Joseph’s Colorful Coat

Joseph’s father gave him a beautiful coat of many colors, and God lovingly watched over Joseph through every part of his story.

Long ago there lived a kind father named Jacob, who loved his son Joseph dearly. One happy day, Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful coat of many colors. Joseph slipped it on and twirled around, and the bright colors shone like a rainbow in the warm sunshine. His heart felt full and glad.

While Joseph slept, God gave him special dreams. In one dream, even the sun, the moon, and eleven twinkling stars bowed down low to him! Joseph told his big brothers all about it. But the brothers did not feel glad — they frowned and grumbled, for they were jealous of Joseph and his bright, beautiful coat.

One day their jealousy grew too big. When some traders came along the dusty road on their camels, the brothers sold Joseph to them, and away he was carried, far, far off to the land of Egypt. Poor Joseph was all alone, with the long road stretching ahead of him. Yet even then, he was not truly alone — God was right beside him.

Even so far from home, Joseph held tight to God, and God stayed close beside him. Joseph worked hard with willing hands, and he always told the truth. Day by day, quiet and faithful, he grew up to be wise and good and strong.

Then the king of Egypt, called Pharaoh, had two puzzling dreams that no one could explain. God helped Joseph understand them. “Seven years with plenty of food are coming,” Joseph said gently, “and then seven hungry years — so we must store up food now.” Pharaoh was so glad and so amazed that he put Joseph in charge of all the food in the whole land.

Joseph filled big storehouses until the grain was like the sand of the sea — far too much to count! After a while the hungry years came, just as God had said, and the land grew dry. Joseph’s brothers traveled all the long way to Egypt, hoping to find something to eat. When they came before the man in charge of all the food, they bowed down low — just as Joseph’s dreams had said so long ago — but they did not know that this great man was their very own brother Joseph.

“I am Joseph, your brother!” he told them, and their fear melted into wonder. Then Joseph opened his arms wide and wrapped his brothers in a warm, loving hug. With gentle tears, he forgave them. “Do not be upset,” he said softly. “God sent me here ahead of you to save many lives.” Their whole family came together again, laughing and holding one another close. They were full of joy, and God’s love had carried them home. Years later, Joseph told his brothers, “You meant to hurt me, but God turned it all into good.”

Thank You, God, for staying close to me wherever I go. Help me to forgive others and to share kindness, just like Joseph did.