Family Reunion

(Abraham's) sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the ave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre -Genesis 25:9

Here is another gem I have overlooked in previous readings.  Ishmael was at Abraham's funeral. What?! I thought Abraham sent him and his mother away? This is definitely worth looking into.

Verse 1 tells us that Abraham remarried after Sarah's death and he had 6 more children and several grandchildren by her. She was called Keturah. However, Old Testament and Torah scholars say that this was actually Hagar, Ishmael's mother!  It was typical in that day to have more than one name.  It is also speculated that her name was changed once Abraham released her from slavery to marry her.   It is probable that both Abraham and Isaac felt guilty about sending them away and went and brought them back after Sarah's death.

That sounds like our God! He is a God of reconciliation.  He unites instead of dividing. He wants us to repair our own relationships as well.  If there is someone in your family that has been cut off, or even has cut themselves off, keep reaching out. Funerals are generally sad, but they are made sadder each time we hear the well-worn phrase, "It's good to see you, but I wish it were under better circumstances." 

Reconciling God,

Help us to keep in contact with those you have given us to love.  Amen.