God’s word brilliantly uses metaphors to express the brevity of life.

“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
-James 4:14

“As for man, his days are like grass— he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.”
–Psalms 103:14-15 

Wow, what a way to sum up life! Life is fragile! Sadly, sometimes it takes a tragedy for us to grasp this reality.

Recently, I’ve spent time reflecting on the fragility of life and I found myself reading the story of Jacob and Esau, the twin brothers from Genesis. We often think about the similarity of twins and the bond they share, but this was not so for Jacob and Esau. They were twin brothers who were opposites and always at odds. At odds from birth. An adversarial relationship that was on a fast path to degradation.

Jacob steals his brother’s blessing, by tricking their father. Esau was understandably angered by his brother’s actions. Most would be angered! However, Esau was enraged to the point that he desired to kill his brother.

These brothers ended up estranged for 14 years. 14 years is a long time for a relationship to be broken. However, after 14 years there was a time for them to meet again. After 14 years had Esau’s anger subsided? After 14 years could a broken relationship be repaired?

This story culminates by painting a beautiful picture of reconciliation.

“He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” –Genesis 33:3-5

Just as the Bible metaphorically illustrates the brevity and frailty of life, the story of Jacob and Esau is proof that broken relationships can be healed and reconciliation in even the darkest of relationships can be achieved. Life is fragile, so what will you chose? Will you chose rage or reconciliation? Will You chose to harbor hatred or actively engage in forgiveness? Again, what will you chose?

Take a moment and reflect on the cross, our Christ, bore to solidify reconciliation with you!  Perhaps, God is calling you to a bear a cross that could lead to the healing of a broken relationship, the reconciliation of a God-ordained relationship. Seek reconciliation while you have the opportunity. Remember, life is fragile and life is brief!