3,4 Apr -- Playing Favourites

The readings for Tues 3 and Wed 4 April are -- Gen 45:1-46:27; Ps 16:1-6; Pro 3:17-18; Mt 16:21-17:13.

Beware! Playing favourites within the family is a dangerous hazard to healthy relationships. Our readings in Genesis have given us ample examples.
* Isaac's favourite was Esau, but Rebekah's favourite was their other twin Jacob. The result was Esau seeking to kill his brother.
* In the next generation, Jacob preferred Joseph over his 11 brothers. Joseph's special coat was an indication of this. The result was Joseph's brothers plotting to kill him, but then selling him into slavery.
* In Gen 45, we see Joseph giving preferential treatment to Benjamin. "He gave each of the brothers changes of clothes, but he gave Benjamin 300 pieces of silver and five changes of clothes." (45:22). Not very conducive to family harmony you would think on the basis of previous incidents! I suspect that's why he says to his brothers as they are about to leave: "Don't argue on the way." (45:24). At least that was wise.