Joseph: The Ruler

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew twenty three twelve. Dear Lord, we thank you for the many blessings you pour out each day, those we see and those we do not. Your grace is abundant, and your mercy never fails. You lift up the humble and draw near to the Lowlian heart. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we've allowed pride to take root. We confess that we often seek recognition from the world instead of approval from You. Teach us to walk in humility, to find joy in serving others, and to place their needs above our own. Transform our hearts to reflect the gentleness and grace of Christ. Help us to follow his example of selflessness and love. Remind us that true greatness is found in surrender, not in status. May our lives bring glory to you as we choose humility over pride and service over self. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Chosen People. Remain here for a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Be sure to share this episode to spread God's message of grace and humility. Thank you for praying with me today you're listening to the Chosen People. Remain here for a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss a moment of God's truth, hope, and presence. 00:01:49 Speaker 2: Previously on the Chosen People. Pharaoh awoke with a roar, leaping from his bed his chest, heaving, eyes wide with terror his attendance, and burst. 00:02:00 Speaker 1: Through the door. My Lord, are you're okay? 00:02:02 Speaker 3: I've heard screams, these dreams torturing me. He means something, I know it. 00:02:11 Speaker 4: When I was imprisoned, there was a man, a young man, and a Hebrew of all people. 00:02:21 Speaker 2: Joseph came before the throne and bowed his knee. Pharaoh stood and stepped down to him. He paced around him, gripping his scepter tightly. 00:02:31 Speaker 3: So you are the Hebrew called of Joseph. I hear mufty things about you, Hebrew. 00:02:41 Speaker 2: Is it true that you are able to interpret dreams? Joseph smirked. He could feel a tug on his soul like a gentle breeze. God guided Joseph into truth and revealed to him the meaning of these dreams. 00:02:56 Speaker 4: Egypt will experience a time of flourishing like never before. The land will give birth to new life, and your people will be fed. However, this prosperity will come to an end. The seven sickly cows and the seven scorched heads of grain, they represent seven years of devastation after seven years of plenty, seven years of famine will strike the land like a wildfire. This as the warning God has given to you. With this knowledge comes a great deal of responsibility. It will come to pass, and if Egypt is not ready, the entire world will perish. 00:03:37 Speaker 2: Pharaoh was silent for a long while Joseph watched his brow rise and fall with intense contemplation. Joseph felt the mood to shift his foot. He was uncomfortable with the waiter. Was Pharaoh going to listen to him? Or would Joseph's rise out of the pit? 00:03:55 Speaker 4: Being shorter in the last, God has been gracious to you, Pharaoh. However, every moment is precious. You should appoint a governor wise and discerning enough to care for your resources. Appoint commissioners under him to oversee the land. Every year of harvest, take one fifth of the goods and store it away. Over the next seven years, you can store the grain and other goods safely. Then when the famine hits, you can use what is stored up to feed your people. The same commissioners you appoint can be in charge of distributing the resources according to the need. 00:04:40 Speaker 2: Pharaoh was silent for a long while Joseph watched his brow rise and fall with intense contemplation. Joseph felt the need to shift his feet. He was uncomfortable with the waiting. Was Pharaoh going to listen to him? Or would Joseph's rise out of the pit be even shorter than the last. Pharaoh turned his eyes to his officials, then darted them back at Joseph. 00:05:08 Speaker 3: I am the image of Ra the morning and the evening Star. I am born of the Nile, from the deserts to the deep forests. And here you stand before me, a Hebrew boy, telling me how to govern. Do you take me for a squabbling child that I would heed your words? 00:05:27 Speaker 4: Of course, not, gray Pharaoh. I know you are a wise man, one who knows that divine guidance must be met with immediate action. Only weak men are threatened by wisdom. You, Lord Pharaoh, are a great man, able to receive wisdom when it's handed to you. 00:05:44 Speaker 2: Pharaoh's rougher near leaked a slight content grin. He stood again and tapped his scepter on the ground as he paced. 00:05:54 Speaker 3: Where would we find such a man to oversee this plan? Where can we find a man and able to oversee developments? Where will we possibly find a man to relate to the workers, let alone a man who was attuned to the god who has given us this warning? 00:06:11 Speaker 2: The room chuckled. Pharaoh stopped and looked down at Joseph. Joseph wasn't accustomed to men towering over him. 00:06:19 Speaker 3: This governor you suggest I appoint must be a man of vision. He must know the plans of this God and be willing to listen to him for guidance. 00:06:30 Speaker 2: Pharaoh took his scepter and stretched it out towards Joseph. Joseph flinched for a moment and closed his eyes. Then he felt the scepter rest lightly on his shoulder. The sun broke through the opening of the palace. The light bounced off the ivory pillars, and golden throne colors splashed in a thousand different directions. As Pharaoh stood over Joseph with his scepter on his shoulder. Pharaoh made a bold proclamation in the presence of his counsel. 00:07:02 Speaker 3: Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one else I would desire for the position. You shall be in charge of my palace, my resources, and all my people. There shall be tools in your hands, guided by your God, so that our great nation will survive. Only with respect to the throne, will I be greater than you. I hereby declare that you are to rule my kingdom with complete authority. All shall praise you. Even the sun and moon shall know your name and bow. 00:07:38 Speaker 2: Joseph bowed his head in complete dismay, his heart nearly pounding right out of his chest. It was an honor too tremendous for words. As a young boy, this position would have inflated his eager Yet there was a different heart. God had put in Joseph years of slavery and imprisonment, had dug a deep wall of humility within him. He looked up at Pharaoh and gladly accepted his new position with gratitude. 00:08:08 Speaker 4: You are gracious, Pharaoh, and I will labor for the prosperity of your kingdom. 00:08:14 Speaker 2: The entire court erupted in applause. Pharaoh removed his signet ring, holding it up to the sun. The band, pure gold and arrayed with finely cut diamonds, held the seal of Pharaoh carved into sapphire. Joseph watched it gleam in the sunlight. Pharaoh took Joseph's hand and placed the signet ring on his finger. Two of Pharaoh's servants entered carrying a bright linen garment, pure white with streaks of gold, blue, and green. They draped it around Joseph's spare back. The linen was soft and cool to the touch. Joseph looked at the sleeves and began to tremble. The last time he wore a garment of such value, it had been torn from him. Memories of his brothers flashed before his eyes, the scars of betrayals to lay. Joseph looked up to see Potiphar standing beside Pharaoh. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the same gold chain Joseph once wore when he oversaw Potiphar's house. Joseph's eyes brightened at the sight. Potiphar placed the gold chain around his neck and bowed all but Pharaoh in the throne room followed suit, bending their knees in reverence. 00:09:35 Speaker 4: Was this the dream you gave me all those years ago. 00:09:39 Speaker 2: Though this was not the full realization of his dream, it was the beginning of a triumphant act of God through his hands. The divine rescue mission was on the move. Pharaoh took Joseph by the shoulder and led him out on to the balcony. The bright sun scattered its light across the horizon, illuminating the vast Kingdom of Egypt in all its majesty. Joseph saw the entirety of the land for the first time. Pharaoh stretched out his arms, his voice filled with pride and command. 00:10:14 Speaker 3: I am the rising Sun of this land. My power is known and feared even beyond its borders. See to it that you bear my name well, and you take care of this land in the way your God has commanded. 00:10:29 Speaker 2: Joseph looked out at the vast kingdom, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities. Yet he knew this was his purpose. All the madness, betrayal, and heartache he endured had led him to this moment. 00:10:45 Speaker 3: Ready, my chariots bring the entire kingdom out into the streets. They are to meet their new ruler. 00:10:53 Speaker 4: You honor me, Pharaoh, I. 00:10:56 Speaker 3: Honor the prosperity of this kingdom. If what you say truly comes to pass, which I feel in my bones to be true, then the honour will go to your guard as well. 00:11:11 Speaker 2: Pharaoh and Joseph, escorted by Potiphar and his guards, made their way to the outer courtyard. It was lush with gardens and pools of water and other worldly sight to Joseph after five years in a prison cell. Awaiting them were two chariots adorned in gold, bronze, and precious jewels. Pure Bred Egyptian horses, magnificent creatures that held themselves with regal pride, pulled the chariots. Pharaoh's chariot was drawn by white horses, while Joseph's was drawn by dark ones, their legs as sturdy as tree trunks. Pharaoh's golden chariot reflected the glimmering sun as they rode through the city streets. People bowed before them, cheering and praising. Joseph smiled and waved, his new garment flowing in a wind. He looked above, recognizing the true source of his authority. Pharaoh and Joseph arrived at the city center, surrounded by a sea of people. Elevated on a platform between two large statues of Rah, Pharaoh invited Joseph to stand beside him and proclaimed his authority to the people. 00:12:27 Speaker 3: I am Pharaoh. 00:12:29 Speaker 5: Hear my decree, for I speak for Rah before me is your new governor, one who hears from the gods. No man or woman will take a step without this man's command. He has been sent by his God to save our people from famine and despair. I, as your powerful and mighty ruler, hereby grant him all authority to rule the land. 00:12:57 Speaker 3: His words will be like my word to you. 00:13:01 Speaker 2: Pharaoh then took his scepter and placed it on Joseph's shoulder. 00:13:07 Speaker 3: From this day forth, your name will no longer be Joseph. This is your nation, These are your people, and I am your Pharaoh. I now rename you Zaponath Panea, which means God speaks and he lives. 00:13:27 Speaker 2: The entire crowd erupted and praised. They chanted his new name, Zapphonath Panaea, Zaffonath Panaea, Zaffonath Panaea. Joseph looked at them with a gaze of compassion. He knew that God had called him to be a rescuer and redeemer for them. Famine was coming, and soon they would all be hungry. He had to act quickly. Joseph began immediately. He gathered trusted advisors of the land, men with human intact. Together they were able to construct storehouses large enough to contain seven years worth of grain. He built relationships with the farmers on the outskirts of the region. He pardoned with them to expand Egypt's cropping capabilities. For seven years, Joseph toiled the land with his fellow Egyptians. Although he was their ruler, he was admired for his ability to be among the people. Working alongside them. They dug trenches for irrigation, bred more cattle for cured meat, and with every harvest they saved one fifth to be stored for the famine. Excellence followed Joseph with every step. The favor of God was upon him in all things, and in all things, Joseph sought to give God all the glory, honor, and praise. Joseph looked out to the horizon from his balcony. The land was flourishing with fields of grain, fresh water, and happy people. His heart was warm with satisfaction in knowing he was accomplishing the purposes of God. He remembered when he first came to Egypt when he was seventeen. It was a whole different world to him and filled with dangers. Now a young man of thirteen, Joseph looked upon the land as his home. The sunset painted the horizon with shades of gold and red. Joseph breathed in deeply and allowed the gentle wind to caress his face. He closed his eyes and sighed a breath of praise to his God. He looked back into his will. Lying in bed asleep was his wife, as in Arth, Pharaoh had arranged their marriage when he had first begun. Joseph slipped into bed with her, and the two of them embraced. Joseph for years had longed to be with his family in Canaan. However, now lying beside his wife, he felt that Egypt was now his true home and it was time to start his own family. Six years of plenty had passed and the storehouses Joseph built were overflowing with golden grain. The ground was fertile and produced more crops than expected. As the years of abundance came to a close, Joseph and as an Arth were blessed with pregnancy. As an Earth labored into the night with Joseph attentive and close by her side. Hours later, Joseph's son was born. He held the boy in his arms, overwhelmed with immeasurable joy. Joseph gazed into his son's eyes and whispered a prayer to God, O Lord, you. 00:16:47 Speaker 4: Have blessed me. You've caused me to forget all the hardships and afflictions from my former home. 00:16:54 Speaker 2: He held up his son, eyes beaming with pride and hope. 00:16:59 Speaker 4: I shall no manasseh, which means forgetfulness, For through you God has made me forget all the troubles of my past. 00:17:08 Speaker 2: Joseph and as an Arth smiled at their son. He was a symbol of Joseph's favor in the land. As the seven years of plenty finally drew to a close, Joseph was given another son. He named him Ephrail, which meant fruitfulness, because God had caused Joseph to be fruitful in the entire land of Egypt. Joseph overlooked the land of Egypt from the same balcony his wife and Manassa stood next to him, and Ephraeum slept soundly in his arms. The red sun dropped in the distance, and a scorching evening wind came galloping in from the hills. Joseph could sense the air losing its moisture. The winds were abrasive. They had a malicious quality to them. Joseph knew the time had come for the famine, just as God had warned. He led his family inside and shut the doors. The wind began picking up speed. It would not cease for weeks after destroying everything in its wake. Weeks had passed, and the once flourishing land had been blighted with sandstorms and locusts. The harsh sun beat down endlessly, with no clouds or rain to quench the dry ground. The people grew irritable and hungry. Farmers lamented the loss of their land, and herders mourned the deaths of their flocks. Egypt and all the land surrounding it was under the intense wrath of nature. Joseph had prepared for famine, but he did not expect it to go so bad so quickly. It did not take long for the people to cry out for food and water. They appealed to Pharaoh, begging for bread to fill their bellies. Pharaoh simply smiled and nodded. He knew that Joseph had been diligent and wise for the past seven years. They had grown close, and Pharaoh trusted Joseph completely. Joseph sent out a decree to all the inhabitants of Egypt. 00:19:11 Speaker 4: By the mercy of God the wisdom of Pharaoh, all citizens will be given enough grain to feed their families. Each week, they shall come before the storehouses to collect what they need. Our officials and guards will ensure that no one cheats or steals. 00:19:27 Speaker 2: With that decree, families from across the nation journeyed weakly to the storehouses. They filled their sacks with grain and brought them back to their homes. Joseph smiled at the success of his storehouses. At the rate they were going, they would have enough grain to last them more than seven years. However, the blighted wind cast its billowing wrath beyond Egypt. Far away, in the land of Canaan, the household of Jacob was suffering. The twelve sons of Israel laboured to no avail. They had run out of grain for bread, and their animals were dying by the day. They were in need of rescue. They were in need of salvation, so they turned their faces towards Egypt, hearing rumors of a hero called zaffarad Panaya. Hopefully he was the redeemer they needed. This Prey dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul CALTAFIANU. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Knew by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris bag You can hear more Prey dot Com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.