Genesis 40:14

New International Version (NIV)

But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.

For Meditation

Every one of us has a soft side. We can put up the shell and feel impervious to hurt and pain, yet, deep down in our hearts we may be weeping. That was Joseph in prison. Having been hatefully sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt, God showed him favor in the service of his master. He was master of his master’s house. But the fowler’s snare was set for him the very day he entered his master’s court. Mrs. Potiphar couldn’t take her eyes off of him and desired an afternoon delight with him in her bedroom. She cleverly set the stage, but Joseph ran for his life. You would think his master would congratulate him for his faithfulness and integrity; but rather Potiphar’s rage sent him into the king’s prison. No questions asked. However, God’s favor followed Joseph, and the warden put him in charge of everything in the prison. Through it all, we never hear Joseph murmur or complain. Neither do we see a tear in his eyes. Yet, he was human and hurting.

Two officers of Pharaoh suffered the wrath of their master and found themselves under Joseph’s supervision in prison. They had dreams on the same night and Joseph interpreted for them.The cupbearer would be restored to his position with Pharaoh in three days and the baker would be hanged. The revealing thing for me is what Joseph told the cupbearer.

“But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off … I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon” (Gen. 40:14-15).

1. Can you feel the pain in those words?Can you hear the cry of Joseph’s heart?
2. How long could the man keep his feelings buried before breaking down? How much abuse could he continue to take?
3. Yes, Joseph was supervisor in the prison and enjoyed the warden’s favor, but what is freedom under bondage? What is liberty in the confines of an ancient jail?
4. Who, in that situation, would not bare their heart to a person of influence for a favor? Haven’t many dams broken under excessive pressure from torrential rains?
5. Have you been there before? Have you been hated by those you loved, betrayed, falsely accused and punished before? Are you riding that storm now?

I pray you will realize that it is okay to cry; for you are human! Even our Lord Jesus showed his emotions at critical times (Jn. 11:35).

So: May you never give up. The storm is almost over. The cupbearer may have forgotten you, but God has not. The day is coming when the people will shout before you, “Make way!”(Gen. 41:43), and joy will replace gloom.

When our weakness shows in suffering, grace is ready to pick us up.

Shalom