Each one of his brothers, Benjamin excluded, looked at each other as fear took hold of them.
“You don’t need to be afraid. I mean you no harm.” He broke down in tears.
He moved closer to his youngest brother, who stood across the room. “Benjamin, Benji, it’s me. Your brother, Joseph.”
“Joey?” His brother carefully studied his face.
He chuckled, remembering his little brother’s name for him. “Yes, Joey.”
His brother then practically ran to him. Joseph threw his arms around him and wrapped him in a fierce hug. “I’ve missed you so much, Benji.”
“I missed you too. I cried so much when you…” He brushed away a tear. “I can’t wait to tell Dat. He will be so happy! He hasn’t had joy since you left.”
His other brothers came near and he hugged each one. “We’re sorry, Joseph. Please, forgive us for what we’ve done to you.”
He stepped back and swiped at a tear. Each of his brothers had clearly been bawling too. He shook his head.
“You guys meant to harm me, but God turned it all into something good. Look how He has helped me to preserve our state, our country. If you hadn’t done what you did, I might not be here. Your families might very well be starving.”
“But we wronged you.”
“I know. I’ve forgiven you. Now, we can move on. Together. As a family.” Joseph smiled. “I want you to go back and tell Dat that I’m alive. Tell him that I want you all to move up here. He can sell his land and buy some here. I did some research online. There is a Swiss Amish community nearby and you can join there. There is plenty of good land in these parts. Tell Dat he can own twice of what he owns now. I have enough money to purchase property for each of your families, if you cannot afford it.”
“Joseph…” Judah’s mouth hung open. “You’re sure?”
“Yes. I insist. I want Father close the rest of his days.” He tapped his hand on his pant leg. “I will send trucks and trailers along to haul the cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. I’ll also send a moving van with hired movers so Dat doesn’t have to do any of the work.”
“Okay. Well, it looks like it’s all settled then. We’re moving.” Judah glanced at each of their brothers and Joseph could sense the excitement in their smiles.
He couldn’t help the feeling of satisfaction that welled up inside. He couldn’t wait to share the news with Azalea.
~
Joseph grasped Azalea’s hand and brought her to his side. “Azalea, meet my brothers. Reuben, Judah, Simeon, Levi, Ash, Dan, Gad, Zeb, and Benji.”
She stepped forward and shook each of their hands. “It’s nice to finally meet some of Jonah’s family.”
“This is my fraa, Azalea. As you can see, we have a boppli due soon.” He grinned.
His brothers squirmed just a bit and he remembered that it wasn’t the Amish way to announce pregnancies. Of course, he’d known so little about that sort of thing when he’d left, he could probably claim innocence.
“Congratulations. It’s nice to meet you too, Azalea.” Judah grinned and shared a knowing look with Joseph.
~
Joseph watched the road in anticipation. They’d be here any moment.
Azalea came up behind him and lightly massaged his shoulders. “Jonah, honey, why don’t you come sit down? You’ve been watching out that window for the last half hour.”
“I can’t help it, babe. Dat will be here any minute! It’s been nearly ten years since I’ve seen him.” He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face if he tried. “They’re here!” He walked to the door. “Come.”
Joseph watched the van pull into the driveway and roll to a stop. The moment Dat stepped out of the vehicle and spotted him, his father ran toward him. “Joseph, my sohn! You are alive! My sohn is alive.” Dat grasped the back of his shirt at his shoulders and wept.
“I’ve missed you so much!” Joseph didn’t know how long they stood there embracing each other, but he couldn’t have imagined a greater reunion. Dat had come!
EPILOGUE
Three months later…
Joseph had been going back and forth in his mind, but the time to make a decision had come.
He’d never been to many Englisch churches, but Azalea had assured him that their church was conservative compared to most modern churches. But that meant little where Amish culture was concerned. To make the jump from not meeting in a house or a barn to meeting in a church building was drastic enough. But to throw in everything else—men and women sitting together, musical instruments on the platform, women with uncovered heads and some even wearing men’s trousers, singers, taking up an offering, and a preacher that used a microphone—was downright overwhelming to someone who grew up in a totally different culture. Joseph still remembered the sheer shock he felt the first time he’d attended. He could only imagine what Dat would think.
Yet, at the same time, he wanted his family to attend so badly. Jah, his first experience had been shocking. But it had also been eye-opening to hear how the preacher spoke with such authority and he loved how the music seemed to speak directly to his soul. It wasn’t as though he’d be asking them to make a lifelong commitment or anything, it was just one service.
“Dat, I would be honored if you and the family would attend my baptism on Sunday.”
His father frowned. “At an Englisch church? Ach, Joseph, you know that is not our way.”
“Please, Father? It would mean the world to me to have you there.” Tears pricked his eyes. How wonderful it would be to worship Der Herr with his family again.
“I will think on it, sohn.”
Joseph reached over and squeezed his father’s shoulder. “Denki, Dat.”
~
Joseph paced back and forth. He had to get an answer from Dat. He’d prayed half the night, pleading with the Lord. But he knew that getting a devout Amish man to attend an Englisch church was akin to getting a wild mustang to pull a buggy. Both were highly unlikely.
He took a deep breath and whispered one last plea. His father walked beside him and once again remorse filled him as he thought of the wasted years they could have had together. But they hadn’t really been wasted—at least not on his part—they’d been redeemed. And now, here they were walking side-by-side in the field like they had when Joseph was a boy. God had been gracious in not only allowing his father to live, but in giving Joseph time with him. For all he’d known, Dat could have already passed on. Jah, Der Herr had once again displayed His loving kindness.
“Dat, about church this Sunday? Do you have an answer for me? I’d like you and the family to join Azalea and me.”
His father frowned. “Englisch church?”
“Jah, it’s Englisch. I’m getting baptized.”
“For you, my sohn, we will go this one time. For you, Joseph.” He patted his hand.
Thank You, Lord! “Denki, Dat. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“It means even more to me.” Joseph didn’t miss the tears in his father’s eyes.
He then leaned close and whispered in his ear. “I have a secret.”
His father looked back at him, and curiosity twinkled in his eye. “Jah?”
“You’re going to be a Grossdawdi yet again.” Joseph grinned. “Mei fraa is in the familye way.”
“Ach, Joseph. That is wunderbaar gut news!” A hint of mischief glinted in his face. “I know a secret too.”
Joseph grinned. How good it was to have his father near. “Say on.”
“There’s a certain widower in our new Amish district that has approached me about your schweschder. Gut man. Has five kinner. I think it’s a right gut fit.”
Joy welled in Joseph’s heart. “What does Dinah say?”
“You know your schweschder. She’s quiet and keeps things to herself most times. But she seems to be agreeable to it. I’ve seen her glance his way more than once.”
“Ach, Dat. Gott is gut, ain’t so?”
“Jah, sehr gut, Joseph.”
&
nbsp; He reached over and squeezed his father’s shoulder. “Ich liebe die, Dat. I am happy Der Herr made you mei vatter.”
He knew that Amish didn’t often say words of endearment, and although Joseph was no longer Amish, he knew a part of him always would be. But he wanted Dat to hear the words he’d held in his heart. He wanted Dat to know in word and in deed that he’d be loved until the day he passed on to glory to be with Der Herr.
~
Joseph leaned toward Azalea, who gently rocked little Jacob in her arms, and whispered, “I didn’t know your father would be preaching today.”
She smiled back at him. “Neither did I.”
He glanced down the pew and at the one behind him, thrilled and amazed to see his entire family present, wives and children included. Their gazes were riveted on the platform.
Dinah glanced his way. Oh, how he loved to see a smile on his sister’s face. Their reunion had been a blessing for all of them.
His father-in-law stood behind the pulpit and began his exposition of the Word of God. Joseph hung on every word.
Lord, please speak to our hearts today.
~
Joseph lifted his head slightly at the conclusion of the service. Not just one, but all seven of his older brothers now knelt at the altar. Had God given them a change of heart? He prayed with all his being that it would be so.
What would it be like to have real fellowship with his brothers? What would it be like for them to actually treat him as a brother? What would it be like to not only be brothers physically, but spiritually as well? His heart soared at the thought.
God had already wrought so many miracles in his life, it seemed. He wouldn’t dare ask for another one, but he would pray for God’s will to be done. God’s will was always best.
Simeon approached Joseph after the service. “We’re all having dinner at Dat’s and we’d like you and your family to join us.”
Azalea came close and squeezed Joseph’s hand. He smiled at his brother. “We’d be honored, Simeon.”
“May I bring something?” Azalea asked.
“Nope. Just yourselves,” Judah chimed in behind Simeon.
Joseph’s eyes misted. “Thank you. We’ll be looking forward to it.”
~
Jacob King sat on his porch swing, gently propelling it forward with the ball of his foot. He turned to Joseph beside him. “I think all of God’s children will get to the end of their lives and step into eternity and see how everything they’d gone through on this earth was worth it.”
Joseph nodded. “When I think of all that Christ suffered through, I can’t help but think that my struggles were nothing by comparison. Those in Christ’s time intended Him harm, but it actually resulted in the salvation of mankind.”
“Just like the way your brothers intended harm upon you. God has taken what was intended for evil and He turned it into something beautiful. It resulted in saving many from hunger and giving us the family we never would have had otherwise. Joseph, God has been good to us.” Jacob took Joseph’s hand and cradled it in his own.
Joseph smiled at his beloved father. “Yes. Yes, He has. God’s goodness is beyond words.”
THE END
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading An Amish Honor. I truly hope it was a blessing.
The Biblical story of Joseph has always been a personal favorite. I love how much Joseph represents Christ. So many things in his life were similar to the life of Christ. It never ceases to amaze me how God continually brings good out of what man intends for evil. In the end, we know that love will conquer all.
Has there ever been a time in your own life when you couldn’t see God’s hand in what you were going through? Or perhaps you’re walking through that fog of uncertainty at present. You can rest assured, if You are God’s child, that He is holding you in the palm of His hand. You may not be able to see through the fog, but He sees clearly. Trust His hand.
We have this assurance from God’s Word: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. And what is that expected end for the child of God? Jesus gives us the answer in John 14:2-3, In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Wow, a mansion in our Father’s house and everlasting life with our Beloved! Isn’t that amazing?
Rest assured, my friend, that God will do what He promises!
Blessings,
J. Spredemann
P.S. If you have a friend who might be struggling in their faith, or, like Maverick, is unsure of their eternal destiny, or who needs to hear a word of encouragement, please share this book with them.
Thanks for reading!
To find out more about J.E.B. Spredemann, join our email list, or purchase other books, please visit us at www.jebspredemann.com. Our books are available in Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook formats. You may also follow J.E.B. Spredemann on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Bookbub, Amazon, and Goodreads.
Questions and comments are always welcome. Feel free to email the author at [email protected].
Discussion Questions
1. Although Joseph’s father meant well, his actions (that he considered to be love toward Joseph) actually fostered hate in his other children, ultimately causing Joseph harm. Have you ever experienced a situation in which you meant good but it turned out bad?
2. Sibling rivalry can be a very real problem, especially in a mixed family. Have you experienced sibling rivalry in your own life? How did you deal with it?
3. In spite of his brothers’ ill will toward him, Joseph chose kindness toward those around him. How can we rise above the negativity in our lives and keep a positive attitude?
4. Joseph knew very little about the Englisch culture before it was thrust upon him. How do you think you would cope if forced to live in a completely foreign culture without friends or family?
5. Do you have a favorite Old Testament Bible story? Which one, and why is it your favorite?
6. At the time they occurred, Joseph had no idea why he went through the trials he did. Have you ever found yourself in a place wondering why?
7. Sometimes trials come for no apparent reason. At other times, they result from our own foolishness. Have you ever considered how your actions might affect other people?
8. We can allow trials to either tear us apart or strengthen us. How can we keep from growing bitter while going through a trial? (Please see Isaiah 26:3 KJV)
9. Bit by bit, Joseph was able to eventually see how God was working in his life. Even at his death, he still hadn’t seen the completed picture. Can you look back on the trials in your life and see how God had been working all along?
10. Joseph was confident with sharing the truth of God’s love and salvation with his friends. Do you have boldness when it comes to sharing your faith?
11. In the end, Joseph was able to see how it was worth it all. As believers in Christ, we will eventually be able to see our difficult circumstances as blessings as well. How can we encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ to ‘count it all joy’ when life presents difficulties?
12. As children of God, we have a hope that this world knows not of. How can we share this hope with them?
13. Joseph had several spiritual mentors throughout his life. Do you have a spiritual mentor? Have you ever mentored someone spiritually?
14. Joseph’s life (in the Biblical account) exemplifies how we, as Christians, should live and has been considered by many to be the closest comparison to Christ. What lessons can you take from Joseph’s life and his Godly character and apply it to your own life?
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
I’d like to take this time to thank everyone that had any involvement in this book and its production, including my Mom and Dad, who have always been supportive of my writing, my longsufferi
ng Family—especially my handsome, encouraging Hubby, my former-Amish friends who have helped immensely in my understanding of the Amish ways, my supportive Pastor and Church family, my Proofreaders, my Editor, my CIA Facebook author friends who have been a tremendous help, my wonderful Readers who buy, read, offer great input, and leave encouraging reviews and emails, my awesome Street Team who, I’m confident, will ‘Sprede the Word’ about my books! And last, but certainly not least, I’d like to thank my Precious LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, for without Him, none of this would have been possible!
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