Joseph is still in prison as we begin the fortieth chapter of Genesis. He’s been faithful, and God has continued to be with him, show him steadfast love, and give him favor in the eyes of the keeper of the prison. Still, he was in prison.
Two new guys show up.
Some time after this, the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker committed an offense against their lord the king of Egypt.
Genesis 40:1 ESV
I’m sure this was nothing new in and of itself, when a king has his own prison, I can imagine that new people were being thrown in there all the time. It doesn’t take much to anger a ruler, after all, and yet, these two servants to Pharaoh are given note in Moses’s account of Joseph’s life. That’s where we find our gem.
And one night they both dreamed—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison—each his own dream, and each dream with its own interpretation.
Genesis 1:5
Something happens that causes Joseph to use a special gift the Lord provided.
Just because we feel trapped in a situation, doesn’t mean the Lord can’t intervene in a miraculous way. Joseph’s faithfulness, despite his circumstances, would lead to an open door in God’s time. The dreams reveal that time was now.
Both men dream. Each has a different dream. Each dream required its own interpretation.
Joseph, the dreamer of dreams, has become a sensitive and discerning man. He realizes the two men are troubled, and after they share what happened, he responds with a phrase to indicate just how mature he’s become in the past several years.
And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.”
Genesis 40:8b
Joseph gives credit to God.
Now mature in his faith, Joseph is quick to point the men to God. This is not the same dreamy teenager Joseph, dressed in the coat of many colors. This is a man who has walked the hard road of suffering, but not without the overwhelming presence and blessing of God on his life. Because he knows who is in control, even of dreams, he’s ready to help and see how God might use even this to help him with his own plight.
He shares the positive interpretation with the wine taster, but adds: “Remember me.” He knows that because this interpretation is from God, it will come to pass. He must also realize that he’s been granted the ability to interpret the dream for a reason. Perhaps the Lord is using it to open the door for his release.
Little did he think how long it would take for that door to finally open.
As you remain faithful to God, no matter your circumstances, keep your eyes open for opportunities he might be using to help you point others to him. Who knows, it may lead to another open door for you to serve and give him even more glory. It certainly did for Joseph.
Grace and peace