Good morning!
Text: Genesis 40-42; Psalm 14.
The story of Joseph is the story of a good and sovereign God. When Joseph is in prison after the encounter with Potiphar’s wife, he interprets dreams for two of his cell mates. When he does, he says to them:
Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. (Genesis 40:14)
Both are taken out of the prison – one is executed but the other is restored to his role as cupbearer to Pharaoh. Genesis 40 ends with these words:
Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. (Genesis 40:23)
If we were living Joseph’s story, this is where we would fall into despair, and perhaps say “Oh no! It is hopeless!” But the story continues. After two years, Pharaoh has dreams that need interpretation. The cupbearer remembers Joseph and events unfold that not only bring Joseph out of prison, but to prominence so he can save his family from famine. The point? God’s plan and God’s timing are always perfect. For God’s people, setbacks or disappointments are always under the Lord’s sovereign control. And so despair has no place in our lives.
in Him, Mike