Are you bribing?

Genesis 32:5
“I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.’”

Have you ever been so fearful of God that you didn’t want to go before Him? Have you ever sent your offerings, your pleas, your gifts, and your bribes out ahead of you to appease Him? Have you ever thought that all the wrong you’ve done in the past will surely catch up to you someday and the punishment will be harsh? Have you ever been taught that you need to show God your faith? If you have, you’re not alone.

Take Jacob’s story. Here’s a man who robbed his older brother of his birthright for a cup of stew. After manipulating him out of his inheritance, he tricked his father, Isaac, into giving him his brother’s blessing. Poor Esau; he was destined to be duped! After stealing his brother’s future, Jacob fled for fear of his life. One day, however, he’d have to meet his brother again. Jacob was terrified. What if he hates me? What if he wants to kill me? What if.....? Fear consumed his thoughts, to the point that he stopped even believing God for the promise He had given through Abraham and Isaac. (Read Genesis 32:22-32 for that story)

So what did he do? He acted out of guilt. He began to organize all of his wealth and possessions so he could attempt to appease Esau before they met. He sent his offerings out to Esau in waves. His hope was that the gifts would win him favor in the eyes of his brother. He thought that if he sent offerings of money, people, animals, and stuff to Esau, that his deceit would be forgiven. What he hadn’t realized was that Esau had already forgiven him.

Does this sound like us? Isn’t this just a picture of what we have done to God? We have cheated Him of what is rightfully His: worship. We have robbed Him of His blessing, that is, to care and provide for us through His means. Thankfully, our God has already forgiven us. Just like Esau, God forgave us before we came to Him. His Son, Jesus, on the cross became our forgiveness. We don’t have to send ahead all that we have in order to gain favor in the eyes of our Lord. We have gained His favor already. He loves us. He cherishes us.

In the end Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself!” Genesis 33:9 Then he followed that up with, “Let us take our journey; let us go and I will go before you.” Genesis 33:12

Look, God has enough. He made it all; He doesn’t need your bribes. Keep what you have; Jesus was more then enough to satisfy God! Just trust Him, hold on, and believe that He will go before you.