OCTOBER 3

Genesis 37:3, 23

FAVOURITISM

The Bible says that Joseph was the 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 Joseph. All brotherly love flew out the window.

It was not Joseph’s fault that his father favoured him but he ended up in suffering because of the father’s favouritism. Parents are to love all their children fairly because each child is a gift from God. From jealousy came an act of tragedy as 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: Favouritism causes jealousy.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for being so fair and just to all who belong to you. Teach me not to be jealous even if my parents would to practise favouritism. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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