Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jas 5:16). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
While they were in prison, Pharaoh’s cup-bearer and baker each had a dream one night, and each dream had its own meaning. 6 When Joseph saw them the next morning, he noticed that they both looked upset. 7 “Why do you look so worried today?” he asked them. 8 And they replied, “We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean.” “Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.” Genesis 40:5-6
The Baker and the Cup Bearer responded to Joseph’s invitation to tell their dreams. Joseph immediately pointed out that interpretations belong to God. It is God who gives us wisdom. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5
Joseph interpreted the dreams of both the Baker and the Cupbearer as the Lord gave him guidance. Although Joseph had been through great suffering, he faithfully pointed to the Lord as the true interpreter.
True faith like is not destroyed by circumstances but focuses on the cross of Jesus. In Joseph’s life there has been one thing after another, but he kept his eye on the Lord not his circumstances. It was persistent faith that led Jesus to the cross to die for our sins. The circumstances seemed daunting and the path was rugged. What was waiting ahead of Jesus was nothing that He had ever experienced before in all of eternity. This was new ground and it took a persistent faith because Jesus was both man and God. It says in Matthew 26:42, “Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”
Jesus is the very model for keeping our focus on the Father and not our circumstances or what we desire. Paul writes in Hebrews 12:1-3 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Like Joseph we may not understand why I am in the circumstance that I am in, but we must simply focus on the Lord and not lose heart that He knows best as I press forward in life.
Listen to our podcast to hear more about the story of Joseph. https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-joseph/in-prison
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 40:5–8). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mt 26:42). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jas 1:5). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Heb 12). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.