Nuclear Family

It seems like complicated families are nothing new.

Genesis 35:1-29

Reference:  v.22b-26a  Jacob had twelve sons:
The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun.
The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.
The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali.
The sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah:  Gad and Asher.  (NIV Bible)

Explore:  It is thought that in today’s age the ‘nuclear family’ is becoming extinct.  It is no longer the norm to have a mum, dad and 2 children all living under the same roof.  My own family is a clear example.  In our house we have a husband, wife and foster daughter.  None of us look similar and no one is biologically related but we all make up a family.  In some cases there are just single parents who are guardians, sometimes same sex parents, some families have step children living together, some half brothers and sisters together, and sometimes extended family co-existing in the same home…  There are many different forms of family now.  The gorgeous Disney movie ‘Lilo & Stitch’ highlighted to me that you don’t have to be directly related to make up a family.

Application:  It seems like complicated families are nothing new, however.  Reading about Jacob’s family in the last couple of chapters we have seen that there are lots of intricate details that make this family very complicated!  And yet, God took this family and made them in to a great nation.  God doesn’t need perfect families to work with.  God is able to use all families, no matter what the make up, to build His kingdom.

Prayer:  Lord, we are well aware that our families are not perfect.  Help us see the positive impact we can have as families and work together to build Your kingdom.  Amen.

What is complicated about your family?  How can God use your complicated family for His glory?

Genesis