IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOSEPH

Conclusion of "JEHOVAH CONTINUED WITH JOSEPH"

The two men explained that they were agitated by their vivid and puzzling dreams-and by the fact that they had no interpreter with them.  The Egyptians placed a lot of weight on dreams and depended heavily  on the men who claimed to be able to interpret them. The two men did not know that their dreams had come from Joseph's God, Jehovah. but Joseph knew. He assured them:  "Do not interpretations belong to God?  Relate it [the dream] to me, please."  (Genesis 40:8)  Joseph's words resound today for all sincere students of the Bible. If only every religious person showed the same humility!  We need to be willing to set aside prideful  human thinking and to rely on god as we seek correct interpretations of his word. -1 Thessalonians 2;13; James 4:6. 

The cupbearer went first. He told Joseph of a dream about a vine with three twigs that bore clusters of grapes. The grapes ripened, and the cupbearer squeezed the juice into Pharaoh's cup.  Thanks to  Jehovah, Joseph instantly knew  that the three twigs meant three days; within that time, Pharaoh would restore the cupbearer to his former position.  As relief flooded over the cupbearer's features, Joseph added this request:  "Please show me loyal love and mention me to Pharaoh."  Joseph explained that he had been kidnapped from his home and imprisoned without just cause.  - Genesis 40:9-15.  

Encouraged by the good news the cupbearer had received, the baker asked Joseph the meaning of his own dream in which he had seen three baskets of bread as well as birds eating from one of the baskets on his head. The answer to this riddle was also given to Joseph. But it did not mean good news for the baker. Joseph said:  "This is its interpretation: The three baskets  are three days. Three days from now, Pharaoh will behead you and will hang you on a stake, and the birds will eat your flesh from you."  (Genesis 40:16-19)  Like all of God's faithful servants, Joseph boldly revealed God's messages, both the good news and the news of impending judgment. - Isaiah 61:2. 

Three days later, Joseph's words came true.  Pharaoh held a birthday party-a practice not found among God's people in Bible times-and pronounced judgment  on his two servants.  the baker was executed, just as Joseph had foretold, whereas the cupbearer was restored to his former position. Sadly, though, that neglectful man forgot all about Joseph. -Genesis 40:20-23. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOSEPH - "I NEED NOT BE CONSIDERED!" 

From the Watchtower magazine