Prompt: A Happy Family by Studio Ghibli
Note: This article is the third part and the second main point in the message that I will be delivering this coming Tuesday. You can check the first two parts here:
The emphasis in this second point is that the power of grace demonstrated in the past in removing hostility is the same grace that has the ability to heal whatever current hostility you are experiencing now.
And here's the continuation of our story:
Jacob's name meant, "he grabs the heel." His name also connotes subversion and deception because Jacob tried to grab Esau's position as firstborn on the day of their birth. In Genesis 27:6, Esau describes his brother as a deceiver on two occasions, in taking his birthright and his blessing. In other words, in the eyes of Esau, Jacob is a taker, a grabber of things that belong to him. Jacob's name matched his actions.
As I said earlier, from a human point of view, Esau is better than Jacob. But we are not in God's position. It is he who decides. And when God decides, it only shows that the grace of God is powerful enough to transform a deceitful person like Jacob. What Jacob needed was a strong dosage of God's continuing grace.
Israel too as a nation was so stubborn to obey the mandate of God. As a result of their stubbornness, they suffered a lot. Amid their suffering, they learned to humble themselves. In response to their repentance and humility, God showered upon them his continuing grace.
Like Jacob and Israel, we also encounter many difficulties in life, either self-imposed or inflicted by others. Nevertheless, in any case, what we need is the continuing grace of God. As the author of Hebrews says, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (4:16).
Let me apply this truth to hostility in our homes that if ignored could potentially result in broken relationships that could destroy marriages and families.
As I reflect on biblical families, I find that the ideal is more exceptional than normal. See the family life of the first couple, Adam and Eve. Imagine the pain in their hearts after knowing that their younger son has been murdered and that the murderer himself is the elder brother.
Abraham’s family life also is not so ideal. He also experienced domestic hostility between his two wives, Sarah and Hagar. How about the relationship between Ishmael and Isaac? Do you think having a common father solves the hostility between their respective mothers that has been passed on to them?
In the case of Isaac, we see here a divided kingdom family. It is a shame on the part of Isaac that despite his knowledge of the prophecy concerning Jacob, he still favored Esau and wanted to give the blessing to him.
How about Jacob’s family? Are not his older sons angry at his favorite son Joseph causing them to sell their brother to the Ishmaelites? Did they not carry such guilt in their conscience for years? Isn’t Jacob’s daughter Dina got raped by Shechem? How about Jacob’s eldest son Reuben? Did not his son sleep with Bilhah, his concubine?
How about David? Even the family of “a man after God’s own heart” was afflicted by adultery, incest, and rebellion.
|How’s your family compared to biblical families? How’s your marriage? Broken? Whole? If the latter, praise be to God for the abundance of His grace and love that sustains and protects your marriage. There is nothing to boast about it here. If your marriage thrives, you owe it to His grace.
If not, then, the same grace can heal and restore your marriage and your family.
A relationship is considered broken if there is no more trust, and communication has also suffered a breakdown. If it is a relationship between lovers, the romantic bond that once existed is no longer there resulting in feelings of distance, resentment, and dissatisfaction. If previously they enjoyed each other’s company, now they avoid each other, and seeing each other reminds them of fear and guilt.
Brokenness too can be understood in diverse contexts and I just want to mention four:
Emotional brokenness is the most typical example, hence the reason for the popularity of “hugot” lines.
The feeling of suffering from financial brokenness is similar to emotional brokenness. If not contained and dealt with properly, it will make you dysfunctional and unproductive. This type of brokenness arises from economic difficulties, such as debt, job loss, poverty, or financial mismanagement. It can lead to stress, insecurity, and challenges in meeting basic needs.
Moral or ethical brokenness refers to a sense of moral or ethical breakdown in which an individual’s actions or decisions have violated his values and principles. It can result in feelings of guilt, remorse, or a moral crisis.
I understand spiritual brokenness to disconnection from your spiritual or religious practices. You no longer pray and read the Bible, and you no longer attend the regular services of the church that you once enjoyed.
How to solve broken relationships? All human attempts to restore a broken relationship are superficial. They fail to touch the issues of the heart. Self-reflection, personal therapy, and open and honest communication are good in their proper places but if considered as the solution, they will only bring deeper frustration.
Only the power of God’s grace can solve a broken relationship. Only the grace of God will give you the ability to forgive. Rebuilding trust isn’t easy. It takes time and requires a huge dosage of grace.
Grace and peace!