Genesis 40-42

It took me about 14 minutes to read this story about Joseph.  I think the cupbearer was older than 40.  Sure it was traumatic to be thrown in prison, especially in ancient Egypt, but his difficulties were compounded by the confusion of the dream.  There are still cultures today that consider every dream to have a meaning about our life.  Imagine the importance a culture like ancient Egypt placed on dreams.  Joseph was still a young man, in his late teens early twenties.  After the cupbearer’s dream this young imprisoned slave had the audacity to say that he could explain the dream.  Three days later the cupbearer’s dream was fulfilled exactly as Joseph had said.  So why didn’t the cupbearer remember Joseph’s request?  Because he was over 40 and three days had passed.  That of course is the natural reason.  There was a supernatural reason as well.  Joseph needed more time to grow in humble service.  Two years later God was done training Joseph.  Now Joseph was the man that God needed for the job of saving the world, and specifically, keeping God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.  It just goes to show that God can use people over 40, with rapidly disappearing memories, to work out his will on earth.

Stuart