Mar 22

Genesis 40:1-23
Memorise Psalm 37:3-7
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him”

As Joseph was languishing in prison, a strange twist of events brought two high ranking officials of Pharoah’s court – his chief butler and baker, under his charge. For some reason or other they had offended Pharoah, and like Joseph, they were now cast into prison. It was at this moment that God then intervened in a miraculous way to cause both of them to dream dreams in a single night. The dreams certainly left an impression upon them, and they were desperate to know what the interpretation was. In knowing about their situation, Joseph took this as an opportunity to witness for the Lord, telling them, “do not interpretations belong to God?” (Genesis 40:8).

After they recounted the dreams to him, Joseph then interpreted the dreams for them. He told the butler that in three days, he would be released from prison and then restored to his former position. The message for the baker was not so good, for the interpretation was that in three days he would be hung to die, and birds would eat his flesh. Joseph also requested the butler to “think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house” (Genesis 40:14). He saw this as an opportunity to plead to Pharaoh for clemency, for he had been unjustly imprisoned, and he wanted out!

True enough, exactly as Joseph had predicted, Pharaoh released and restored the butler, but hanged the baker (Genesis 40:20-22). Joseph must have been hopeful, and thought to himself that any day now, someone would call for him and he would be free! After all he had done the chief butler such a huge favour. However, Joseph’s request was not met. The chief butler forgot about Joseph, and failed to make any mentioned of him to the Pharaoh. Joseph waited, but the day never came. Was he frustrated? Perhaps. He had gotten his hopes up, only to be disappointed again. In fact, he would have to wait for two more long years in prison. Two years at the prime of his life, where he could be out there achieving so much. Yet there he was, languishing in his prison cell, wondering what this was all about. But was it a waste? Had God abandoned him? Realise that God’s timetable is always the best. God had His perfect plan, and knew that now was not the right time for his freedom. Yes Joseph will be released, but it would only be God’s doing, and not through Joseph’s own request.

Thought: When does time become wasted time?
Prayer: Lord, may I have the faith to wait upon Your timing for my life.