Forgotten

Introduction

A. When a troubled mind and heart exists, we find it difficult to engage life. We often find sleep elusive and concentration wanes throughout the day. We may find ourselves staring into space as our mind swirls with that which disturbs us trying to make sense of what is happening. When we add time to our troubled heart, then life becomes even more complicated. When there is no end in sight to the trouble then thoughts of hopelessness and helplessness and despair enter. A person of faith struggles in this arena as well. By faith we believe God is at work. By faith we believe that God has not forgotten us. By faith we believe that difficulties have a purpose. However, with the passage of time, we begin to wonder if God is still working; still remembering; showing us a purpose.

B. Consider Joseph. At age 17 his brothers sell him as a slave. For the next 13 years of his life he is either working as a slave or in prison. At age 30 he is made 2nd in command in Egypt. What do you think occupied Joseph’s mind during those 13 years? Why am I here? Why am I a slave? Why doesn’t God release me from these chains? I didn’t think it could get any worse than being a slave, but now I’m in prison. Life is descending for Joseph. The prize of his father; the royal son became a slave then a prisoner. From the heights of the best that a family could offer to be despised, hated, relegated to menial service and then to being forgotten in prison.

C. Joseph’s story demands that we think about some hard questions. What are we supposed to do when life is unfair? What role does my faith play when life is filled with trouble and despair? What can I reasonably expect from God during challenging times? These questions demand answers and from Joseph’s life we can learn some answers. Open your troubled hearts. Let’s sing some songs which remind us that even with troubled hearts God is still at work.

Two Dreams

A. Joseph spends over 2 years in prison. Chapter 40 is about a brief episode during that time. Two of Pharaoh’s trusted servants offend him. We are not told the particulars but both men find themselves being held in custody and Joseph has been assigned to take care of them. Both men are in custody for a while but then both have dreams. Joseph has spent enough time with both men to see that things have changed after the dreams and he asks about their moods.

B. Verse 8, God can interpret your dreams. This is Joseph’s God. Joseph’s God is Creator and Judge of the universe. He is the one who can interpret dreams. So both tell their dreams. The cupbearer is given a favorable interpretation. Within three days he will be restored to his previous work with Pharaoh. The baker, however, is given an unfavorable interpretation. Within three days he will not be restored to his former role. In fact, he will be executed.

C. Joseph asks the cupbearer to remember him when he returns to Pharaoh. In other words, put in a good word for me with the one who can make things happen. Joseph does not want to spend one more day in prison. He wants to be released. And in 40:23, we are told that the cupbearer did not remember Joseph. He forgot him. Sad words.

Application

A. Joseph’s story parallels our own troubles. Stuck. In a place where he doesn’t want to be and one that he didn’t choose. Without options. Or is he? Look at the beginning of chapter 39 and our text.

i. 39:2 — The Lord was with Joseph (in Potiphar's house); 39:20-21 — but while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him.

ii. 39:4 — Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant; 39:21 — The Lord granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

iii. 39:4 — Potiphar put him in charge of his household and he entrusted to his care everything he owned; 39:22 — The warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in prison and he was made responsible for all that was done there.

iv. 39:6 — With Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything; 39:23 — The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care.

v. 39:3 — Potiphar trusted Joseph because he saw that the Lord gave him success in everything he did; 39:23 — The prison warden trusted Joseph because he, too, saw that the Lord gave him success in whatever he did.

B. Here’s the point. Whether as a slave or a prisoner, God was with Joseph. What can we reasonably expect from God during challenging times? He will be there. God didn’t abandon Joseph. There is no indication that God spoke to Joseph or in some way revealed himself. But the Bible reassures us that God was there. And Joseph believed God was present. How do I know?

C. Joseph’s response to the request for help with the dreams. God didn’t abandon Joseph and perhaps most importantly, Joseph didn’t abandon God. During difficult and troubling times, we may anticipate that God will reveal himself in powerful ways. That God will in some way reveal himself through deliverance or through some event that cries out that his presence is near. But God is under no obligation to do that. Joseph could not change his situation. But the option that was available to him was to speak of his faith. Even in troubling times his attention was on God. When others sought answers, God was still the answer. Joseph called others to faith even in troubling times. This is what we are to do when life is unfair. We do not merely hang on to our faith, we point others to what we know is true.

D. So what does this faith look like? Look at Joseph. As a slave or as a prisoner he did what faith people do — he did his work well; no grumbling; no complaining. No shifting of the blame. He did whatever his position required with dignity and hard work. No indication of bitterness; no indication of resentment. Joseph’s one option was his attitude and he continued to trust God even though life was troubling and uncertain.

E. Do you have a troubled life? Is life unfair? Without options? What does your attitude look like?

i. Do you complain at work or do you work hard with dignity and faith?

ii. Do you grumble about the demands or speak about God's strength being provided for you?

iii. Do you find yourself bitter and resentful or filled with praise for the God who is still present?

F. Look at the life of Jesus. After 40 days of temptation, he did not complain about God’s absence, although God wasn’t absent, but instead pointed to God’s word when tempted. In the Garden he prayed to the God who was faithfully carrying out his plan even though he was troubled to the point of death. No bitterness. No resentment. Faith carried out for you and me. Invitation.

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