Genesis 37:3-4 (ESV)

Originally published 12/17/2014

We don't always learn from our past. Jacob knew firsthand the trouble that came from his parents having favorites. He repeats the parenting pattern of his own parents, which will lead to another disaster. "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. 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" Genesis 37:3-4 (ESV). Sometimes our behavior is more shaped by our family than by God. Lord, alert me when I am acting more like my human parents than like my heavenly Father. Teach me to be a father like you are my Father.

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