I AM Joseph

By Mary Vee

Genesis 45:9-20

Joseph tried to stop sobbing, but his muscles refused. It was a relief to tell his brothers who he was.  He’d hope they’d crowd close and try to hug him all at once, but they didn’t.  What was I thinking?  They barely know me any more.

He looked at his brothers and called each one by name.  “I am Joseph.  Look, don't be afraid, you aren't the one who sent me here as a slave, but God.  He's made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.”

The brothers shook their heads in disbelief.  Simeon whispered, “He doesn’t look like him. It might be a trick.  Be careful.” 

Joseph tipped his head and swiped away tears. “Oh really?  Shall I repeat words you said the day I was thrown in the pit, brother Simeon?

Simeon's squinted as if trying to see Joseph in the governor's face.

Joseph slid over to Reuben. “Hurry home to father and tell him Joseph is alive.  Let him know God has made me lord of all Egypt.  Bring him here to live, and bring all your families as well.  I will see to it that you and your families never hunger during the remaining five years of famine.

Tell Father that you've seen my own lips give this message and that you’ve seen all God has given me to do in Egypt.  Hurry before he grows hungry and sick.”

Joseph walked to his brother Benjamin, look in his eyes for a moment then hugged him. His head fell on Benjamin’s shoulders as he wept puddles of tears.  “Benjamin. My brother Benjamin, how I’ve longed to see you.”  After a few moments, Joseph moved back to his oldest brother, Reuben then to Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Napthali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, and Zebulun hugging and weeping on each brother’s shoulders. 

Judah walked up to the governor and studied his eyes.  His jaw dropped.  “Joseph?  It’s really you?”

“Yes. I truly am your brother, Joseph."


The brothers laughed and slapped each other on the back.  "It's Joseph!"  


"He's alive--and--a--governor?  Unbelievable." 


"Yeah, maybe we should have thrown you down the pit so you could be king, Dan."  


"Funny, Napthali....very funny.  Here, let me throw you on the floor."


The twelve sons of Jacob spent a few moments swapping stories and updating Joseph about the family.  


When Pharaoh heard the good news about Joseph's brother's visit he was pleased.  "Bring you father and all you families here to me.  I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you will eat the fat of the land. Take my carts to bring your belongings. Also, don't be concerned about bringing your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours."


The brothers faces lit up with each word from the Pharaoh.   The next morning they left for Canaan.




When the brothers finally admitted the truth and showed they were truly sorry for what they had done to Joseph bad things stopped happening.  God doesn't always teach us this way, but sometimes He does.  God loves us so much that He gave His only Son to take the punishment for our sins that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have everlasting life. God will forgive you for whatever you have done wrong.  All you have to do is ask.  


Do you have any questions I can help you with?  You can email me at mimary_vee@yahoo.com.