Genesis 40: 14-15–Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the pit.”
Genesis 40: 23–But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23 Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
When someone does something for you, you should look for an opportunity to return the favor. The king of Egypt’s cupbearer was so enamored with his restoration that he forgot about Joesph—an act of pure self-centeredness. It would seem that life would (again) be unjust to Joesph, but he would continue to serve in faithfulness to his superiors and fellow inmates. The emotional pain of being forgotten would leave a mark on him.
One of the most convicting paragraphs in the New Testament comes from Paul as he faced death in a Roman dungeon:
2 Timothy 4: 16-17–At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
Imagine all the people Paul had helped and introduced the living Savior to. Where were they? Should they not have stayed with Paul? Or at least followed Christ’s footsteps? We should remember that Christ would never leave or forsake us. Sadly, like the cupbearer, many seem to fail us. As Christians, we should look for ways to minister to those who have ministered to us.
Blessings–Pastor Christopher
- In what way has someone ministered to you?
- How can you be an encouragement to someone today?
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