Exodus chapter 5-6
Family--they can be our saving grace in times of trouble. Or, they can become an additional source of trouble. They can be our strongest supporters. Or, they can hold us back and give us their fears.
Moses, as a Levite, has deep connections among the Israelites through his family name. But, his family offered no support to him and his brother Aaron. In the end his family did more to hurt the cause of freedom that Moses presented to them. Unable to see beyond their own fears, they actually rallied the Israelites to turn against Moses and Aaron.
Not all of us are born into healthy family systems where good and supportive roles models help to shape our lives positively as we mature. Nevertheless, all of us need to find a healthy support system. Many of us have had to find other role models. Sometimes we find them by learning to rely more heavily on one or two positive ones within our family. Other times we may look outside the family to find the support we need.
Whatever the case, as we grow and mature, we come to understand our families and the systems of support or the lack thereof with a sense of grace. After all, they are our family.
Jesus' connection to God, and his friendships with the disciples provide for us a window through which we might see the hope of heaven for all of our families. Like the way Jesus loves his friends; may our families find long-suffering, joy-filled abiding love. Like the way Jesus gives himself to God the Father's will, even when it means dying on the cross; may our families find true security in loyal, sacrificial, selfless service.
Lord Jesus you are a role model that we can trust. Today, I give thanks for all those positive role models of love and hope that I look to as a source of inspiration. I pray for my family, and for families everywhere. Send your holy angels to watch over the little ones who are born into destructively dysfunctional homes. Awaken my awareness to the destructive things I do, and wash me with your grace to correct my ways. In Jesus' name. Amen
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