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FLESH AND BLOOD (GENESIS 29:13-14)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Flesh and Blood” The phrase Flesh and blood means a near relative or one’s close family. We shall reflect on the fact that we must support our family members or flesh and blood when they are stranded and facing challenges.

Dear friend, who is your flesh and blood when you are in trouble or stranded? Who do you run to when you are in danger? A person who claims to be your flesh and blood or family member will be your refuge and helper when you are in trouble. It is for this reason, that Jacob ran to his uncle, Leban, fearing that Esau would harm him, “As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he hurried to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, and there Jacob told him all these things. ¹⁴ Then Laban said to him, “You are my own flesh and blood.” (Genesis 29:13-14) Family is a gift from God and a person without a family is the most pitied in the world. The people we call flesh and blood provide social security and support when we are distressed. We must cherish our family members and unlike Jacob do nothing to hurt our flesh and blood and later run to seek refuge from another flesh and blood. Like Laban, we must be hospitable and ready to provide refuge and support to family members who are displaced or stranded for one reason or the other.

It is important to add that flesh and blood goes beyond family ties. Some friends and church fellowship can become our flesh and blood. Friends and the people we fellowship with in our churches can also become the flesh and blood relations we never had. This social network of people is also a precious gift from God. Everyone deserves love, support and attention. Sometimes you may not find love and affection from your own flesh and blood or family members but you can find it in friends and church fellowship. We are greatly encouraged not to take friends and church fellowship for granted. Some friends provided great support to some people when family failed them or was unable to support them. Again, the church provided support to some of its members when family support was inadequate. In fact, in some instances, the church took full responsibility in providing refuge and care for some of its members. This what we term, “the baptismal water is thicker than blood.” At the end we must value all people God brings into our lives because both family and non-family members can become our flesh and blood in our life’s journey.

In summary, we have learnt that we must be there for our family members or flesh and blood when they are stranded or facing challenges. God’s divine purpose providing everyone with a family is to ensure that everyone is safe, and protected and has a place of refuge in times of danger or challenges. Let us be kind to our flesh and blood. Shalom.

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for the gift of family, friends and the church fellowship who have become our flesh and blood. May the Holy Spirit empower us to be supportive and provide refuge for those who are stranded or need help in our lives. Amen.