"So let my lord go on ahead of his servant..." Genesis 33:14a
Jacob finally got it! All his life, he had been trying to gain control. Before Jacob was even born, God told his mother, "the older will serve the younger," referring to how Esau would one day be under Jacob's authority. It seems that Jacob spent so much time and energy trying to make it happen.
When the day came for Jacob's return to Canaan, his words and actions toward Esau indicate that he finally got it. He finally understood what it is to be a leader. To lead requires servanthood. To lead requires sacrifice. To lead requires humility. Jacob bowed to his brother. He gave of himself, and he spoke with a reticence that was uncommon for him.
Lord, I want to be a servant leader. My new job is taking off. My new responsibilities as a supervisor are more fun that I expected. I am amazed at the blessing You have given me. Help me to be humble. Let the first word others use when they speak of me be "servant." Let them see You in me. You are the Greatest Servant of all time. Make me more like You.