Genesis 30-33
Family Reunions

Jacob left his family as a young man under less than favorable conditions. After having taken advantage of his brother Esau's hunger and taking his birthright, he then deceived his father and stole the blessing rightfully due his brother. His brother was understandably upset by this, and vowed to kill his after their father Isaac died. Fearing his life, Jacob fled from home.

Adding to this was a history of apparent favoritism within the family. Isaac seemed to have preferred strong and strapping Esau, while Rebekah gravitated to Jacob. There must have been constant tension as the boys grew to manhood. Despite this, there must also have been numerous good times. The boys must have played together, laughed together, given gifts to one another, shared dreams on quiet nights.

All this is points to the fact that families are often far from perfect. Members within the family often act with impure and selfish motives. Mothers and fathers sometimes make poor decisions. Things are said and done that are not easily forgotten. But, there are also wonderful moments that must intentionally be held to in times of conflict, else they will be ignored.

That is why our text in Genesis 33 is so beautiful. Years have passed, and Jacob, the scoundrel, has learned his lesson and begun to trust in God. He is married, has children, and wealth. And, after years away, he was finally returning home. He sent word to Esau of his arrival. How would Esau take it? Was he still angry? Jacob's heart must have sunk when he was informed that Esau was coming to him-with 400 men. "If only I hadn't been so foolish as a youth" he may have thought. When they met, Jacob showed great humility and repentance. "But Esau ran to him to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept," Genesis 33:4. What followed was a heartbreaking family reunion of two brothers who found they still loved one another.

The Lord blesses us with families, even when they aren't perfect. Like Jacob, we do things we shouldn't, and make our contributions to unease in the family. Like Esau, we are selfish and only focus on how wronged we have been. But through all this, families are still family. We need to look past the things that divide us and embrace the things that join us together.

So, thank God for you father and mother, sisters or brothers, with all of their flaws.