This week’s reading: Genesis 40:1-23
Hi Friends,
Joseph has been through so much since the days of living in the comfort of his father’s household. And he has also grown by leaps and bounds to display such godly character. Now being confined to a prison, Joseph continues holding on to the God who is holding on to him. Joseph continues to serve whatever earthly master God places him under, and God also continues to show him favor. As we read last week, the warden sees Joseph’s faithfulness and hard work and places all the prisoners under his care. Once again, Joseph is humble and serves instead of expecting, or insisting, to be served because of God’s blessings over him. (see Mt 20:28) What a lovely picture of our Messiah! We are in Genesis chapter 40 reading the whole thing, that is verses 1 through 23. Listen to the confidence Joseph has in God:
“When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, ‘Why are your faces so sad today?’ ‘We both had dreams,’ they answered, ‘but there is no one to interpret them.’ Then Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.’” Gen 40:6-8 NIV
Confined. Joseph goes from being a slave of Potiphar, where he had the run of his household, to being further confined under house arrest. I make this a point because I really do not believe Potiphar was completely angry with Joseph about what happened between him and his wife, or else Potiphar, as the captain of the guard and in charge of executions, could have punished Joseph a lot more severely. (see Gen 39:1) Yet whatever type of prison this was, it was still a prison where Joseph was further restricted. It was not a pleasant or ideal situation, to say the least, yet he continues to shine. This is nothing less than the power of God within him. And God can do the same for you and me. The truth is, in this world, we will all be confined in one way, shape or form. For instance, physically we can be confined by a disease in our bodies. Soulfully we are most definitely restricted by the things we understand, or rather, do not understand. And then worst of all, we are all prisoners of sin and the effects it has brought with its wickedness. It is this sinful tendency that moves us away from God and towards the troubles of this world. In many ways, this life comes with its prisons. Yet in Christ, we do not need to live as if we are confined. The Bible teaches us to be “prisoners of Hope” because God is our Hope. (see Zech 9:12) You see, in God we can find Freedom within, even if we continue to be confined outside. Joseph knew this. This is how he was able to endure all things. He held on to the dreams God gave him, and more importantly, he held on to the One who gave him those dreams. Joseph was able to continue doing the right thing because he was free from the power any outside prison could try to force on him. And so he persevered through all life’s difficulties. Perseverance is a sign of Humility. Pride says, “I want what I want and I want it now!” Humility, on the other, keeps doing the right thing even if our dreams are not being fulfilled, and further, might even look like there is no way they can be fulfilled. Ahh, but God! A prisoner of Hope cannot escape their Faith that God is Good and God is Faithful towards those who seek to honor Him. (see Dt 7:9; Dan 9:4; Ro 8:28; Jas 1:12) We are not without Hope because God is still watching over us. This is how Joseph lived and we can too. We can choose to live free on the inside, no matter what might be trying to confine us. This means not allowing any outside influences, including that old person with her old MMI ways, to control us. We can live in peace. We can have joy. We can choose to be content. And we can act according to the righteousness God has given us, as He continues to transform us so that we may automatically display this godliness. Like Joseph we can go about caring for others, listening to and obeying that still, small voice of God within our hearts. We can…but if we are not seeking Him first, over and above everything and everyone else, will we be sensitive to that gentle voice? And why is God’s a still, small voice? Because God does not need to compete with those three enemies—the devil, this corrupt world and the old person we used to be. He is God who is matchless and does not need to prove Himself. While those three enemies shout and make all sorts of havoc to get, and keep our attention, God whispers in our spirit. It is up to us whether we seek to “Be still, and know that He is God” because either way, God “will be exalted among the nations”. He “will be exalted in the earth.” (Ps 46:10) We tend to forget the rest of that wonderful verse, don’t we? We talk about needing to be still, but do we realize when we obey, when we focus on God more than anything else, we can gain the strength, insight, compassion and so on, so that we can be the ones exalting God in this world. What an honor and a privilege to seek and then reflect our Immaculate Creator. Joseph was not confined by prison when it came to showing others who God is. And every time we choose to follow Jesus instead of those three enemies, we too are a light shining out, just like Joseph. And so when we find ourselves in situations that confine us, we can dig in deeper with God and trust His Faithfulness. For instance, if our company is downsizing and we lose our job, and we simply cannot do anything about that situation, like Joseph, we can pray and trust God to work it together for our good. In the meantime, we choose to keep our joy and do what we can do, seeking to serve God and others whichever way He leads, with our joy intact. Keeping our joy, like we see Joseph does, is the strength we need to keep on keeping on. Perseverance is a battle of the mind. The moment we give in to the thoughts about how hard things are around us, is the moment we lose the strength to keep doing the right thing as we trust God. He will either change our circumstances, or more importantly, change our hearts so we can endure the circumstances. Yet any negative thoughts can imprison us if we let them. If we allow the difficulty to steal our joy, all we are left with is misery, pain and heartbreak. So while we are still on this planet, still confined in so many ways, we need to decide whether we will live like the prisoners we used to be OR whether we will live as prisoners of Hope. Joseph chose the better way. May we follow in his footsteps.
Concerned. The Bible says it is “some time later” when Pharaoh has a tantrum and gets angry with his chief cup bearer and baker and “just happens” to throw them into the prison where Joseph is now in charge. (see Gen 40:1-3) Notice how God made sure Joseph was in this prison, where the king sends those he has a problem with, as they await his final judgment. God has positioned Joseph for his next, and final test, before God elevates him. As is his normal routine, Joseph takes these men under his care, to such a degree mind you, that he can tell when their attitudes have changed for the worst. Paying attention to those around us, and loving them to the degree where we can be sensitive to their needs then doing what we can to help, is another sign of Humility. After these two have their dreams and are confused about what they could possibly mean, Joseph, who was greatly concerned about their well being, takes notice of their depressed state. If Joseph was not a diligent and devoted servant, if he did not take an interest in those under his care, if he was not concerned about his duties, would he have even paid attention to the change in their demeanor? This is just another example of how godly Joseph has become. He truly did desire to give his all to those under his care. Not under his control, mind you, for he never tried to lord it over them…I do think he learned that hard lesson which contributed to his brothers’ betrayal. Now he really just wanted to help, wherever and however he could. He sees these two men downcast and steps in to do what he can to lift their spirits. God has placed Joseph in these prisoner’s path so that he could bring some light into their situation. Does God place us in the path of other prisoners so that we can do the same? We need to be concerned about those God brings into our lives, so we too can tell if they have a need that we can fill. As we continue to transform from prisoners of sin to prisoners of Hope, we can encourage others to take the trip with us. This is one of the reasons I always end my articles with the beckoning question of: “Then won’t you join me?” It is my heart’s desire to know God, know Him deeply, and then, to make Him known. When we have been set free, it is only good and right that we join Jesus in setting other captives free. The more we grow in Christ, the more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit we become, and the more of a blessing we can be to others. Since being concerned about others is an act of Humility, we will be more open to how we can love others. God will simply place them on our hearts and guide us as to what we can do. For instance, have you ever had this strong feeling that you just needed to reach out to someone, at that exact moment? This is what I am talking about. God will show us who can use a kind word, and when. He will place a person’s name on our hearts who needs to be lifted up in prayer. He will move us to provide some real tangible help with a worldly problem they may have. If we are concerned for those God has placed around us, God will use us to be a blessing. We need only keep ourselves open to God and choose to serve Him, just like Joseph did. It makes our lives more fulfilling, and exciting, because we will never know how God can use us to be the miracle in someone else’s life. While we are never to worry, we should be concerned. Worry is you and me trying to fix problems that are often out of our control, and way above our pay grade. It shows a lack of Faith because we are not giving God the time to do what He knows should, and must be done, since we are attempting to figure it all out on our own. Being concerned, on the other hand, is us being committed to being sensitive, then obedient to God’s leading, because we care for others. God used Joseph in great, and in small ways. And all because Joseph’s main concern was following God in all ways, as he sought to lovingly serve those around him. May we follow in his footsteps.
Confident. The two prisoners tell Joseph that they each had a strange dream, that very same night, but they had no idea what they meant. It left them distraught and unhinged. Joseph quickly turns their attention towards his God who knows all things. The confidence Joseph has in the God, who also gave him a dream, is lovely to see. He does not say, “Well, maybe my God can help.” He knows God can. And so he tells these two to share their dreams with him. You see, not only was Joseph confident that God gave the dreams and could interpret them, but he was confident God would give Joseph the explanations as well. Joseph counted on God for everything. This is another sign of his Humility. Joseph the Dreamer, as his brothers called him, took that name that was meant in a negative way, and he turned it into something positive. And we can do the same, because our confidence does not come from ourselves, but from the God who loves us more than we can ever fully understand. It matters little what others may call us, because we trust that God Loves us and says we are His. And that name, that identity, is our reason to Hope. His Love moves God to pour down His Grace which changes everything! Not only does Grace change our hearts and our eternal destiny, but it gives us the assurance that God will provide whatever we need to be blessed here, and be a blessing. Joseph knows this and so he does not waver as these men share their cryptic dreams. Joseph knew God speaks to us in our dreams and he trusted God to give him the gift of being able to understand what they mean. It continues to be so comforting to me that God desires to speak to us. And God will use whatever He has to in order to speak to our hearts. After all, in the Bible, He even used a donkey, for crying out loud! (see Nu 22:22-34) And God can use dreams also. For instance, have you ever had a problem that you just did not have the solution for, but resting in God and His Faithfulness, you went to sleep only to wake up the next morning with the answer you were searching for? God still speaks to us in dreams, both literal dreams and those desires that He has implanted deep in our hearts. If you have had a godly Hope, that you know deep inside came from God, continue to do what you can towards it’s fulfillment, but trust God to do what you cannot do, make it come to pass. Our part is to keep listening for His guidance. Keep praying for open doors. And keep our confidence in the Lord because He is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine. (see Eph 3:20) This is part of being a prisoner of Hope. We do not give up on doing what we know we need to do. And we never give up on God, who never gives up on us. As God did with Joseph, He may even have to place us in a real prison, to mold our hearts into the humble servant He desires us to be. But whatever He allows into our lives, it is so our dreams can be understood and then brought to life. Joseph’s confidence was that deep. May we follow in his footsteps.
Clarity. First the cup bearer shares his dream. With God’s insight, Joseph is able to bring clarity to the meaning of the strange vision. In three days, all would be forgiven and this official would be restored to his position in Pharaoh’s household. Such good news! The cup bearer did not need to do anything, only continue to believe and hang on. Then the baker thought his dream would be good news as well, so he quickly shared it with Joseph. Sadly, it was not so. In three days, Pharaoh would bring final judgment and send this official to the grave. We are not told much about these two, yet can I use some artistic liberty here to make a point? The cupbearer was not anyone special. He had a good job and he did his job as well as anyone could. But whether he did something wrong or not, the king was angry with him and sent him into prison. Later, this same king chose to show this official his mercy and restored him, bringing him into the royal household. Could this be a picture of God’s Mercy towards us, rebellious humans that we are? We did not do anything special to warrant the redemption. Yet God chose to pour out His Grace on us anyway. If you are born again, you too have been restored and brought into God’s Household. Now let’s think about the baker. Also not anyone special. He also had a good job. Yet he did his job with minimal effort. He was just looking at what he could get from the king, not really ever wanting to be his subject nor live under his authority. He wanted to live for MMI. Again, whether he did something wrong or not, the king became angry with this servant and sent him into the same prison as the cupbearer. Later, this same king chose to show his wrath towards the baker, because he saw that his heart was prideful and selfish. Could this be a picture of what awaits those who refuse to surrender to the authority of Christ our Lord? There will be a grand separation in the Last days. Jesus talks about it clearly in Mathew 25. (see Mt 25:31-46) Goats to the left. Sheep to the right. Not because we are anything special, but because God has done a work in the hearts of those who are His. By His Grace, we now desire to love Him with all we’ve got and love others as ourselves. We don’t do this perfectly. We still struggle with sin and selfishness. Yet our hearts are His, and so, He chooses to restore us. He redeems our lives. He remodels us into the person we were always meant to be. This is all the choice and work of our King. So what do we do? We keep believing. And because our Hope is in Him, we keep serving. We keep loving. And we stay humble, just like Joseph. This should bring some clarity to life. This should give some purpose to our lives. And this should give us plenty of reason to Hope. Joseph may not have known the specifics of the when and where and how God would bring his dream to fruition, but he knew God. And that was enough for him. The reason Joseph could bring clarity to those prisoners’ dreams is because he was free inside even though he was confined in prison. Because he was concerned with those in his care and turned to God for the resources to help. And because he was confident God would provide whatever he needed, in this case the insight to interpret those dreams. One builds on the other and all point to the Humility God had grown within Joseph’s willing heart. Two things God requires of us, my Friends: 1- a willing heart and 2- an open mind. A willing heart because God will not force us to believe in Him, nor to act on the Hope His Grace has granted. We must choose to be His and to gratefully, faithfully and obediently serve Him. An open mind because the way God does things, and the way we would, are often polar opposites. But this only makes sense since God’s motivation is always selfless love, while our is mixed at best, or worse, centered on MMI. God sees life through the lens of Eternity. We barely see our lives, much less that of others. It is clear, my Friends, we must place our trust in God and humbly serve Him wherever He places us, if we really want the Abundant Life. A willing heart and an open mind grants us clarity about life and why we are here. Joseph had both, and this helped him remain a prisoner of Hope. May we follow in his footsteps.
Choices. Just like God had shown Joseph, three days later, it was the Pharaoh’s birthday and he did restore the cupbearer and execute the baker. When Joseph had given the cupbearer the good news, he had asked, “But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.” (Gen 40:14) So what happens as this king’s official is celebrating his reinstatement? He completely forgets all about Joseph. (Gen 40:23) This is the final test God must bring him through in order for his heart to be fully humbled. In order for Joseph to humbly serve, not only Pharaoh and the nation, but of course to serve God. Once again, Joseph has to make a choice. As the saying goes: Will he become bitter or will he become better? Will he allow the unfaithfulness of someone else cause him to become unfaithful himself? Or will he continue to faithfully do whatever he has been called to do? Will he fall into mistrusting God and His plan? Or will he dig deeper in his trust of God, no matter how unfair his situation continues to be? We know the answer Joseph chose, but do we following his footsteps? Jesus warns us, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (Jn16:33 BSB) Our sad reality is that we will all be taken advantage of. Some will forget all the help we freely gave them, either on purpose or not. But we always have a choice in these matters. We can choose to focus on the unfairness and become imprisoned by the injustices of life. We can choose to set our eyes on MMI and and have no concern for others around us that can use some Hope, and live a very lonely and purposeless life. We can choose to mistrust God and place our confidence in our own abilities and keep trying to achieve our own plans. And we can choose to receive no clarification from God about which step to take next in life and live lost and afraid. Joseph chose the opposite in each case. Joseph chose to use his confinement as a time of refinement. Joseph chose to use his time and talents to be concerned for the welfare of others. Joseph chose to keep his eyes and confidence squarely on God. And Joseph chose to see clearly that God had never left him. That God continued to show him favor. That God was not done with him or those dreams God had given Joseph. Joseph chose God. And that made all the difference throughout his whole life…even before those dreams became his reality. Do we have dreams in our hearts too? Are we looking around at the obstacles to those desires or are we placing our Hope where it belongs, with God? Because if we choose to trust God beyond any confinements, above all concerns, firmly confident in His Love, and clearly trusting Him, come what may? Then our lives will become just as victorious as Joseph’s. You see, his life is fantastic, not because he eventually becomes second in command, but because he always put God first. God can use humble hearts like that. And if we make all our choices with the motive to glorify God, then He can use us for that glory just as much as He did Joseph. Do you want a life filled to the overflow with all that is good…I mean really good, like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? (see Gal 5:22-23) Then we must choose to live the way Joseph, and all the other Saints of the Bible did, placing our Hope in God, in His Way, in His Timing and in His Plan. Every time I surrender this way to God and His Loving Sovereignty, I can enjoy life more, as I simply do what I know I am called to do, to display God’s Grace as I seek to lovingly serve others. Sometimes I get it right…sometimes I sooo don’t. But this is how we learn. And it is how we grow into who we will always be: God’s beloved, holy children who are now His prisoners of Hope. And that Hope helps me live this life, with all its confinements and concerns, with great confidence and clarity. A prisoner of Hope with peace and joy and contentment, not only intact, but increasing more and more? I certainly want that. Do want that too? Then won’t you join me?
Until we meet again, keep lifting your eyes to God, He’s closer than you think.
<>< Peace, Diane
