A different path - changing the generations

Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!” Genesis 45: 24

It is a funny thing how often problems run down through family lines, whether that is divorce, alcoholism, uncontrolled anger, unforgiveness or sibling rivalry.  Joseph knew what his brothers were like having grown up in the home for 17 years before being sold into slavery by them. He knew they had a tendency to argue amongst themselves and they could be very hot headed and over react. Reuben had arrogantly slept with his father’s concubine (Genesis 35: 22) and Simeon and Levi had taken the law into their own hands and had tricked and destroyed all the inhabitants of a city because one man had violated their sister (Genesis 34).

So although Joseph was delighted with the reconciliation that had occurred between them, he was also nervous at what might happen on the journey back to Canaan to collect Jacob and the rest of the family. The brothers were laden down with gifts from Egypt and Benjamin had been given more than the rest so his warning to not quarrel was quite wise given the treatment he had received from their hands.

However we can see that Jacob’s sons were carrying on the family tradition of sibling rivalry. Jacob and Esau had been separated for years following Jacob’s theft of Esau’s birthright helped on by parental favouritism.  Although there was reconciliation, their lives were lived quite separately.  The same had happened in the previous generation when Isaac and Ishmael had not got on and Sarah insisted on Abraham sending Hagar and Ishmael away.

Favouritism and sibling rivalry had run down the generations but Joseph brought this to an end. He didn’t live like his brothers, he didn’t carry grudges, didn’t take anyone else’s wife and when given an opportunity to have his revenge on his brothers, he instead brought reconciliation to the whole family and rescued them from famine.  

Joseph had a different spirit and changed his family fortunes for many years. You may have come from a family split apart by all sorts of difficulties and you too can either choose to follow in your family’s footsteps or cut a different path and change your family. We do not have to walk in the ways of our parents and grandparents especially when those ways lead to problems, separation and pain for all. We can cut a fresh path of reconciliation, love, hope, and restore trust to our families.

With Jesus’ help we can shake off the past and start a fresh course that will be a source of blessing to our families for years to come.

Salvation for our families

At one time we were too foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done but because of his mercy. He saved us by the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Titus 3: 3 – 6

Today I feel a real urgency to renew our efforts in prayer and intercession for our loved ones who do not yet know the love and kindness of God for themselves. There are angels battling for their souls because God will never give up on anyone till their dying day. He desires that all know him and come unto salvation (I Timothy 2: 4).

This year 4 people that I know have died unexpectedly. Three knew the Lord and one may have made a commitment on their death bed. None of these four were particularly old and though not in good health, none were expected to die as soon as they did. The point is we do not know when we are going to die.

It can be very hard to talk about our faith to our family but we can be a great witness by our lifestyle and by the unconditional love that we show those nearest to us. Most of our family will know only too well what we believe and we do not need to reinforce it. In fact some families have broken relationships caused by heavy handed attempts to evangelise them. What everyone needs is unconditional love and acceptance not unfavourable remarks on their lifestyle. (I do need to say that does not mean accepting abusive situations or substance abuse).

The other thing we must do is pray and not give up praying whatever the evidence or lack of evidence of answers to our prayers. We must pray against the deception and lies of the enemy. We must pray for our loved ones to receive revelation of God’s love and wonderful plans and purposes for their lives. Finally we must pray for Christian witness from outside the family to be shown to them.

I am convinced the devil wants us to give up or become discouraged in praying for the salvation of our families and friends. Let’s renew our efforts today till we see our loved ones saved.