“But think on me when it shall be well with you and show kindness, I pray you, unto me and make mention of me unto Pharaoh and bring me out of this house for, indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews—and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. . .Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgot him. And, it came to pass at the end of two full years. . .”
Genesis 40:14-15, 23; 41:1a
Others may forget; but He never will (Is. 49:15-16).
Whether we realize or admit it or not all of us want to be remembered by someone. And, appreciated. And, accepted. And, respected. And, loved. Truly, none of us want to pass through this life, having made no difference or not having contributed at least a little something to someone else’s life.
That’s why today’s Manna is such a poignant, powerful one. . .for it reminds us of the fickle, forgetfulness of man.
But, it also reminds us of the faithfulness of God (Gen. 39:2-3, 21, 23).
Joseph’s words to the butler were true words—for he truly had “done nothing (wrong/worthy) that they should put him into the dungeon.” It was bad enough that his brothers had sold him to a passing band of Midianites after deciding not to kill him (Gen. 37:18-28). But, then to be falsely accused of attempted rape by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison was adding insult to injury (39:1-23).
Yet, even there “the Lord was with him and made everything he did to prosper” (39:23).
So, we shouldn’t be surprised the God of Abraham also gave him the ability to interpret the butler and baker’s dreams (40:1-19). And, Joseph made sure the two imprisoned servants of Pharaoh knew from whence his ability to interpret came (v.8).
Likewise, it was not wrong for Joseph to ask the butler to say a good word to Pharaoh on his behalf after he was restored to his place of service. Such is normal—especially after you’ve reached out to help someone in need.
Yet, “the chief butler didn’t remember Joseph, but forgot him.”
For “two full years” he forgot him.
So much for reciprocal relationships. Or gratitude for a helping hand.
“Out-of-sight, out-of-mind.”
That’s the world’s way of doing things. And, if we’re not careful, soon a “root of bitterness will spring up within us and, thereby, many be defiled” (Heb. 12:15).
Thankfully, Joseph didn’t allow one to start growing within him. He could have sat around nursing his hurts and pitching a tent on his resentments during those two years; but he didn’t. Instead, he continued faithfully serving the Lord by faithfully doing his duties in prison (Gen. 39:22-23). And, we shouldn’t be surprised the Lord later elevated him to a strategic position in His Kingdom and in Pharaoh’s (Gen. 41:37-44). God is faithful. And, He’ll never forget you or what you do in His Name (Heb. 6:10-20; I Cor. 15:58). Trust Him.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated May 15, 2010
