A Work in Progress….

Genesis 36:20-21 These were the sons of Seir the Horite, who were living in the region: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 21Dishon, Ezer and Dishan. These sons of Seir in Edom were Horite chiefs.

Yesterday, commentary mentioned that while Esau and his family were not spiritually blessed, they were materially blessed, and that was what Esau preferred. (After all, he sold his birthright blessing for a bowl of stew at one point.) There were many chiefs in Esau’s line, a sign of earthly power and influence.

Genesis 36:22-24 The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam. Timna was Lotan’s sister. The sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs c in the desert while he was grazing the donkeys of his father Zibeon.

This all puts me in mind of the fact that we are asked by God to give up our notion of what’s good so that He can give us what’s best. I’m sure Esau thought that his descendants having political power and earthly possessions was good, but if he had given himself to God, what spiritual blessings could he have inherited? We will never know.

Genesis 36:25-27 The children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah. The sons of Dishon Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran and Keran. The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan and Akan.

Precious Savior, The world wants us to be satisfied with material possessions that the world sees as good. And it’s nice to have those things, to be someone in the eyes of the world. But the things of this world are not lasting. Help us to be willing to lay down what’s good in our eyes for what’s better in Yours. Help us not to get caught up in things of this world. Help us, Jesus. Amen.

Genesis 36:28-30 The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran. These were the Horite chiefs: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer and Dishan. These were the Horite chiefs, according to their divisions, in the land of Seir.

Have a blessed day.

Genesis 36:15-16 These were the chiefs among Esau’s descendants: The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, Korah, a Gatam and Amalek. These were the chiefs descended from Eliphaz in Edom; they were grandsons of Adah.

A quick google search turns up that Esau’s genealogy is presented here “to establish a historical and genealogical connection” between Esau and Israel. And that makes perfect sense to me as when I introduce my boys to a family member they’ve not met before, I establish the connection between that person and us so they understand how we are related.

Genesis 36:17 The sons of Esau’s son Reuel: Chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah. These were the chiefs descended from Reuel in Edom; they were grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath.

Knowing that connection helps to understand the relationship. Sometimes it raises questions: “Well, why doesn’t…?”. Sometimes it provides answers: “Oh, now I understand why….” But I’m not going to lie…my teflon brain absolutely kicks in when I see this long list, my eyes get a bit glassy, and it’s hard for me to focus. Help me, Jesus.

Genesis 36:18 The sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah: Chiefs Jeush, Jalam and Korah. These were the chiefs descended from Esau’s wife Oholibamah daughter of Anah.

Precious Savior, Thank You for family, for connections, for relationships. Thank You for the understanding that can come from knowing how these connections fit. Forgive me for my teflon brain when I see lengthy genealogy. Help me to see what You have for me in this scripture. Amen.

Genesis 36:19 These were the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these were their chiefs.

Have a blessed day.

Genesis 36:10 These are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Esau’s wife Adah, and Reuel, the son of Esau’s wife Basemath.

Today’s scripture has me thinking about family–the family you are born into, the family you choose and create through marriage and the family you choose through the friendships you nurture in life.

Genesis 36:11-12 The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam and Kenaz. Esau’s son Eliphaz also had a concubine named Timna, who bore him Amalek. These were grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah.

These people are so important in life, they love, nurture, and support us through all of life’s ups and downs. They may not be people we talk with daily–though they may be–but when we need prayers, when we have joys to share or burdens to bear, these are the people who help sustain us. They are crucial to a life well lived.

Genesis 36:13 The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah. These were grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath.

Precious Savior, Thank You for the amazing family You have blessed me with–family I was born into, family I chose and created through marriage, family I have nurtured by choice and through friendship. These are my people, and I am so incredibly thankful for each and every one of them. Thank You. Amen.

Genesis 36:14 The sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon, whom she bore to Esau: Jeush, Jalam and Korah.

Have a blessed day.

Genesis 36:6 Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the members of his household, as well as his livestock and all his other animals and all the goods he had acquired in Canaan, and moved to a land some distance from his brother Jacob. 

My youngest graduated from high school last night, and I attended my last high school graduation as a faculty member at the school where I’ve taught for 29 years, so today has me thinking about endings and new beginnings. The graduation speaker, a precious young woman whom I’m thankful to have in my life, encouraged the audience to think about the question: “Who am I right now?”

Genesis 36:7 Their possessions were too great for them to remain together; the land where they were staying could not support them both because of their livestock. 

That’s a wonderful question for graduates to ponder, but it’s a good one for all of us to think about. I’m not sure she realized that God was using her words to speak to my heart, too. She went on to say, “Life isn’t a race. What matters is that we keep moving forward, keep learning, and keep growing. So no matter where you are in life, it’s important to remind yourself that you are not behind. You are becoming.”

Genesis 36:8 So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir.

Precious Savior, Thank You for the graduates, no matter what stage of life they are in. Thank You for the wisdom of our youth, for Your ability to speak to us through anyone who allows herself (or himself) to be used by You. Thank You for endings, sad because they are so meaningful, and for new beginnings with their sense of hope and potential. Thank You for the act of becoming. Help us each day to become more like You. Amen.

Genesis 36:9 This is the account of the family line of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir.

Have a blessed day.

Genesis 36:1 This is the account of the family line of Esau (that is, Edom).

As I read today’s scripture, it puts me in mind of my oldest sister. She loves genealogy, and she’s got a great mind for it. Names change spelling? Dates are off? Here’s this person that we’ve never heard of before showing on the census in the same house? She not only catches it, she understands it, gets excited about it, shares it. 

Genesis 36:2 Esau took his wives from the women of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite— 

I’m definitely more of a “teflon brain” when it comes to genealogy, but I do recognize that knowing where you come from, being able to understand the history of those who came before you, can help you make sense of life. Knowing about your ancestors definitely helps to give you roots, just like knowing about your Savior helps to give you wings.

Genesis 36:3 also Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.

Precious Savior, Thank You for those who can see and instantly understand the intricacies of genealogy. Thank You that knowing our histories can enrich our present. Thank You that our past doesn’t dictate our future and that we need both roots and wings to really soar. Thank You. Amen.

Genesis 36:4-5 Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath bore Reuel, and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam and Korah. These were the sons of Esau, who were born to him in Canaan.

Have a blessed day. 

Genesis 35:27 Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. 

I think today’s scripture is a good look at the restorative power of God. Early in this dysfunctional family saga, Isaac was livid with Jacob for stealing the birthright blessing, Esau was livid with Jacob for cheating him, and Jacob fled from his home, afraid for his life because of his trickery.

Genesis 35:28 Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years. 

Now, here we are at the end of Isaac’s life, and Esau and Jacob are reunited, their relationship restored. And we haven’t heard anything about the reparation of Isaac and Jacob’s relationship, but I’m hopeful that since Esau and Jacob were restored, perhaps Isaac and Jacob were, too.

Genesis 35:29a Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. 

Precious Savior, Family can be difficult, especially with so much shared baggage to anchor members together. Thank You for showing us that even when family relationships aren’t ideal, that with You, they can be mended. Help us to seek to repair broken family relationships in our lives. Show us Your way, especially when we can’t see a way forward. Amen.

Genesis 35:29b And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

Have a blessed day.

Genesis 35:21 Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. 

Commentary calls Jacob’s family dysfunctional, and that seems pretty fitting based on all that we have seen of them in the last few chapters. Commentary also says, “[God] chose them and used them by His grace alone.” That, I think, is an important reminder for all of us.

Genesis 35:22 While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it. Jacob had twelve sons:

I suspect that I am not alone at getting cocky when things are going well. “Oh, yeah, of course God is using me. I’m awesome.” (It hurts me to type those words, but I’m absolutely guilty of the attitude.) However, I have found that God uses me–maybe even more often and more effectively–when I have to admit to my failings and missteps, perhaps because my weakness showcases His strength and grace so perfectly.

Genesis 35:23-24 The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.

Precious Savior, Thank You that You can and will and do use me in Your kingdom work–not because of who I am but because of who You are, because of Your fierce love and overwhelming grace. Thank You that I can shine Your light, even on the bad days. Help me always to shine for You. Amen.

Genesis 35:25-26 The sons of Rachel’s servant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Leah’s servant Zilpah: Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram.

Have a blessed day.

Genesis 35:17 And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, “Don’t despair, for you have another son.” 

Recently, I was able to watch video from the 2004 ACHS prom. I was able to see folks whom I barely remember as high school seniors, whom I’ve known for years and years as adults–parents, teachers, upstanding citizens–in all their high school “glory.” Who they were then is not who they are now. They are older, wiser, more mature. Aren’t we all?

Genesis 35:18 As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin. 

Yet on the night of their senior prom, they felt incredibly mature. They were as old as they had ever been, and they had more of life figured out than ever before. They didn’t know what they didn’t know. Isn’t that the way of life? We think we know so much until we realize that we don’t. God allows us to continue to grow and mature, so that we aren’t stuck in our current ineptitude (which we don’t even fully realize in the moment).

Genesis 35:19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). 

Precious Savior, Thank You for the ability to continue to grow and mature. Thank You that each new day is a new chance to get things right, to learn some of the many, many, many things that we don’t know that we don’t know. Help us, no matter the stage of life we are in, to remain mindful of the fact that we still have things to learn. Amen.

Genesis 35:20 Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb.

Have a blessed day.

Genesis 35:13 Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him.

Today has me thinking about the places where God has talked to me. Definitely my recliner, where I sit each morning as I read scripture, ponder God’s word, and drink my coffee. My bed, as when I inevitably wake up at 3am and toss and turn, God and I often talk. My yard, where God and I have wrestled over agonizing life events, where He reminded me He doesn’t always make the pain go away, but He always holds me, always walks with me.

Genesis 35:14 Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. 

The thing is, the places where God has talked to me are common, ordinary places. It’s not the location that is significant, it’s the state of my heart. Am I in a space to seek, to listen, to hear? Sometimes the answer is no and my recliner, my bed, my yard are just…ordinary. But when my heart is right, when I am truly listening, God can and will and does talk with me wherever I am.

Genesis 35:15 Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel. 

Precious Savior, Thank You that You talk with me, listen to me, guide me. I am so laughably far from perfect. I fail every single day. But I love You, and I try to seek You. Thank You for being with me, for showing up, for whispering to my heart. Amen.

Genesis 35:16 Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and had great difficulty.

Have a blessed day.

Genesis 35:9 After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. 

As I was reading today’s scripture, particularly verse 10, Isaiah 43:1 came to mind: … “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” God not only calls us by name–as Jacob/Israel shows us here, He also reminds us who we are in Him. No longer Jacob but now Israel. 

Genesis 35:10 God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel.

And as salty as I am about Jacob’s ridiculousness, as much as I want to say, “Seriously, God, You want to give him *another* chance?,” the messy, fallible human in me says, “Thank You, Jesus, that You never gave up on him, that You never give up on me. I do not deserve the second and third and fourth chances, but I am so grateful You give them. Thank You.”

Genesis 35:11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. 

Precious Savior, Thank You that the words of Isaiah 43:1 are not only for Jacob/Israel, but also for me: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Thank You that You do not cast us aside just because we mess up. Thank You that You give us chance after chance after chance to get it right, that You show us example after example in Your Word of Biblical stalwarts who messed up time and time again. It’s not about our perfection, it’s about Your fierce love. Thank You. Amen. 

Genesis 35:12 The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.”

Have a blessed day.