We are beginning to approach the end of the book of Genesis, but there are still stories to be told! Including today’s, from chapter 37.
Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. This is the story of the family of Jacob.
Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.
Reflection – Jacob plays favourites with his children, just as his parents did, and again the result is strife and division. Why is it so hard to break out of familiar patterns, even if we know they are destructive?
Zion Lutheran Church, Lunenburg 