seek forgiveness; instead, we cover our behavior with excuses. So, when Jacob hears about Esau’s 400 men, he clearly thinks this is the end of his life and his family’s. Yet, the memories of his deception are still there. In his heart, he knows he was wrong, but he is still unwilling to confess to Esau his wrongful behavior, and so he fudges in his explanations—just like us.

In contrast, Esau has reconciled his past and is ready to move forward. Instead of being honest, Jacob dreams up excuses as to why he can’t accompany Esau to his home. The contrast is clear: the unrighteous often behave better than the righteous. This is a wake-up call for all who call themselves believers. Are you willing to be righteous before others?