Behind Bars

“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions ae like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19)

Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah as his wife. For twenty years, they waited for a child, but alas, she was barren. Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife; God heard his prayer, was gracious, and Rebekah gave birth to twin boys. What rejoicing! But as the boys grew, their parents did the unthinkable: Isaac loved Esau and Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:28). This favoritism triggered a deceitful scheme carried out by Rebekah to trick Isaac, when he was old and almost blind, into pronouncing the firstborn blessing over Jacob instead of Esau. Once spoken, Isaac could not rescind his words. Esau was so furious he vowed to kill his brother once their father died. Rebekah heard of his plan and told Jacob to flee to her brother and stay with him until Esau cooled down. But a lifetime passed; she died, never seeing her beloved Jacob again. 

Deceit, lies, strife, and harsh words are just a few things that can separate family and friends. Offenses cause hurt feelings, and bars go up. Esau’s poor decision of selling his birthright to Jacob kindled a fire that ruled his life. He was unaware that he imprisoned himself with his anger and unforgiveness. He stayed behind self-made bars, refusing to reconcile with his brother. He was unaware he held the key to unlock the door of his prison. Many years later, when Jacob took the first step towards reconciliation, Esau unlocked his prison door and opened his barred life. He embraced his brother, and their families reunited. But years were wasted—lost.

Your life behind bars may not be due to deceit, lies, or harsh words but feelings of unworthiness to receive forgiveness for a past discrepancy. Or to finally let that “thing” go that has gnawed away at your life. Child of God, look down at your hands; you hold the key to your prison’s door. God wants you to live in freedom. Today is a new day; it can be your day of release. Surrender to the Keeper of your soul. By God’s grace and with His help, freedom is within reach.