- Scripture: Genesis 40:1–23
- The Anchor: “And Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.'” – Genesis 40:8 (ESV)
The cupbearer and baker were put in prison with Joseph and Joseph attended to them because he was appointed by the captain of the guard. One night, they each had their own dream and Joseph came and asked them what was troubling them. Joseph told them that he would interpret the dreams for them because interpretations belong to God. He interpreted that the cupbearer will be reinstalled to his position in three days while the baker will die in three days. Joseph begged for the cupbearer to remember him. On the third day, Joseph’s words were found to be true, but the cupbearer did not remember Joseph.
If the “captain of the guard” is only one person, there’s a chance that the “captain of the guard” is actually Potiphar, since that was his title back in Genesis 37. That means Potiphar still trusted him and held him to a high position. Joseph contributed much to the prison probably. He showed very Christlike traits (even though Christ didn’t come down yet by this point) like caring for his fellow prisoners.
Truly, we see that interpretations belong to God. The dreams came true just as God meant them to be. One thing I want to highlight is that Joseph did not hesitate to tell the baker his fate. Of course he would want to hear that he will be reinstated in three days instead of that he will die in three days. Yet Joseph did not withhold the information or lie to the baker.
Finally, God’s plan didn’t include the part where the cupbearer remembered Joseph. If we recall the story, the cupbearer doesn’t remember until like many years down the line when Pharaoh has his own dreams. God’s timing is amazing and there was a reason why Joseph was freed at that time.
I learned that as a Christian, I need to be fully consistent both internally and externally and I need to be honest to others. I can’t be people pleasing to get on their good sides. Also, I need to trust God’s timing. However long it will take, trust is the most important part. Joseph has been away from home for probably like 15-20 years by the time he gets out of prison. It’s crazy how long this took, but we need to be patient as well.
Reflection
- Joseph stayed honest and didn’t hold back the truth even when it was difficult to tell the baker he would die. In your friendships or school environment, are you tempted to be a people-pleaser by withholding hard truths, or do you prioritize the integrity that comes from belonging to God?
- Joseph had to wait years after the cupbearer forgot him before God’s timing finally opened the door. With your AP tests officially done and your schedule opening up, how are you preparing your heart to trust God’s timing—even when it feels like your own plans are being put on “pause”?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that interpretations and outcomes belong to You alone. Forgive me for the times I try to please people instead of being honest, and help me to maintain consistency in my internal heart and external actions. When Your timing feels slow or confusing, grant me the patience to keep trusting You, knowing that You are working in the background of my life just as You were in Joseph’s. Amen.