Inspirational Vitamin - 10/29/07
"The Favored Son"
Genesis 37:1-4
In Joseph's day, everyone had a robe or cloak. Robes were used to warm oneself, to bundle up belongings for a trip, to wrap babies, to sit on, or even to serve as security for a loan. Most robes were knee length, short sleeved, and plain. In contrast, Joseph's robe was probably of the kind worn by royalty-long sleeved, ankle length, and colorful. The robe became a symbol of Jacob's favoritism toward Joseph, and it aggravated the already strained relations between Joseph and his brothers. Favoritism in families may be unavoidable, but its divisive effects should be minimized. Parents may not be able to change their feelings toward a favorite child, but they can change their actions toward others.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"It is never too late to give up your prejudices." - Henry David Thoreau
To read some of the past vitamins and commentary, please visit my blog on Yahoo 360, entitled "The Synopsis" at http://360.yahoo.com/burneya6 or at http://thealbanreport.blogspot.com/. Also, if you are in the Fayetteville area, be sure to watch my interview with Dr. Loleta Foster on "Inside the CCBC" on the Time Warner Community Channel, channel 6, on Oct. 31 and Nov. 7 at 8:00 pm.
Genesis 37:1-4
In Joseph's day, everyone had a robe or cloak. Robes were used to warm oneself, to bundle up belongings for a trip, to wrap babies, to sit on, or even to serve as security for a loan. Most robes were knee length, short sleeved, and plain. In contrast, Joseph's robe was probably of the kind worn by royalty-long sleeved, ankle length, and colorful. The robe became a symbol of Jacob's favoritism toward Joseph, and it aggravated the already strained relations between Joseph and his brothers. Favoritism in families may be unavoidable, but its divisive effects should be minimized. Parents may not be able to change their feelings toward a favorite child, but they can change their actions toward others.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"It is never too late to give up your prejudices." - Henry David Thoreau
To read some of the past vitamins and commentary, please visit my blog on Yahoo 360, entitled "The Synopsis" at http://360.yahoo.com/burneya6 or at http://thealbanreport.blogspot.com/. Also, if you are in the Fayetteville area, be sure to watch my interview with Dr. Loleta Foster on "Inside the CCBC" on the Time Warner Community Channel, channel 6, on Oct. 31 and Nov. 7 at 8:00 pm.
