Is this true? Somewhere, sometime, someone has been unfair to each of us. Right? We can remember the terrible temptation to bitterness which came to us at that time. Only the marvellous grace of God brought us through that painful, traumatic experience. In Joseph's case, his imprisonment was absolutely unfair. He had done the right thing but the physical result was chains and imprisonment. The sentence seems to have been open ended. He may have been in prison up to ten years until God finally and wonderfully released him. In prison Joseph again proved himself as a reliable, trustworthy worker and gained promotion once more. The reason? That phrase 'The Lord was with him', appears twice as the familiar explanation. DREAMING AGAIN Then two more prisoners for Joseph to look after! These were important officials from Pharaoh's household. Was it Potiphar who assigned them to Joseph's care? (v4). One morning Joseph noticed the sad disturbed expressions on their faces. What was their problem? They had compared notes and each had had a dream which they couldn't understand. They thought no one could possibly help them, especially in prison. As Joseph listened, he was led to say his God could give them the meaning of their dreams. He still had his remarkable confidence in the God he had known since childhood. The rest of the story is well known. The dreams were each fulfilled exactly as Joseph said. Joseph had one final word for the cupbearer: 'When you are back in favour with Pharaoh, please mention my case to him.' Was this the only time Joseph ever spoke up for himself? Does the final verse of the chapter tell us of Joseph's darkest hour? (v.23). The cupbearer forgot Joseph and his request. Did he do it accidentally or deliberately? What do you think? What is your answer? NEXT: GOD'S REMARKABLE OVER-RULING AND TIMING. |
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