“We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” (Genesis 40:8)
I am reminded of the scenario where two people with similar ailments sit at a waiting room and share the similarity of their symptoms. The first person is called to see the doctor and soon emerges with a beaming smile on his face and gives the wink to the second person with the thumbs up. The second person goes in only to return soon after with a face long, drawn and hollow.
Sometimes we follow the thinking that what is good for one person, must be good for everyone. We can certainly appreciate how interested the baker must have been to hear the cupbearer having his dream interpreted and not only that, but the interpretation be very favourable. Likewise we can almost certainly understand whether overtly or subtly how unnerving it would have felt for the baker to know that his number was up.
Two servants with two very outcomes following the interpretation of dreams. In and among it all is the servant who serve both of the Pharaoh’s imprisoned servants. Joseph’s role in diligently and faithfully being a conduit through which God interprets dreams is a remarkable feat. He gives credit to His Lord whom he serves that enables him to serve these to men. Bearing in mind these men would have had little to no knowledge or regard for the God Joseph serves, it is all the more instructive about how the servant mentality is not just for the rich and influential, but it’s applicable to all.
Sure, that serving may at times means being the bearer of bad news, but better to be faithful and diligent in carrying that out, rather than succumbing to a desire to leave well enough alone.
The end of this episode sees the interpretations fulfilled and Joseph forgotten, but being faithful in serving has its rewards – even if those are not always seen at that time.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 