Genesis 39:21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Oh Friends, I can’t resist a Wow! (smile) Imagine that nuh! As a slave, Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household, all his belongings, then, as a prisoner, the keeper also put him in charge of the jail’s administrative affairs. And like Potiphar, ‘The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand: because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.’ (vs.23) Yes people, it seems too good to be true, but it is. And it can happen to any of us who stay faithful when unfair and undeserved things come against us. I can attest to that Friends. Oh, I’m nowhere in Joseph’s class, but looking back on my life, I see negative, undeserved stuff happening, that caused me to rack my brain as to the why and how of it all. Like Joseph, many times I never understood what was happening but continued doing the best I could, and then, like the problem, a solution would suddenly appear. It’s only in the last dozen years or so, I finally realized that some of those tough times was the Lord testing me. There were too many clutch situations, to be mere coincidence. I’m sure if many of you look back on your own lives, you’ll find similar situations. Friends, that’s the Hand of the Lord at work in our lives. Remember, He never gives us more than we can bear. Joseph must have known this, for it seems that through all the injustice and unfairness, he just kept right on being faithful, doing good and being trustworthy. That’s the kind of integrity, we, as believers must have people. If we don’t show it, then it destroys our reputation and Jesus’, making others turn away from the faith. Look at Joseph; even when Pharaoh’s butler and baker were put in jail, under his direction, the Word says, ‘and he served them.’ (Gen.40:4) Note again, Joseph’s penchant for service; like Jesus. It’s an attitude we should all emulate, cause it’s an integral part of our faith. He also interpreted the dreams of the butler and baker: in three days, the butler to be restored to his position, and the baker to be hanged. This seems to be the only time, in all his misfortunes, that Joseph asked a serious favour of anyone. He shared his innocence with the butler. ‘But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house.’ (Gen.40:14) Three days later, on Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a party for his servants, and as Joseph predicted, restored the butler to his former position and hanged the baker. ‘Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.’ (Gen.40:23) Oh Friends, how that must have hurt Joseph. I know how it feels, for I’ve had more than my fair share. To me, there’s nothing worse than ingratitude. My family’s possibly tired hearing me talk about it. But it’s very important to show your appreciation. Sometimes all you want is a mere thanks and a simple acknowledgement of your help, but not even that is forthcoming. But such is the life of the believer people. We’re expected to withstand the knocks of misfortune with a smile, and turn the other cheek too. Hn! It’s not easy, and I’m sure Joseph didn’t find it easy either, but nonetheless, he persevered, with a good spirit and a right heart, and so too should we Friends. Please remember that. Much LOVE!…your sorrows…give all to Jesus…in return…He will give you joy…
Oh Friends, I can’t resist a Wow! (smile) Imagine that nuh! As a slave, Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household, all his belongings, then, as a prisoner, the keeper also put him in charge of the jail’s administrative affairs. And like Potiphar, ‘The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand: because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.’ (vs.23) Yes people, it seems too good to be true, but it is. And it can happen to any of us who stay faithful when unfair and undeserved things come against us. I can attest to that Friends. Oh, I’m nowhere in Joseph’s class, but looking back on my life, I see negative, undeserved stuff happening, that caused me to rack my brain as to the why and how of it all. Like Joseph, many times I never understood what was happening but continued doing the best I could, and then, like the problem, a solution would suddenly appear. It’s only in the last dozen years or so, I finally realized that some of those tough times was the Lord testing me. There were too many clutch situations, to be mere coincidence. I’m sure if many of you look back on your own lives, you’ll find similar situations. Friends, that’s the Hand of the Lord at work in our lives. Remember, He never gives us more than we can bear. Joseph must have known this, for it seems that through all the injustice and unfairness, he just kept right on being faithful, doing good and being trustworthy. That’s the kind of integrity, we, as believers must have people. If we don’t show it, then it destroys our reputation and Jesus’, making others turn away from the faith. Look at Joseph; even when Pharaoh’s butler and baker were put in jail, under his direction, the Word says, ‘and he served them.’ (Gen.40:4) Note again, Joseph’s penchant for service; like Jesus. It’s an attitude we should all emulate, cause it’s an integral part of our faith. He also interpreted the dreams of the butler and baker: in three days, the butler to be restored to his position, and the baker to be hanged. This seems to be the only time, in all his misfortunes, that Joseph asked a serious favour of anyone. He shared his innocence with the butler. ‘But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house.’ (Gen.40:14) Three days later, on Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a party for his servants, and as Joseph predicted, restored the butler to his former position and hanged the baker. ‘Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.’ (Gen.40:23) Oh Friends, how that must have hurt Joseph. I know how it feels, for I’ve had more than my fair share. To me, there’s nothing worse than ingratitude. My family’s possibly tired hearing me talk about it. But it’s very important to show your appreciation. Sometimes all you want is a mere thanks and a simple acknowledgement of your help, but not even that is forthcoming. But such is the life of the believer people. We’re expected to withstand the knocks of misfortune with a smile, and turn the other cheek too. Hn! It’s not easy, and I’m sure Joseph didn’t find it easy either, but nonetheless, he persevered, with a good spirit and a right heart, and so too should we Friends. Please remember that. Much LOVE!…your sorrows…give all to Jesus…in return…He will give you joy…
SCRIP-BITS 