RE:flect
It was not far from Joseph's mind--what had happened to him. Day after day he probably remembered his brothers eyes, voices, words...even the feel of their hands as they stripped him from his coat and threw him into a well. Now it has been several years. And we see today that Joseph still wants freedom and is waiting for justice.
Ever do everything right, but you don't get "right" done to you? Have you ever witnessed a friend hurting themself--and told the right people to help them--only to be rejected and hated?
What should we do when we are trying to be good people, trying to obey God, trying to be like Jesus everyday... and we see rays of light... but not the sun? What do we do? Joseph's life shows us today that we should remain ready to go good. No matter how much injustice is done to us. We should be ready to answer the call to serve others. Sometimes it is the bad times that shows you how strong your faith is!
Joseph had a gift--he knew that from when he was young. He could explain certain dreams. And he is ready to serve and help here in todays verses. And to the cupbearer of the King (who got the good news) he asks to be "shown kindness, mention me to Pharoah and get me out of this prison" (verse 14). Joseph is still waiting and seeking justice. He is a honest man--innocent--but in prison! Waitng...
Interesting note: If you notice the NIV Study Bible note, the word for a deep well (cistern) is the same word used for dungeon. Moses, again, is either repeating the story as it has been told for generations--or is connecting both of these moments together. Joseph finds himself in a well and sold as a slave by his brothers. Joseph find himself in prison and put their by his former boss. The story is being told for us. The plot is getting more interesting as ... " the cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him, " (verse 23)
RE:act
Will you be ready when the opportunity presents itself to do good? Even if "good" has not been done to you? Yesterday we talked about sin, and the results. Like David--you may have caused your problems. But what if you didn't? What if you are like Joseph. You did the right thing. And now your life is worse off because of someone else.
Interesting...isn't it? God didn't wait for Joseph to "serve his time" before giving him a new opportunity. But there, in the midst of a low point in life--God is with Joseph. Sometimes we forget that there are two sins:
(1) To do what you are not suppose to do
(2) To not do what you are suppose to do
Let use be ready to always do good, no matter what we feel like, or where we find ourselves (rejected by the class, made fun of by the team, grounded cause Dad had a bad day at work). Are you strong enough to totally trust that God will lead you through it all--no how bad it may seam? And if you feel this way, will you do the right thing still?
RE:ply
Lord, I come before you today in deep thanks.
Lord, I thank you for this Bible--and what is says. That is doesn't try to paint a perfect picture, but it shows a perfect God working in real life, with real people, with real problems.
Lord, I have a problem.
Lord, I feel trapped because of __________________________________.
Lord, I feel betrayed by _____________________________________.
Jesus, I don't know how you can deliver me, make this better, help fix this situation. I know that I am not at fault. It is hard to let go, but I will.
Lord, give me the eyes to see the opportunities to serve and help others--even though I am still waiting for your deliverance. Help me to be like Joseph.
" Let us not become tired in doing good, for at the right time we will receive a reward if we do not give up. So...as long as we are given the chance, we should do good to everybody, especially to those who are in the church." (Galatians 6:9-10)
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