Have you ever walked away from someone in the midst of an argument? Walking away often feels right. Emotions are high. It just seems easier. You don’t have to talk through difficult topics of conversations, instead you can walk away, avoid the issue and pretend everything will work itself out. In our final week examining together the 7 places Jesus bled for us while on the cross, we are exploring how the wounds in His feet cleanse us from the times we walk away from God. We can try to go far away, but we can never be too far away from Him. Let’s learn from Jacob in the book of Genesis how we can return home after walking away. Jacob, one could say, was a swindler. He had developed a lifelong reputation of conning people if it meant he could get ahead. When he was young, he swindled his brother out of his part of the inheritance for a bowl of food. A little bit later, with the help of his mother, he convinced his old and blind father to give him the blessing of the eldest child even though he was the second born child. You could say he needed to run far away to protect himself from those he conned. Many years passed and Jacob heard from God that it was time to return to his homeland. Despite his fears he obeyed and packed up his belongings and moved his family to his homeland. As he journeyed, he worried how his older brother Esau would receive him. To read the full story, read Genesis 32-33. Jacob’s unease was deserved, but he hoped for peace with Esau. He returned home prepared to protect himself, ready for a fight, but was surprised when Esau welcomed him home warmly. There was much rejoicing between the reunited brothers. We learn from Jacob that despite hurting others and walking away, we can be reconciled to Jesus and to one another. Fears will arise at the unknown reception, but we can rest assured that God welcomes us back warmly. It is because of the wounds in Jesus’ feet that we are healed. Despite how far or how long you think your feet have taken you away from Jesus you are welcomed back warmly as soon as you turn back. God forgives you. God celebrates your return on a grander scale then Jacob and Esau. As you look upon the Cross this Holy Week, see the 7 places Jesus bled for you. See the wounds He bore for you. See the wounds that bring healing to your life. Find healing in His wounds. Be comforted knowing He did it all for you. He hung on that cross to bring you back to God alone. May you walk step in step with Jesus now in a renewed relationship with Him. Go where He leads and learn as He teaches you. Remain assured of His unconditional love for you as you see His wounds on the Cross. ~Pastor Vicki Epper
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