Day Three - All in the Family in "Bethel" 

Genesis 28:20 to Genesis 40:11

What a diverse family it is that dwells in Bethel (the "House of God").  As the children and grandchildren of Abraham strike out to make their way in the world, competition and jealousies abound that threaten to tear the family apart.  This is no cohesive unit, working together for the good of all.   And yet on the whole, with a bit of assistance and guidance from God, they somehow seem to make it work out.  As the stories unfold there is even a bit of humor as the scheming Jacob goes head-to-head with his equally cunning uncle Laban!

In the midst of all the turmoil that seems to run through the families of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, what struck me were two verses whose significance alluded me on prior readings of today's assigned passages.  When Abraham died his two sons separated by culture and covenant, Isaac born of Sarah and Ishmael born of Hagar, came together to bury their father (Genesis 25:9).  Similarly when Isaac later died it is said that his two incompatible sons, Jacob and Esau, attended to his burial (Genesis 35:29).

The roots of a family run deep, sometimes wild, but always maintain a connection that neither the events of life nor the seemingly finality of death can totally wipe away.  While at times we might choose to ignore how we are bound to each other, the family trait we carry - that is, the image of God in whom we all are created - cannot be denied.