Genesis 40:21-23
He [Pharaoh] restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand—but he [Pharaoh] impaled the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
Reflection
Joseph interprets two dreams while in prison. After hearing their dreams, he tells Pharaoh’s cupbearer that he will get his job back and Joseph tells the chief baker that he will NOT receive a similar happy ending.
Joseph was expecting, and did not receive, something in return for his efforts. Joseph expected that good actions (proper interpretation of the dreams) would yield good results (his release from prison). But, that didn’t happen … or at least not when and how he wanted.
This is ministry done FOR someone. It communicates our desire for praise or recognition.
Have you ever been helped by someone and then later found them asking you to “pay back the favor?” Or criticizing you for not thanking them or showing appreciation in a certain way? Reflect on your emotions in these situations.
