The delightful smell of barbecued chicken wafted over our picnic area at the park. Our extended family had gathered together for a family reunion. My grandma had made potato salad, and we had plenty of chips and pop for the occasion. We had to travel a distance to get to the meeting place, but the fun we had and the memories we made were worth it. I remember those occasional family reunions with fondness when we could renew relationships with uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins.
Joseph’s brothers hated him because of his dreams. You might say they experienced a family feud. Joseph had been separated from his family for many years. The last time he had seen his brothers was from the bottom of a pit as they sold him into slavery. Through God’s providence Joseph was now 2nd in command in all of Egypt. As the whole land was experiencing a famine Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy grain. They had no idea that Joseph was there and thought he was dead by now. When they stood before Joseph, he recognized them, but they had no idea he was their brother. Joseph did not immediately embrace his brothers but tested them to see if they had a change of character. Later, when they showed that they were indeed different men, he revealed himself to them and they had a delightful family reunion.
Families today can be delightful and uplifting, but they can also be toxic and dysfunctional. We are just as likely to have a family feud as a family reunion. However, one day there will be a great family reunion for those who are in the family of faith. Believers will one day be called to the Father’s House with its many mansions. We will be encircled with the joy of that family reunion. Heb.12:22-24 tells us: “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant…”. I can’t wait for that blessed family reunion. I wonder if they’ll have barbecued chicken.