Genesis 37

Scripture:  Genesis 37:1-11

Observation:  Joseph is a young 17 year old, favorite of his father even though he was neither the oldest nor the youngest.  His status as favorite causes friction between him and his brothers.  They hate him, and when he tells them of 2 dreams he's had, in which his brothers and even his parents bow down to him, the hatred and jealousy grows stronger.

Application:  Family dynamics can be complicated, especially in a large family where many siblings are involved.  It's easy for some to feel more empowered and others to feel less loved.  It's the parent's responsibility not only to raise these children in the admonition of the Lord, but to love them all equally and treat them all fairly.  A parent who plants jealousy in the hearts of children by picking favorites is asking for rivalry and ill-feelings.  The results can be devastating.

Prayer:  Father, the children You gave me, each is a gift.  No one child is more a gift than the other.  Help me to always treat them with love equally, and not show any preferential treatment.  Help me to also nurture their love for each other, because they are siblings, brothers and sister, and they should love each other as siblings and as friends.  Help me to show them by example what it means to love a brother or a sister.  In Jesus' name, Amen.