Thursday 21th July 2005 AD
"OF ACHIEVERS, LEADERS AND ORDINARY MEN" ~ Part 2

Crossing a desert by camel gives one plenty of time for reflection. In the dry, blistering heat of the day, Jacob was able to cast his mind back to the last time he crossed this desert, fleeing for his life from the wrath of his brother who had vowed to kill him. 

Today, twenty years latter, he found himself crossing the desert again, now in the return direction, and for a second time escaping, this time the anger of his father in-law. Adding to his feeling of trepidation and anxiety was the fact that Jacob knew he was nearing the land of Edom, the territory of his desert dwelling twin brother Esau and his army of 400 
sword-wielding, treasure-hunting men. 

Over the past two decades Jacob had been a hard working, ambitious and smart young man. Despite his former employer's manipulations and deceptions, Jacob had become exceedingly rich, amassing flocks of sheep and goats, servants, camels and horses. Crossing now into Edom with his large family and ample worldly possessions, with each mile, Jacob was becoming increasingly fearful and distressed. 

Despite all his success, each day of these last twenty years Jacob had thought back on how he had deceived and robbed his brother of his birthright and blessing, an action that was unpardonable. Now, it seemed, life was thrusting them back together. How will Esau finally revenge Jacob's treachery when they meet in the hot sands of Edom all these years latter? 

As he rides towards Jacob and all his herds, bondsmen and bondswomen, his wives and children - a handsome and effortless spoil - something rather unexpected happens. Esau, the disinherited heir, suddenly forgets the bad history between him and his brother. Foregoing his long awaited revenge and easy spoil, in one of history's most touching stories, Esau falls on Jacob's neck and kisses him. "I have enough, my dear brother" he weeps. 

Jacob, his family and riches have been spared. But what of these men, Jacob and Esau ? How are these two twins so different? What makes a fearless, revengeful warrior suddenly forgive?, while a smart, calculating man become fearful and timid ? 

Best Regards - Philip Judge pjudge@anglofareast.com