RE:flect
Two years. Have you sat on something for 2 weeks? An argument with a friend? How about a grudge over a past boyfriend/girlfriend for 2 months? Have you sat and held something against them? Ever notice that holding grudges at the beginning feels like you are "getting even"--but in the end you are miserable (and yes, people can tell!).
So what type of person is Joseph? What have we been learning? He has integrity, he knows God, he also walks in a way to please God, he keeps serving and waiting on God. So, what is Joseph like (in his heart) after he takes a bath, gets a shave and enters in before Pharoah...and, the cupbearer is there! The one who forgot. The one who is the cause for the last two years of prison! The one you ask to please remember your kindness. The source of two years of suffering and waiting. We are not told of what Joseph thought. I am sure he wasn't happy--having injustice done to you usually doesn't make you smile. But we also don't read of any grudge, any anger, any reaction from Joseph other than being ready to go good-once again! In the midst of his life, he is called to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh himself!
I wonder, what was he thinking here? This is my chance! Now, finally I will be delivered! We aren't told this either. But consider the pressure of either getting it right(making Pharoah smile) or wrong (making Pharoah angry). What if Joseph doesn't get it right? It appears that it doesn't matter to him. He has confidence in the Lord and not himself. Ah, another lesson! Joseph's life, trust, faithful walk, integrity and patience (waiting for justice) is rewarded in this chapter. Through his experiences in the quiet prison system in Egypt (and in Potiphar's house) he has learned to be a good manager. And now what God has been teaching him will be put to full use (to save all of Egypt and their neighbors!).
RE:act
Can we really have hope? I mean really have hope. Can you look at another's life and truly find joy? We do not have the promises given to Joseph. There is no promise that we will get a job like this. There is no promise that God has each Christian destined for greatness in this way. So, can you actually step outside yourself today [Can I?] from the valley's of life--for those who read this blog and are innocent and still in "prison"-- can we see GOD in this story, and not just Joseph?
Again, how strong is your faith. Does it help you with your patience? Does it help you trust? Good. Now, does it also give you true hope? Do you feel comforted and also energized that the God of heaven and earth, the only True God, who is eternal and all powerful--cares for you? Knows your situation. Understands your heavy heart. But wishes for you to find a deeper joy that is also outside of yourself and your circumstances. Do you feel the sun's warmth, even when it is behind the clouds?
RE:ply
Lord, I am in need of hope. In need of confidence. I am in need of letting go and waiting with godly expectations.
Lord, renew my hope and strength in you today. Help me to realize all the joy that is in the simple statement that "I know Jesus, and Jesus knows me."
I cling to your promise that you will never leave me... that I maybe faithless, you will always be faithful.
I need to know what God's joy really means... teach me, and help me experience it as I walk with you!
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses to deliver them, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Those who trust in chariots and horses are brought to their knees and fall, but we that trust in the name of the LORD rise up and stand firm." (Psalm 20:7-8)
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