Jacob returned to the Promised Land from Laban’s home after twenty years. As God commanded, he journeyed back. However, he sent a message to Esau about his intended return journey. (Genesis 32:3-6) It was a message of goodwill and peace. Nevertheless, Esau, with four hundred men, came to meet Jacob. In fact, Jacob was scared and offered him a lavish gift. Esau reluctantly accepted it. Jacob promised to join Esau in Seir, but he did not. (Genesis 33:14) Probably, later, he wisely decided not to join him.
Lingering doubts: Though they were apparently reconciled, Jacob did remember the previous threat of Esau to kill Jacob for stealing his birthright in exchange for stew and blessing, as Jacob pretended to be Esau before his father, Isaac. (Genesis 27:41) Jacob appeased Esau by promising to come to Seir, so that his family was not attacked there by the four hundred men.
Lifestyle: Esau and Jacob had two different lifestyles. Jacob wanted to obey God and please Him to be in the Promised Land. Esau was godless, and Edom was not the Promised Land, and it was indeed without the true God. Hence, the culture was ungodly and had low moral standards. Disciples’ own household may not follow the Lord. Hence, to be separated would be safe for spiritual life, maturity, and doing God’s will. A blessed person and a wicked person are two different lifestyles. (Psalm 1)
Living in the Promised Land: Jacob chose to live in the Promised Land rather than choose a wrong destination, where he could live with his brother, family, and relatives. It could have given joy in having family members around Jacob, but he would have been far away from God’s plan and covenant blessing.
Livestock: Abraham and Lot had to separate from one another because of their growing livestock. (Genesis 13:5-13) Perhaps, knowing his grandfather’s decision, Jacob also thought it was not wise to be together as both had wealth. It is wise to be separate from ungodly relatives, though caring for their spiritual welfare.
Do I make wise decisions to have the right kind of friendship and fellowship?