Origins: The Dreamers (Genesis 33–41)Sýnishorn

Don't Forget . . .

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.” Genesis 40:20 (NKJV)

The pivotal turning point in Joseph’s time in prison had arrived . . . or so it would seem. As a reminder, Joseph had served Pharaoh’s butler and baker for a season of time in prison before interpreting their dreams for them. One interpretation promised freedom and restoration, the other promised death. Three days later, Pharaoh sends for them from prison and pronounces his verdict, “Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them” (Genesis 40:21-22 NKJV).

Amazingly, Pharaoh did exactly what Joseph had predicted he would do! This was a total game changer. Not only did Joseph demonstrate that he possessed a supernatural ability from God to interpret future events, but this must surely spell a better fate for him than simply rotting away in prison. 

Joseph had every reason to believe so because when he gave the butler the good news about his future he asked him to let Pharaoh know about him once he was released. It was just a matter of time before Joseph would hear the jangling of keys and footsteps of those sent to set him free . . . right? Whether due to an overwhelming elation for his own freedom or some other emotional factor, here’s what happened to Joseph’s hopes of being released from captivity, “The chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him (Genesis 40:23 NKJV).

How crushing it must have been with each successive day for Joseph to sense that his advocate for freedom had gone silent! He had been what each of us had been at some painful point in our lives . . . forgotten!

But here’s what we need to see and embrace at this stage of the story: While man had forgotten Joseph, God had not! The Lord was just as aware of Joseph and his need to be freed, He was just waiting for the perfect time to do so, and He would!

If you feel like you’ve been forgotten by someone, don’t forget this: God has not forgotten about you, and He never will! He sees you right where you are, He has His eye on you, He has a wonderful plan in store for you, and He’s waiting for the perfect moment in time to execute it. That is all His part, your part is to trust Him for it. 

DIG: How did man fail Joseph?

DISCOVER: How can you personally relate to Joseph here?

DO: Consider what God doesn’t want you to forget when you feel forgotten. How can you better remember this?