Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Genesis 40:23
REFERENCE
Genesis 40:5-23
Isn’t it typical of humans to easily forget the kindness and goodness others have shown them? Joseph went out of his way to help interpret the dreams of two fellow inmates in his prison cell; yet, when it was time for his goodwill to be repaid, he was completely forgotten and remained in his shackles for two more years.
This scenario plays out in everyday life, people who promise to stand by you, all of a sudden abandon you to yourself. Friends who collected money from you when they were in dire straits become ‘enemies’ when it is time for them to return the money. Business partners sometimes renege on their part of the contract you had with them. The uncle who said they would assist in paying your tuition bows out at the last minute etc. You also must somehow have been guilty of disappointing others in the past. All of these show the frailties of human beings.
We often fail one another because of our imperfections; that is why Psalm 60:11 clearly says, “Vain is the help of man.” It follows then that, only God’s help is the sure and ever-present help; upon that, we can depend. Even when the butler forgot all about Joseph, God remembered him. He was with him all through his time in jail, and gave him wisdom to interpret Pharaoh’s dream which eventually turned his life around for good (Genesis 41:14-44).
Man may forget when it is time to reward your kindness but God remembers… “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name…” (Hebrews 6:10). Be assured, God’s sense of justice will not let Him forget your goodwill and good deeds towards others, neither will He forget your hearty labor for His kingdom. In due time, He will give you the kind of reward only He can give. Possibly, if the butler had kept his promise to Joseph and told Pharaoh about his unjust imprisonment, all Pharaoh could have done would have been to release him from prison. But because his reward came from God, it was over and above! So, keep planting seeds of goodness regardless of people’s actions; your reward comes from God and GOD REMEMBERS!
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Nehemiah 13:14, Isaiah 49:14-16, & Colossians 3:23-24
CONFESSION
Lord, I thank You because You are not unjust to forget my labor of love shown toward Your name. I receive grace to keep planting good seeds knowing that at the appropriate time you will generously reward me in Jesus’ name.
