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The Life of Joseph – Day 10

Genesis 40:23

The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.

The Thought

What a sad verse this is! How easy it is for each one of us to make a promise and then forget it when life changes its pattern and we turn the page! The cupbearer was re-instated in his position with Pharaoh, what a relief for him that must have been, but how sad that Joseph remained in prison, knowing that the dream interpretation he had given his two fellow prisoners had come true, but that he had been forgotten by them.

For a full two years he remained in that prison. We have no record of how many other dreams he interpreted, or any of his conversations with other prisoners, but we can imagine and hope that his close relationship with the Lord kept him positive.

Eventually God used other dreams to get Joseph released. Two years later, the cupbearer, who had been re-instated in his old job, had completely forgotten Joseph’s request, so God sent a reminder in the form of more dreams for Pharaoh! The dreams troubled Pharaoh and he talked about them to others! That was a reminder for the cupbearer who admitted his failure and told his master about Joseph.

How easy it is when things are going well for us to forget the things we said or promised when we were depressed or unwell! We turn our backs on the bad experiences and rejoice in our improved circumstances.

Action

Can you look back on life and remember occasions when you have failed to keep a promise? How many people do you know who have not kept their wedding vows?

Pray for them today, for healing of all the hurts caused by that, both for the couple and any children, as well as friends and family.

Praise God today that He is the forgiving Lord. Praise Him for the new start that only He can really give. Ask Him to remind you and forgive you of any promises you have failed to keep.

This 10th post in our series on The Life of Joseph, reflects on Genesis 40:23, where the chief cupbearer forgets Joseph after being reinstated. It explores themes of forgotten promises and how God ultimately used dreams to release Joseph from prison, urging readers to reflect on their own unkept promises and seek forgiveness.