A Blessing From God
by Dan Jones, M.D.
Genesis 37:3
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him.
As health professionals, we often wear a coat, many times a white one, which distinguishes us from others. Originally, these coats worn in our profession had very practical purposes related to hygiene. Now, they are often seen as a sign of prestige or privilege. Many years ago a young man named Joseph received a special coat from his father, Jacob.
The coat was special and made Joseph feel special. The coat had practical purposes as all coats do. It kept him warm and protected. But the coat also had great symbolic meaning.
This coat of many colors set Joseph apart. It noted that he was especially blessed, especially gifted, and different from his brothers. Joseph received his coat from his father with great enthusiasm and optimism. He thought the coat, and what it represented, had made him set for life. But the coat marked, for Joseph, the beginning of a remarkable journey that taught him many lessons.
The coats we wear representing our profession are special and seen by others as special. But we must constantly bear in mind, that the wearing of these coats is a very special privilege provided by God. Just as Joseph’s coat was a symbol of his father’s special love, our coats for us should remind us how much our Heavenly Father loves us and blesses us.
Lord, thank you for the special privilege of wearing the coat of a health professional. I am grateful for your love for me and the opportunity to be a part of the healing profession.
Dan Jones, M.D., MACP, FAHA, a board-certified Internist, a former medical missionary to Korea, professor of medicine at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Chancellor of the University of Mississippi until 2015. Dr. Dan Jones is a member of CMDA.
Dr. Jones welcomes any comments or questions about what he has written and can be reached at - djones@umc.edu
Rounds with the Master, Spiritual Pearls from the Great Physician Devotionals are released every Monday and Thursday.
