As I read these chapters, I could not get this thought out of my mind:
The “first family” of the people of God is a messed up bunch.
This can be either a comforting or disturbing realization. I tend to think that truth lies in the tension—in this case, the tension between being relieved that even Abraham’s family was dysfunctional and being shocked that Abraham’s family was imperfect. It seems to me that the paradoxical reality of the human condition is located right here, in these stories, in this mess, in this family—the chosen people of God.
This is our story, too. A story filled with deception, jealousy, death, greed, lost blessing…and new life, abundant blessing, and the promise of God.
It is easy for us to read these chapters and think, “How can ALL this happen in the space of ten chapters?! How can God’s chosen people do so many questionable things?! How is THIS the story of God and God’s people?!”
But to find the answer to those questions, we need not look any further than our own lives and the life of the church. Do we not live this paradox, as people created good but behaving badly, as God’s messed up but chosen people?
The truth is in the tension—in the midst of this grand family drama, God is present, God is speaking, God is leading God’s people.
The same is true today.
You have a great point and I completely and totally agree. It makes it feel more okay to have a screwy family when you know that the first family of God was ten times worse. :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I know I don't always comment but I'm really enjoying reading your blog entries. :)