What’s Your Story?

 Read Genesis 35-37
 
Gen 37:1-2 Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan.  2 This is the account of Jacob. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them.
 
MUCH happens in these chapters. God reaffirms Israel’s calling: Genesis 35:11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body.” How merciful is our Lord to restore and use us sinners.
    We then see Rachel die as she gave birth to Benjamin. Isaac was still alive as Israel returned to Canaan. Then Israel and Esau bury their father. Israel’s home is established in Canaan as he builds an altar at Bethel in a manner similar to his grandfather Abraham (Genesis 12:8). We see, too, the summary of Esau’s descendants in Edom. Edom was a country to the southeast of the Dead Sea. This country would often opposed Israel and Judah through the years of the kings.
    Then we come to what seems to be a new beginning to Jacob’s story in Genesis 37:1-2. See how the story transitions from Jacob’s past into the future through his sons. How compelling, even frustrating it will be to read of the hateful jealousy, the infighting, the plotting and the murderous intentions of this chosen family. Would you want this family to be your neighbors? But knowing how bad sin can dissect a family, you will see how wonderfully forgiveness reconciles.
    Jacob’s story is our story, too. We are all on a journey, physically and spiritually. Sometimes we stop to build “altars” to God as we commit to his church and his Word. Other times we can feel entrapped by life’s circumstances. Our pride causes competition with others. We long to be the favored one. We argue with our children and sometimes avoid their conflicts as Jacob did with his sons. We often accuse,  and we too seldom encourage and forgive.
    Yes, Jacob’s family story is your story. As you parent or influence others, be mindful of this: Who you are makes a deep impact on those in your care. Jacob’s sons likely learned some deceitful habits from their dad and prideful conflict from their mothers. In contrast, you are to learn from and to model God’s law, love and forgiveness. May your story and your children’s story be a story of redemption and promise for the generations to come.
    Build an “altar” of love in your family. Form a faith legacy leading to eternity.
   
Reflect on This: What would it look like to have your story written on paper? Is there anything you’d like to change?