Today I read Genesis 43-45 for worship. I read from the New Living Translation. I'm amazed at this translation because it reads like a story and I just have to keep going until it's at a good stopping point. This part was about Joseph in Egypt and how his brother's came to him for grain. He withheld his identity from them and tested them until they demonstrated their characters to him. I've always loved the story of Joseph. As a child, he was always my "favorite character in the Bible".
After reading today, I was pondering, "What did I learn from this story that I didn't already know". I think the important point made to me today is about favoritism. The whole problem of Joseph going to Egypt was because he was favored by his father, this urged his brothers to jealousy, and they sold him to slavery. His father then favored Benjamin. I think that the brothers probably were more tolerant of this because of two reasons; first, they felt guilty about what they had done to Joseph, and second, Benjamin was younger than them. Joseph had been closer to their ages and thus it was harder for them to see him be favored over them. But ultimately, the favoritism towards Benjamin led to Simeon's imprisonment for who knows how long while the brothers were trying to convince their father to allow them to take Benjamin back to Egypt.
Favoritism is a difficult thing NOT to do in life. When we really identify with someone and grow close to them, it's hard not to favor them over other people. This is fine in certain contexts. It's how we make close friendships with some people and not with others. However, in groups where there should be equity, it can cause problems. The family is one of those areas. I would imagine that bosses would feel this problem. I know as an employee it's fairly obvious when a boss favors one person over another and usually causes jealousy from the other employees. As I start my new job, and begin new relationships, I hope to remember the story of Joseph and treat all my colleagues and coworkers without favoritism. With respect and Christ-like love that every human being deserves. That is my goal. That is what I learned from my worship time today.
