This chapter of Genesis is an episode in the life of Joseph. Within the prison walls, he interprets the dreams of Pharoh’s cupbearer and baker. One will be restored to his former position and favor with Pharoh, the other will not. We can find adversity throughout Joseph’s story, yet in this story, we can find reason for hope both for him and for us.
Joseph’s gifts include his ability to listen. Not just nod along and wait to talk, but to genuinely hear what another is saying. This is a kind of everyday compassion we can all practice; listening to others, especially when they are in distress. Even here, in the unlikely setting of prison, Joseph chooses compassion and to use his ability to interpret the two men’s dreams. He could have been so disillusioned, so hopeless about the unfairness of his life that he might have rejected the gifts God gave him.
Yet that is not who Joseph is. Despite the injustice he faces, he remains hopeful and uses his divine gifts for the good of others. He listens, hears, interprets, and, trusting in God’s plan, asks to be remembered by the cupbearer once he is restored. But the cupbearer doesn’t remember. Not only did he fail to act on behalf of Joseph, he forgot him entirely.
It’s a cliffhanger, a season-ending scene. The chapter ends in the darkness of prison, time passes, and another chapter opens two years later. Now Pharoh’s cup bearer remembers! Pharoh dreams, just as he and the baker did, an indecipherable dream and now, Joseph’s name is quick on the cupbearer’s lips. Exercising his God-given gifts for the benefit of his fellow prisoner will pay off after all! However, that is in the scenes for next season. In this season, Joseph is STUCK.
When we are in a season of life where we feel stuck, it is tempting to lean into hopelessness and not continue to faithfully be who God has called us to be. Yet, in the glimpse of the next chapter, we see that God remains faithful to Joseph just as God remains faithful to us. Even when we cannot see the benefit of our actions, for ourselves or others, God sees. Even when we do not remember, God remembers.
Rosemary Peek is the pastor of Shepherd of the Hills in Sylva and campus pastor with Lutheran Campus Ministry at Western Carolina University.
To Consider
All of us experience seasons of feeling stuck or forgotten. How have you seen—or can now see—God’s presence in the moments you may have felt overlooked or forgotten?
Where might God be calling you to remain faithful today, even when the outcomes are not yet visible?
Prayer
God of hope, you are with us when we are stuck and when we are free. Lead us to use the gifts you have given us for the sake of the world and to trust in your faithfulness regardless of our circumstances. Amen.