41 Esau seethed in anger against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him; he brooded, "The time for mourning my father's death is close. And then I'll kill my brother Jacob." (The Message)
The say is often repeated that, "Every family is dysfunctional, just in different ways." The good news is that even when we recognize our dysfunction there is someone who seems even more dysfunctional! If there ever was a poster family for dysfunctional the patriarchs of Genesis could very well be the ones. Over the last several days we have seen enough to keep a contemporary therapist in business for quite some time and we aren't even done yet!
When I read the stories of Genesis I am encouraged, not because my life isn't as messed up as theirs is, but because in spite of all the stuff going on God still uses them for great things. When I begin to think about all the ways that I have fallen short in my relationships I take heart from these stories. Today those who believe that Jesus was the son of God call this grace, that we would get what we don't deserve and haven't earned because Jesus takes away our sin. It isn't that we should read these stories and say, "I'm glad that I'm not as messed up as they are!" but rather, "If God can use them, maybe God will choose to use me as well!"
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- When you read this story are you able to identify with Jacob or Esau? Why?
- What role do you think Rebekah had in the conflict between Jacob and Esau? Why?
- What lesson do you think God might be inviting you to learn from this story?
- How might God choose to use you in spite of your families dysfunction?
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