Family. We all have one in some form or another. And, family matters. In this series, I will be talking about familial dynamics by looking at the world according to Jacob.
Family Matters
Well, family means folks who have no choice but to love us (read “tolerate”) because they are linked to us genetically or otherwise irrevocably. They are like built-in shelves, unmoving and remaining forever. However, they also happen to be the people who irritate us most at times.
Now, maybe your family is a modern rendition of the Brady Bunch, but I’d wager that many (many, many, many) families are not. Let’s take a hard look at family and how we can make the most of our those relationships.
The World According to Jacob
As an example, let’s focus on one of the quintessential biblical family men, Jacob.
Spoiler alert: even if you’re not a Christian or into the Bible, let me tell you that this family is MESSED UP. I mean, we’re talking soap opera here. This year while reading Genesis, I’ve taken the opportunity to get reacquainted with Jacob and his family. And their garbage.
And, I am not going to lie to you, as far as family goes, they are hilarious in a conniving, ridiculous, backstabbing sort of way. Family matters.
Who was Jacob?
Well, let’s go back. Abraham was Jacob’s grandfather and comes on the scene about 400 years after Noah. He descended from the line of Shem, Noah’s son. God calls to Abraham (then known as Abram).
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3)
God promised Abraham that he would make him the father of nations. Isaac was Abraham’s son and Jacob’s father. Abraham –> Isaac–> Jacob.
We may remember Abraham for his loyalty to God when he brought Isaac up on the mountain for a sacrifice, believing that God would honor His promises and provide a way through.
What else did Abraham do?
Well, he lied to multiple leaders saying that his wife was his sister because he was afraid her beauty would get him killed. He had an affair with his wife, Sarah’s maid (at her request!) because they got tired of waiting for God to come through. He also threw that maid and her (his) son out once Sarah did become pregnant with Isaac. (Holy family matters!)
Is this All My Children or what? Susan Lucci didn’t have this much going on. (She was my girl growing up… I wanted to be her.)
Perfect Imperfectness
Here’s the thing: No family is perfect. Why? Because people aren’t perfect. We are all broken and struggle with our various issues (except me, of course, I’ve got it totally together…not! If you believe that, you’ve never met me 🙂 ).
Maybe you have a crazy uncle or a snobby sister. Maybe it’s a negative-minded cousin. God placed them (in their imperfectness) right where He wants them. While people make mistakes and mess up all of the time…God never does.
Think about it, there is likely someone in your fateful relative’s life (at their current point of brokenness) whom they are supposed to reach. Or they need to learn a specific thing at this moment, and unless they fulfill exactly who they are (despite the ramifications it may have for your life), they’ll never learn it.
To sum up, they’ll never grow out of it if we don’t support them through it.
People can be horrible to one another. Families are not exempt from this, not even biblical families.
Okay, so now you have a taste of Jacob’s family. Keep in mind that God changed his name to Israel later in the saga. So, Jacob becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel through his sons. As far as families go, this one is not insignificant (though very troubled).
Alright. So, I’ve set the stage to discuss sibling rivalry, insatiable in-laws, and favoritism among brothers. Get ready. This family still has a ton to teach us.
Love, K.
Thanks for your reminder that no family is perfect because it is full of fallible humans. If God can use the people in the Bible who had such messed up pasts for His purposes, there is hope for me too.
Similar studies I’ve done have given me so much hope that God can still use me! The devil tries to tell us otherwise, so these stories are good spiritual warfare ammunition. 🙂
You know, I guess we’re all comforted with the dysfunctional families in the Bible, because, as Joanna said, it reminds us that God can use us and our craziness, too! And, sometimes, I have this habit of pondering bible stories with “what were they thinking,” and yet, I can do very similar nuttiness. too! I look forward to reading more in your series.
Thank you, I agree with your comments. I think God used imperfect people on purpose to provide comfort to the rest of us!
Good topic! Looking forward to reading on.
One thing about our Bible–it doesn’t mince words when describing dysfunctional families. Of course, why should we be surprised? As you point out, we’re all human and far from perfect. We should learn from the mistakes our forefathers and mothers made, but we’re kind of slow, to pick up on those lessons, aren’t we? I’m looking forward to your series.
Yes, these lessons definitely repeat themselves across time!
Sometime family just presents the perfect opportunity to grow your faith ?. That is all!