Read Genesis 40:20-23
Verse
20-23 - Joseph's interpretation of the dreams came to pass on
the very day fixed. On Pharaoh's birth-day, all his servants
attended him, and then the cases of these two came to be looked
into. We may all profitably take notice of our birth-days, with
thankfulness for the mercies of our birth, sorrow for the sinfulness
of our lives, and expectation of the day of our death, as better
than the day of our birth. But it seems strange that worldly people,
who are so fond of living here, should rejoice at the end of one
year after another of their short span of life. A Christian has
cause to rejoice that he was born, also that he comes nearer to the
end of his sin and sorrow, and nearer to his everlasting happiness.
The chief butler remembered not Joseph, but forgot him. Joseph had
deserved well at his hands, yet he forgot him. We must not think it
strange, if in this world we have hatred shown us for our love, and
slights for our kindness. See how apt those who are themselves at
ease are to forget others in distress. Joseph learned by his
disappointment to trust in God only. We cannot expect too little
from man, nor too much from God. Let us not forget the sufferings,
promises, and love of our Redeemer. We blame the chief butler's
ingratitude to Joseph, yet we ourselves act much more ungratefully
to the Lord Jesus. Joseph had but foretold the chief butler's
enlargement, but Christ wrought out ours; he mediated with the King
of Kings for us; yet we forget him, though often reminded of him,
and though we have promised never to forget him. Thus ill do we
requite Him, like foolish people and unwise.
Return to Outline
Henry's Genesis 41
