“An Invitation to Life”

“An Invitation to Life”

Joseph urges his brothers to bring their father and family to Egypt, where he promises provision during the famine. He embraces Benjamin and weeps with all his brothers, tears of reunion and healing. “You shall dwell in the land of Goshen… and I will provide for you.” (v. 10–11) Goshen becomes a place of redemption. For your own journey, it might echo your longing to gather family, to make space for reconciliation and blessing.

Israel Invited to Egypt It reads in Genesis 45: 9–15 Easy: Joseph said, “Hurry up and go to my father. Tell him his son Joseph sent this message: ‘God made me the governor of Egypt. So come here to me quickly. Don’t wait. You can live near me in the land of Goshen. You, your children, your grandchildren, and all of your animals are welcome here. I will take care of you during the next five years of hunger. So you and your family will not lose everything you own.’“Surely you can see that I really am Joseph. Even my brother Benjamin knows it is me, your brother, talking to you. So tell my father about the honor I have received here in Egypt. Tell him about everything you have seen here. Now hurry, go bring my father back to me.” Then Joseph hugged his brother Benjamin, and they both began crying. Then Joseph cried as he kissed all his brothers. After this, the brothers began talking with him.

Father God, You, are the Author of every reunion, the Healer of broken families, and the Giver of second chances. As Joseph embraced his brothers with tears and mercy, so teach me to embrace those who have wounded me, not with bitterness, but with the grace You have shown me. Let my words carry peace, not accusation. Let my arms be open, not crossed in judgment. Let my heart remember that You are the One who turns famine into provision, betrayal into blessing, and silence into conversation. Jesus, help me to say, “Come near,” To those I’ve been estranged from. Help me to speak of Your goodness, to testify of how You’ve sustained me in Egypt’s land, and to invite others into the Goshen of Your grace. May I not delay in offering forgiveness. May I not withhold the embrace that heals. May I, like Joseph, weep holy tears that water the soil of reconciliation. Love You, Thank You, Praise You and Honor and glory in Your precious Name Amen.