OCTOBER 3, Genesis 37:3, 23

The Bible says that Joseph was his father’s favourite son. Being the son of his favourite wife, Rachel and also the son of his old age, he was loved more than all his brothers.

Joseph was given a special coat of many colours and was the only child to receive this gift. Even Benjamin, the youngest son, did not get one. This coat was different from the ordinary coats that everyone had. Coats in those days were worn to protect them from the cold. The common coats were plain and of one colour while the special ones were longer, had sleeves and were decorated with many beautiful colours and ornaments. In ancient times, such decorated coats were usually only worn by royalty. It was a coat that showed to everybody that Joseph was loved more and also honoured above his brothers.

The immediate reaction from the brothers was jealousy. Joseph became even more unpopular with them. Driven by envy, they plotted to get rid of him. All brotherly love flew out the window.

It was not Joseph’s fault that his father favoured him and he ended up suffering because of his brothers’ jealousy. Their jealousy led to an act of tragedy when his brothers ganged up to strip him of his beautiful coat and threw him into a pit to die.

Colour as beautifully as you can on the special coat that Joseph is wearing.

Thought: Do not be jealous of others and allow jealousy to lead you into sin!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to be jealous of others but to remember that godliness with contentment is great gain. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.