Read
Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Genesis 40:23
Reflect
Michelle was desperate.
With just one month to go before graduation, she was failing two courses and was thus facing the embarrassment of having to miss the ceremony and enroll in summer school. While lamenting her situation at lunch one day, Kristen, an intelligent but unpopular classmate, spoke up.
“I can help you with that,” Kristen told her. “If we work together every day, I can make sure you’re ready for your finals so you can pass and graduate.”
“I can’t afford tutoring,” Michelle said.
“You’ve caught me when I’m feeling pretty generous,” Kristen said. “I’ll do it for free. I just want one thing. You’re pretty popular – when all of this is done, just tell your friends that I helped you out and encourage them to hang out with me.”
“Done,” Michelle answered. “Just help me pass, and I’ll tell the whole world.”
Sure enough, Kristen’s help paid off. By the time final exams rolled around, Michelle had improved so much that she made an “A” on each one and passed with flying colors. She easily graduated and had a huge party to celebrate. All of her friends were invited – except for one. She left out the very person who had helped her get there. And she forgot all about the promise to introduce Kristen to all of her friends.
If that story was true, what would your opinion of Michelle be? Would you really be able to count on a “friend” like her?
Such was Joseph’s situation in prison. He had interpreted the dreams of two men – one who was to be executed, and the other who was to be restored to his position. And the restored cupbearer promised to tell people about what Joseph had done for him – but when he had the opportunity, failed to do so. But instead of languishing in unpopularity, as Kristen did in the first story, Joseph continued to languish in an Egyptian prison on trumped-up charges. Thanks for the help, cupbearer.
Today, think about the people who have helped you in your life (including the Lord), and what you’ve done to show them gratitude for what you’ve done. Thank the Lord for their (and His) efforts, and ask Him what you can do to show appreciation.
Also, when you do things for others, realize that your efforts may not be recognized. In those cases, simply offer your labor to the Lord, and thank Him for the opportunity to serve others in His name.
Reflection copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
