Jacob and Joseph

Joseph is Jacob's favorite son among all his sons. It is recorded in Genesis 37:3 that "Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic." (NASB) Isn't it interesting that "Israel" loved Joseph, not "Jacob" loved Joseph? "Jacob" was used in verse 1 and why would the author switch from "Jacob" to "Israel" in verse 3? That's for more pondering and another post.

Anyway, I wonder if it was wrong for Jacob to show such affection and special love and attention for Joseph. I know many do. But afterall, Joseph turned out pretty well, pretty solid, and well used by God. Yes, he had some maturing to do, but could it be that the strong sense of knowing, from the bottom of his heart, that he was well loved by his father caused him to realize that he was also well loved by Yahweh? .. that he could take risk and be all that God had planned for him?

Israel, the nation, also knew that they were the chosen one, the favorite one. But instead of living up to what God has called them to be and do, they are more concerned about their inheritance and forget that they are to be a blessing to other nations. Joseph was also the favorite one, but he served his family, the entire nation, and other nations. I don't think showing favoritism is entirely wrong. It depends on how one responds! It is also ok to be not the favorite one because God has a plan and purpose for everyone!