Genesis Chapter 40.
When I read this in chapter, I looked at the integrity of each men… Joseph, the cupbearer, and the baker. I just made my own conclusion of what type of person each of them was.
1. Joseph. A man of integrity. God believing, God-fearing. Therefore used mightily by God no matter where he was.
2. The cup-bearer. A man of integrity. Messed up. Remorseful. Repented. Restored. Served with a servant's heart again.
3. The baker. A man of integrity for a period of time, but later became arrogant. Lacked respect. Black servant's heart. Didn’t take responsibility for wrong. Not willing to repent.
The sad thing is I can see myself in each of these three men and I'm not happy with that.
I think it’s really good to read God’s Word over and over again. I caught a detail today that I don’t ever remember reading before from this chapter. It was Pharaoh’s birthday on the third day. I don’t know how I missed that information before, but there it is written right there in the Bible. I’m reminded of the fact that I have so much more to learn.
Today’s parody is Bought by the Egyptians. Here’s the link to the video for it.
https://youtu.be/rB_B5QxADpo
The reference to the third day and wine and bread in the dreams remind us of true fellowship in our remembrance of what Jesus did for us on the Cross and in His Resurrection. “This do in remembrance of Me”, said Jesus (Luke 22:19) Those who believe and receive are lifted up and those who don’t miss out.
Imagine the faith of Joseph as he waits another 10 years to be remembered in prison. Yet he continues to trust His Lord and do the best he can in the situation he is in. Lord, help me to patiently wait on You and your perfect timing.
After reading what PB wrote, this came to mind.
Jesus Christ on the cross, flanked by the two thieves,
Good point Jim about learning something knew, Pharaoh’s birthday in 3 days, my friend said the bible is living,
Jeanine I also thought about communion wine & bread in reference to cup bearer (blood) and baker (body)
Remember me….
23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
Ouch.
My initial reaction is to feel sad for the baker. I am not sure what his offense was to make the Pharoh so upset, and envisioning him being impaled on a pole with birds eating at his flesh is a bit unsettling. I wonder why the cup bearer was saved and put back in his old position, yet the baker was killed.
I am also noticing that God comes to Joseph often in the form of dreams, whether it is his own dream, or Joseph interpreting the dream of someone else.
I hope when God comes to me I can recognize it, and I can help others hear His message too.