The Coat Is Just a Symbol

The Coat Is Just a Symbol by Kirk Hunt

And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.

Genesis 37:33-34 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 37:31-35 NKJV

Jacob wept loud and long. His sons had convinced him Joseph was dead. As they watched the old man howl in grief and heartache, perhaps they realized, in that moment, that the tunic was only a symbol.

Joseph’s tunic (called a “coat” in the King James Version of the Bible) was a symbol of Jacob’s love and favor regarding Joseph. They could strip the coat off Joseph’s back, but they could not pull Jacob’s feeling off his son. Men and women can steal a symbol from you, but they cannot touch God’s feelings about you.

God gave you a calling or anointing. Do not confuse your title, certificate or badge with God’s love and purpose for you. A symbol is a poor substitute for the authentic article in your life.

The coat kept Joseph warm. The coat made Joseph stand out. The coat was just a symbol of Jacob’s love for Joseph.

I praise God for your title, office or certification. You worked hard. You earned it. Those outward things are just a symbol of Father-God’s love and purpose for you.

Think: Do I love the symbol or do I love God?

Pray: “Father-God, help me see the real article of Your love and purpose in my life.

Copyright © July 2023, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Buying Reconciliation

Buying Reconciliation By Kirk Hunt

But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.

Genesis 33:9–10 NKJV

The murderous hatred of Esau did not soften; instead, it transformed into brotherly love. Not suddenly with gifts, but slowly in the two decades of separation from his twin brother. Whatever Jacob’s opinion of Esau before, he is delighted by his brother’s acceptance in reconciliation. “You were pleased with me.”

Reconciliation is rarely a complicated business. Restoring relationships is almost always a lavishly expensive affair. The cost in swallowed pride and forgiven offensives starts high, then grows with each passing day. Unwinding, or flat forgiving, old grievances can take more out of you than you think or know.

Jacob’s wealth and blessings could not buy off his conscience or wrongdoing. He had to face his brother and fix their relationship. Unsure of his brother’s response (400 men), Jacob faced the regional warlord with nothing but courage and determination.

The fortune in livestock Jacob gave to Esau was not a bribe. It was an apology. Esau’s embrace of Jacob restored peace and joy, too long absent between them. Tears, of joy and relief, marked the return of brothers to each other’s life.

It is not too late or too hard for you. Spend your time, money and tears on reconciliation. Use your every skill and resource to restore the relationship. It will be a bargain at twice the price.

Think: Reconciliation is expensive but satisfying.

Pray: “Lord, help me find the way to bring us back together.”

 

Copyright © April 2018, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.