Day 16: Genesis 36:1-43
Ever feel like there are pointless sections in the bible? I mean, why do I care about what son married someone's daughter and they had a bunch of kids and now they have a huge family?
Have you ever spent time trying to pronounce some of the names in the Old Testament? I can't say that I have mastered the name thing.
Genesis 36 is a list of Esau's family. For some, the list in boring and unnecessary to know. For others, the family tree is very important to know for references and how the Edomites came to be.
Family trees are important. Every family member has a purpose and a uniqueness. None of us were given a say as to what kind of family we prefer; it was God who matched us up with parents, grandparents, adopted parents or foster parents to raise us, teach us and guide us in life.
Some of us were born into families that were kind, loving and supportive. Some of us were born into families that were harsh, abusive and godless. Some of us were born to parents who didn't want us, so they put us up for adoption. Still others were born into families who were strung out on drugs and/or alcohol.
No matter the family God chose for us, it is our decision as to how we will live within the family. Our destiny isn't determined by the family God chose for us; rather, by our complete surrender to the will of God.
Esau's family will evolve into disobedience and will be known as a family of troublemakers. Esau saw his share of lies and deception growing up in a home where he and his brother were not equally loved by both parents. The impact love has on a child is huge and cannot be taken lightly.
The family tree is what we make it out to be. We can either be a tree that flourishes in love, truth and godliness no matter how we were raised; or, we can become a product of our environment and pass down hostility, godlessness and discontent.
No matter what we choose, every choice we make has consequences that will either be good or bad. So, how is your family tree flourishing?
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