The Most Dysfunctional Family in the Bible

Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? This is the second time he has taken advantage of me: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” Genesis 27:36 

 It's a well-known buzzword these days. But the dysfunctional family didn't start when the phrase appeared in the American lexicon. It goes FAR back - even the first family was dysfunctional. (Brothers don't kill each other in functional familes, do they?)

But as I was reading through Genesis this past week, one family struck me as likely the poster child for conflict-ridden relationships. And it all centers around one man: Jacob.

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He deceived his father and brother (Genesis 27). His Uncle Laban tricked him into marrying BOTH of his daughters (Genesis 29:14-30). His wives, and their concubines, fought for his affections (and bed!) for years (Genesis 29:31-30:22). And don't even get me started on his children (remember Dinah? Joseph?). If this isn't a dysfunctional family, I don't  know what is.

And yet, Jacob is one of the patriarchs. He's mentioned as a member of the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11:22. The name God gave him, Israel, became the name of God's chosen people. He is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Obviously, God didn't bless Jacob and his dysfunctional family because of their works. They were blessed because of grace - because of His promise to them.

“I am God, the God of your father,” He said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there." Genesis 46:3

And He did. Despite their weaknesses - their sins - their dysfunction. Aren't you glad God worked through the likes of Jacob? It means he could even work through someone like you or me.

Heavenly Father, thank You for working through imperfect people and dysfunctional families like mine. Even when I am deceitful, selfish, violent, or just plain disagreeable, You still love me and are willing to bless me, just as you did Jacob. Thank You for reminding me that salvation and love is Your gift to us (Ephesians 2:8-9). Help me to appreciate it. In the name of Christ I pray. Amen
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