Perspective: Wk3 - FRI
Forgotten
Genesis 40:14; 20-41:1
“… when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.”
Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials: He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream
What a disaster: he proposed on one knee, but his heart deflates as she stammers out a rejection. He was told, “The promotion is a done deal, start packing your office,” only to sit in a meeting where someone else was announced for the job. The pregnancy test reveals that her prayers have been answered, just to have the days and weeks reveal a false positive. Is there anything more devastating than the gut punch of a promise falling apart?
While Joseph mourns the loss of his friend, the baker, his spirits must remain high. As the dream predicted, the cupbearer is restored to his role in the palace. The two would have parted with hugs, high-fives, and promises. It was a certainty. Joseph was about to go free. However, the hours turned into days, and weeks into months, as Joseph realized he had been forgotten. He was abandoned.
An all-too-familiar feeling must have overwhelmed Joseph as reality enveloped him like a thick blanket. He was stuck. It began in the desert sands, where each camel’s footstep widened the distance from the family he loved. The loneliness and desperation swelled as lies were told and relationships were lost in the house of Potiphar. And now the disillusioning, slow death of broken promises floods his mind. He is forgotten…
… or is he?
The miracle of a journey with Jesus is that it unfolds in a world apart from human betrayal, malice, and broken promises. In this way, two things can be true at once. Joseph endures incredible pain and relational famine in one world while experiencing joy, hope, and fulfillment in the other. Cellmates must have wondered how he could maintain such an amazing attitude while being forgotten this way. I wonder if he could explain the peace and joy found only in the love of God?
Genesis 40:14; 20-41:1
“… when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.”
Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials: He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream
What a disaster: he proposed on one knee, but his heart deflates as she stammers out a rejection. He was told, “The promotion is a done deal, start packing your office,” only to sit in a meeting where someone else was announced for the job. The pregnancy test reveals that her prayers have been answered, just to have the days and weeks reveal a false positive. Is there anything more devastating than the gut punch of a promise falling apart?
While Joseph mourns the loss of his friend, the baker, his spirits must remain high. As the dream predicted, the cupbearer is restored to his role in the palace. The two would have parted with hugs, high-fives, and promises. It was a certainty. Joseph was about to go free. However, the hours turned into days, and weeks into months, as Joseph realized he had been forgotten. He was abandoned.
An all-too-familiar feeling must have overwhelmed Joseph as reality enveloped him like a thick blanket. He was stuck. It began in the desert sands, where each camel’s footstep widened the distance from the family he loved. The loneliness and desperation swelled as lies were told and relationships were lost in the house of Potiphar. And now the disillusioning, slow death of broken promises floods his mind. He is forgotten…
… or is he?
The miracle of a journey with Jesus is that it unfolds in a world apart from human betrayal, malice, and broken promises. In this way, two things can be true at once. Joseph endures incredible pain and relational famine in one world while experiencing joy, hope, and fulfillment in the other. Cellmates must have wondered how he could maintain such an amazing attitude while being forgotten this way. I wonder if he could explain the peace and joy found only in the love of God?
- Who has made a promise or promises to you? How is it going?
- What currently makes you feel alone or isolated (at least occasionally)?
- How is your inner journey with Jesus going lately? Why do you think that is? What would you like to say to Him about this?
Written by Pastor Dave Ferguson
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