Today’s Reading:

Read Genesis 47:1–12

Joseph was glad to be reunited with his brothers. During the time of famine, the best place to live was
in Egypt where Joseph could help them get the food they needed. Joseph worked to move his father,
Jacob, to live in Egypt with his brothers. The entire family was reunited.

Do you remember what Jacob’s name changed to? Israel. Do you remember what we learned about
Israel? The people who were descendants of Israel were called the Israelites– they were descendants of
Abraham– they were GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE. So, with Jacob living with his 12 sons in Egypt– God’s
chosen people were all in one place. And out of respect for Joseph, his entire family was well taken care
of.

God used a hard situation – the jealousy of Joseph’s brothers, the lies that led to Joseph being in jail, the
separation from his family– for the glory of God and for the good of His Chosen People. Joseph’s story
reminds us that God never leaves us – no matter what we might face. And that He wants what is best
for us.

Application/Prayer:

Spend some time thanking God that He is always with us and that He wants what is best for us– no
matter what!

Gospel Conversation Opportunity:

Does following God mean that bad things will never happen to you? Use Joseph’s story as an example
of how bad things might still happen to us when we follow God, but God never leaves us! We don’t
have to face them alone.

January Memory Verse:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”