Prison to Palace – Pit to Palace!

“If the chief cupbearer had commended Joseph to the pharaoh right away, Joseph might have gone back to Canaan with his family and not be in a position to interpret this dream and save his family. “Joseph could later look back and see that ‘God’s time for the release of his people will appear at last to be the fittest time’ (Gen. 50:20). The Lord may intervene at what seems to be the midnight hour, but He always intervenes according to His timing.” Matthew Henry

Sunday is about the waiting in God’s designs – the patience of God’s timing NOT ours! Joseph was blessed and favored by his father, Jacob. This favor landed him in the pit to be sold to the Ishmaelites. Then Joseph was favored by Potiphar but that drew the unwanted attention of Potiphar’s wife and landed him in prison. Joseph was favored by the jailer and having access to all the prisoners he heard their problems and dreams – the baker died and the cupbearer forgot so Joseph was still in prison – unjustly and unredeemed!

Then the third pair of dreams in Joseph’s life occurred – Pharaoh had a disturbing set of dreams. He summoned the sages of the land but none could help – the forgetful cupbearer recalled his friend and shared with Pharaoh about Joseph. Favored again how will Joseph handle this? Will he use it to seek revenge on his brothers or Potiphar? Or will he be again faithful to the Lord and listen to the voice of God?

How do we handle adversity? How do we handle prosperity? How do we wait for God? All of these are tests of character and faith – Sunday I will use Joseph as the example of God’s expectation for us as we echo the heart of Paul – “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Php 4:12 ESV

Great Sunday to invite someone going through tough times – call them and bring them!

Pastor Mike