Humanly speaking, we try to position ourselves for the best opportunity to succeed. Sometime we get it, but other times we don’t. When we don’t, what do we think about it? What do we attribute the failure to—a problem of a competitor, human error, an unforeseen circumstance, or the doing of God?
Commentary:
Genesis 40:1. The cupbearer and the baker of Pharaoh were important officials of the king. They were not only responsible for the food entertainment like the regular kitchen staff of the white house of today. But they served other functions. In addition to the gourmet selection, they were also the security officers. They would taste the food to test for poison before the king consumed them. They were also the companion of the king. They would converse with the king and cheered him up.
Because of what they do, their jailing was not simply a matter of bad taste in the food. The king could be angry for a number of reasons, ranging from suspicion of poisoning to making comments or gestures that were inappropriate. They were in danger of not just losing the job but losing their life.
Genesis 40:5. God appropriately revealed the future of the baker and cupbearer through dreams. The dreams were not a nightmare or sweet dream but a glimpse of their future. This revelation would then play a part in determining the future of Joseph.
Genesis 40:14-15. Joseph saw an opportunity here. Knowing that the cupbearer would be free, he asked him to help for three reasons. The first was because Joseph had done him a favor. He interpreted the dream. The second reason was based on human moral duty. Joseph was a kidnap victim and was sold into slavery. The last was based on the legal duty. Joseph was an innocent victim of false accusation. He should be let out free.
Genesis 40:23. The cupbearer forgot his promise to Joseph. He did not petition Pharaoh on Joseph’s behalf. His action might appear to be callous. Regardless, God allowed this further suffering of Joseph, so a greater good could be accomplished later.
Meditation:
Certainly the delay of Joseph’s release from jail put Joseph in a position to interpret Pharaoh’s dream later. If Joseph was a free man earlier, he would have gone home. God definitely knew what was needed to accomplish his will.
As believer, we need to have faith that nothing without God’s permission. If we are His children, then things happen because it is for the good of us. This faith needs to be lived out in our life.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us in difficult times. Thank you for controlling the events around our life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Well, God knows all, he is everything and nothing right? And needing to have faith without gods permission is also okay? But what about all the atrocities that happen, god is trying to help us from that?
Comment by tsou — May 19, 2010 @ 9:03 pm