Overview of Jacob:
Born as part of God's Promise.
Lying.
Decietfullness.
Trickery.
Fled from Accountablility/Responsibility of his own actions.
Completely cut ties with those whom he had wronged.
Built a new life based on lies.
Wronged in return.
Took a beating from God.
Recounciled With God.
Found genuine repentance.
Reconciled with those he had deceived and lied to.
Jacob found true repentance and did reconcile with those he had lied and deceived out of his selfishness. The family did accept him even though he was in fear of his own life. It took a beating because he wouldn't let go of God. God made a true change in Jacob, even the changing of his name. He met those he had wronged only after true repentance was found.
Nothing less could have been expected or it would have just been one cycle after another of endless games. I am sure that the seperation was hard for those who loved Jacob and were willing to forgive him. It also appears that it took a very long time and many life experiences for Jacob to come to the point of repentance. The Bible may not give the details of what processes the family endured during that time. It is clear that God's grace allowed a reconciliation in His time. Not to mention with changed hearts.
Unfortunantly, much time and relationships were lost. I believe there was great regret. I have faith that God is in control and we need to be led by Him. Not by emotion or regret, for we all make mistakes. But look at the example of hope that we have in this story. We must hold on to the hope that God grants us. Jacob and his family went on to be a great legacy in the eyes of God and man. They say time heals wounds, but I find that in this story and hopefully ours, that God will move us to repentance and reconciliation in our hearts. First to Him and then toward others.
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