I’ve never really been a fan of reading through genealogies in the Bible, and yet tracing my own family history has been intriguing. In fact, in my college freshman J-term, I took a course in it. My maternal grandmother had done a lot of the work on that side of the family already, so I was able to build on that and compile other data as well. It was fascinating, and it will help the generations to come to know who they are related to. In fact, on my father’s side, we would have reunions every 5 years of the relatives related to the original couple that came to the U.S. from Norway. We often had hundreds of cousins gathered for what has now turned into a weekend event!
In today’s reading, we see how Esau, Abraham’s other grandson multiplied and left his mark on the history of civilization. Edom is an area that borders Israel. It would have been a mountainous region stretching between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. It’s not there today, but I understand it is part of the area now known as Jordan.
We also learn of the leaders of Edom and kings who ruled. Interesting to note there were kings in Edom long before the kings appeared in Israel. Esau’s family will make up a big population in this area. For purposes of today’s reading, it is good for us to recognize that Esau left Jacob behind when he took his family and household to Edom.
God’s promise to Abraham continues through Jacob, but Esau makes quite a contribution to the population of the land of Edom. Esau intermarried with the Canaanites of the land, and thereby produced descendants who were not “pure.” I see this chapter as a way of tieing up some loose ends. It also explains a bit what happened to the firstborn of Isaac. We will hear again of the Edomites in later Bible accounts so you will have a basis of understanding who they are.
Nowadays, it seems like families spread out and don’t stay so tightly knit. That’s not true for every family certainly. We encountered many tight family groups over the years of ministry. It wasn’t uncommon to learn years later the various cousin connections– usually at the time of a wedding or funeral. It was people from close family units who thought our move to Mexico was absolutely absurd.
There is something special about a family bond. Even if you don’t see your loved ones every day, when you do see them there is a sense of “coming home,” even if you’re not at “home.” The familiarity is a blessing. It’s like the time apart evaporates and you are able to pick up where you left off. A hug from a family member feels particularly special. Am I the only one who feels like this?
Some families are estranged and have not had contact with each other for years. I have witnessed that, too. When, and if, reconciliations happen, there is usually an awkward void that is hard to overcome. Attempts to reconcile can often go south as one party or another may not be ready or still be holding on to a grudge. Maybe a peace offering would be in order, as we saw Jacob bring for Esau several readings back.
Whatever your family situation is, be thankful God placed you where he did. As parents, we are given the opportunity and blessing to touch the lives of our children. Once a parent, always a parent, even when the children are grown with little ones of their own. You never stop wanting the best for your children. As children, we should respect and love our parents – they were the ones God chose for us. We are given instruction from God to honor them, that should be reason enough, right?
I’ve often heard we can’t pick our families but we can pick our friends. That is true. God chose our families, now it is up to us to nurture them. Some of us have to do that from afar. Prayer keeps us close. When we ask God to protect and guide, we need to trust he will. It’s not our job to control the life of another human being, whether they are family or not. We can pray, and that should be our go-to whether we live across town or around the world.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for the family you have blessed me with. I pray protection over them as they live their lives and make their way in this world. Surround them with believers who can relate to them and feed them with your truth. Help me to be a good example for them and for the children of others who need a good role model. We are all your children, God, and I thank you for each of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Use me to nurture them as you have called me. Thank you that I can be your shining light in the darkness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
