The Story of Joseph, Part 14 (Genesis 45)

This time Joseph spoke to his brothers in their own language, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” They were terrified and not able to say a word. Joseph then told them to come closer and said, “I am your brother, Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. Don’t be afraid or angry with yourselves for selling me because God sent me here to save lives.” His brothers listened as Joseph told them the famine would last five more years which would make a total of seven years according to Pharaoh’s dream. He said to them, “God sent me here to save your lives by a great deliverance. Now, go back to my father and tell him to come down to me. Don’t delay. You will live in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and your grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. I will take care of you there. If you do not come you will become destitute because of the five remaining years of famine.” Then Joseph threw his arms around Benjamin and kissed him, and he did the same with all his brothers as they cried together. Joseph then had wagons prepared to go to Canaan to haul Jacob and all his family and possessions back to Egypt. When the brothers arrived in Canaan they said to their father, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler of all of Egypt.” Jacob did not believe them at first, but when they told him everything and when he saw the wagons, he said “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” Boys and girls, I hope you liked the story of Joseph as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you. It is a true story, and I think it teaches us that God is able to change people and turn bad things into good things. Do you agree?