Page 16 - Living Light 90

Friday September 12 - Our times, God’s hands
[It was] just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. Genesis 40:22
So the dreams came true. Three days passed after the cupbearer and the baker dreamed their mysterious dreams and Joseph, guided by God, told them what they meant. On the third day Pharaoh celebrated his birthday and, as dictators sometimes do on such occasions, proclaimed an amnesty. The three vine branches and three baskets of bread represented those three days and the men’s heads were lifted up – one man elevated to his former position at court, the other climbing the gallows.
My wife and I pray for people abroad who are imprisoned or abducted because of their Christian faith. It demands patience and tenacity. So when one is released, it’s cause for rejoicing. Earlier this year an innocent pastor we’d prayed for since 2021 was released during an amnesty and we praised God as we watched a video clip of him walking free, smiling, embraced by his family. The charity who’d kept us informed carelessly described it as ‘incredible’ – a quite inappropriate word, as we’d all believed God would make it happen one day! It was a time of joy and fulfilment.
When Pharaoh’s cupbearer was released and returned to his job, it must have been a time of hope and anticipation for Joseph. Surely the cupbearer would put a word in for him with Pharaoh? However, cupbearers hold cups, but it’s God who holds our lives and times.
I trust in you, O Lord... You are my God. My times are in your hands... (Psalm 31:14-15). Amen.
Saturday September 13 - ‘Hope deferred, not lost’
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
Genesis 40:23
Our title today headed a book telling the story of deaths by starvation and massacre endured by an early missionary venture in South America. Today, with hundreds of churches planted and huge social progression, that venture has been described as ‘one of the outstanding stories in Christian mission’. The initial hope, shaken and jolted, was but postponed; it came to fruition in time.
Joseph must have waited for the cupbearer to tell Pharaoh about him. But the words of today’s chapter-ending text are stark: ‘...did not remember... forgot...’ Disappointment must have shaken Joseph’s spirit. The cupbearer forgot him; did Joseph think God also had memory loss? No, God remembers (see Genesis 8:1; 19:29; 30:22) because he has a greater vision, and his intention in delay embraced a breathtaking plan told in the next chapters – the dream interpreter would become a deliverer.
Waiting for God. It’s a testing theme of Scripture and of life! Abraham and Sarah waited long for a child; Moses had to await his moment to rescue his people; Jesus waited years to begin his ministry. It’s hard, but God waits with us for his moment.
Joseph was still confined. But God is not confined, nor forgetful. So Joseph waited. ‘Hope deferred makes the heart sick,’ because waiting is difficult, ‘but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life’ (Proverbs 13:12), because God’s plans are astonishing – and perfect!
Lord, waiting for your moment is hard. Thank you that you wait with us. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY