Israel loved Joseph more

Bible Reading: Genesis 35-37

Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.

This hurts my heart! As I read of the family of Jacob I see a father who chooses favorites from among his children. How can a man do that? Did he not understand that this would create jealousy?

Genesis 37:4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Could he not see that this would make the other brothers hate Joseph? Why would a parent do this? Well, unfortunately it happens. It was not Joseph's fault. He was the recipient of special attention from his father. He suffered for it at the hands of his brothers.

If you are a parent, please read this account in the Bible and make it a matter of prayer to love your children - all of them. They are not all alike, so you cannot treat them all alike, but you can love them all the same. Even if you have more in common with one of them, you can make it a matter of training on your part to understand the other children. Please - do not play favorites.

If you are a child, remember that the Bible promises:

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Even though Joseph's brothers hated him, God used their hatred to save many lives and fulfill his purpose. If you are the favorite don't flaunt it. If you are not the favorite, don't despise. Trust God. Because we have a loving Heavenly Father that loves all his children!

Praise God that through faith in Christ, we can have a perfect Father.

In Christ,
Rody