"Reconciliation"

Our scripture today is from Genesis, chapter 33 verses 1-10 from the Common English Bible.

1 Jacob looked up and saw Esau approaching with four hundred men. Jacob divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two women servants. 2 He put the servants and their children first, Leah and her children after them, and Rachel and Joseph last. 3 He himself went in front of them and bowed to the ground seven times as he was approaching his brother. 4 But Esau ran to meet him, threw his arms around his neck, kissed him, and they wept. 5 Esau looked up and saw the women and children and said, "Who are these with you?" Jacob said, "The children that God generously gave your servant." 6 The women servants and their children came forward and bowed down. 7 Then Leah and her servants also came forward and bowed, and afterward Joseph and Rachel came forward and bowed. 8 Esau said, "What's the meaning of this entire group of animals that I met?" Jacob said, "To ask for my master's kindness." 9 Esau said, "I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what's yours." 10 Jacob said, "No, please, do me the kindness of accepting my gift. Seeing your face is like seeing God's face, since you've accepted me so warmly. 

Leader: This is the word of God for a people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.