Genesis 37:1–4 (ESV)
Joseph’s Dreams
37 Jacob
lived in the land of his father’s sojournings, in the land of Canaan.
2 These are the generations of Jacob.
Joseph,
being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3 Now
Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his
brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.
One thing I hate to hear are parents who have a favorite child. This is so damaging
to the other children. Parents should realize that each child is unique and to love each child with their God given uniqueness. A favorite produces envy and jealousy… that will result in problems. I give thanks for my parents in loving
my brother and me equally. But in today’s reading, it is clear that Jacob loved Joseph “more than any other of his sons” and made him a “rob of many colors” that the other children did not get. The result is what I
would expect… “4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.”
I pray: O Lord, help me to raise my family peacefully and to not stir up anger, envy, and jealousy. Help me to love them equally… and that they know I love them equally. Amen.