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The Joseph Process: Prison - Part Two
By Janine Scott-Lowe, MD
Genesis 40:5-8: ...each of the two men-the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison [with Joseph]-had a dream the same night...When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected...so he asked them..."Why are your faces so sad today?" "We both had dreams," they answered, "but there is noone to interpret them." Then Joseph said to them..."Tell me your dreams."
Once again, here is Joseph, sitting in prison. But, he is not alone. In his company are a cupbearer and a baker, two of Pharoah's officials that Pharoah was angry with and threw in jail. Each of these two men had a dream on the same night, but were upset because noone could interpret their dreams. In steps Joseph, who was able to not only tell them the meanings of their dreams, but, in doing so, was prophesying to them about their futures. In just 3 days, the chief cupbearer was restored to his position (which Joseph foretold), while the chief baker was hanged (told by Joseph as well).
Look at Joseph. He has been in prison for quite a while. Remember, he was falsely and unjustly accused and thrown into prison. You'd think that by now, he would be angry and bitter over his situation. You would think that perhaps this bitterness would cause him to want to withdraw and remain to himself, and not want to help anybody else. You would think this, but this is not the case.
No, even though Joseph did not have good done to him, he was able to still reach out to help somebody (in this case, 2 people), out in their time of need. Joseph wasn't selfish, but shared his gift of dream interpretation with the cupbearer and the baker.
What are we to learn from this? I believe a major point is that even though we may be in circumstances that are not perfect or may not be desirable, that is not the time to wallow in self-pity or bitterness or anger. No, at all times in our lives, we can always help somebody else. In this case, it is because Joseph was able to get beyond his own personal pain to help the cupbearer that eventually led to the favor being returned and Joseph gaining audience with Pharoah. Truly, Joseph's gift made room for him and brought him before a great man.
But, that's coming up next week. For now, let's remember to get beyond ourselves and be about helping others. Whether our help leads to other opportunities opening up or not, at least we would have the satisfaction of knowing that we made someone's life a little better, and their load a little lighter. Let's use the gifts that God has given to us to bless others.
Until next week!
God Bless!
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Janine Scott-Lowe, MD is a Family Physician who practices in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, taking care of the soldiers and family members of the famous 82nd Airborne Division. She has two beautiful daughters, Kendall and Katrina.
You can find more articles and information about Janine's books on her website:
http://www.hishandsextendedonline.com.
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