Scripture to Read: Genesis 40:9-23
Yesterday, we saw how God used Joseph to interpret the dreams that both the chief cupbearer and the chief baker had dreamed. Once Joseph finished interpreting the dreams, he asked the chief cupbearer for a favor. God’s Word records Joseph saying, in Genesis 40:14-15, “Only keep me in mind when it goes well with you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house. 15 For I was in fact kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing that they should have put me into the dungeon.” For the first time, we find recorded that Joseph is requesting some help from someone else. Joseph simply asked that the chief cupbearer remember him and mention him to Pharaoh once the chief cupbearer was restored to his position. We have to wonder, even if the chief cupbearer had asked Pharaoh to release Joseph if it would have made any difference. We’ll never know because God’s Word clearly records this in Genesis 40:23, Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Once the chief cupbearer was restored to his position, he completely forgot about Joseph. There have been times in our lives when people have failed us. Also, each of us has failed others when we have been asked to do something for them. What we must remember is that God NEVER fails us. He is continually working on our behalf, even when we don’t recognize His handiwork.
Challenge & Application
1. What is the best way to deal with those who fail us or when we fail others? (Read Galatians 6:1-2 & Romans 15:1-3 for help.)
2. How have you lovingly restored someone who has failed you, or how have you sought forgiveness from someone you have failed?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!