Today's Scripture Reading (September 8, 2021): Genesis 41
None of us are perfect, although we sometimes pretend
to be. The truth is that we all make mistakes. But our character is never based on the perfection of
performance, but rather what we do when we discover that we were wrong. Those
who believe they have to be perfect usually react to their mistakes by covering
them up and hoping that no one notices. The people that we should want to gather around us are
those who make mistakes, are willing and able to confront them, admit their errors, and then move on to the next project. If you meet those who are perfect, then
it is likely that they are also standing still; they aren't doing anything. Because if we are willing to try
and move forward, we will make mistakes.
The cupbearer and the baker had been arrested and
thrown into jail. Both had a dream, and both had gone to
Joseph with their dreams. Joseph had interpreted the dreams. According to
Joseph's interpretation, the cupbearer would be restored, but the baker
would be executed, which is precisely what happened. Joseph pleaded with the cupbearer
that, when he was restored, he would remember him and carry his story to those
who might be able to get him released. "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he
forgot him" (Genesis 40:23).
It is not hard to imagine why the cupbearer forgot.
He was thankful to be released; there was likely excitement in his household at his
release, maybe a party, but the focus would have been to get back to work, trying to forget his prison
experiences. As well, there might have
been fear at the thought of identifying with another prisoner. Having been
restored, the last thing the cupbearer would have wanted was to be caught up in the
intrigue of someone else. It would be better just to let it go.
But as Egypt's wise men and magicians struggle with the Pharaoh's dreams, the cupbearer is reminded of the one in prison who
had interpreted his dreams. The cupbearer was also reminded of a promise that he had made to that interpreter of dreams. And the situation was dire
enough that the cupbearer knew that now was the time to admit his fault and
tell the Pharaoh about Joseph.
The cupbearer had forgotten about Joseph, but
circumstances made sure that Joseph would not stay forgotten. The time had come
for Joseph to step back onto the world stage, but that would not happen
unless the cupbearer were willing to admit his mistake and take steps to
correct them.
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Genesis 42
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