Daily Devotional | From Prison to Palace

Have you ever been forgotten? Perhaps somebody forgot your birthday, or you were overlooked for an award or promotion. In today’s text, we find Joseph forgotten in a prison. He was unjustly arrested, charged, and neglected for more than two years. His hope of a quick deliverance by the cupbearer’s report vanished (Gen. 40:23).

For you and me, it would have been hard to contain our frustration and anger. However, Joseph somehow continued to trust God. He realized that what others had meant for evil, God intended for good (Gen. 50:20).

The cupbearer eventually remembered Joseph after Pharaoh’s dream could not be explained (vv. 1–13). They quickly retrieved Joseph from the dark, damp dungeon and cleaned him up. They shaved his scraggly beard, gave him a bath, and clean clothes (v. 14). His eyes were probably still adjusting to the sunlight when he was pushed before Pharaoh and told to interpret the dream (v. 15). Then Joseph said something no ruler or king wants to hear: “I cannot do it” (v. 16).

We can imagine that an audible gasp came from all those in the room, especially the cupbearer. The only reason Pharaoh requested Joseph was to interpret the dream. Another gasp would have been heard after what Joseph said next, “but God...” Things were not looking good for Joseph, but he used his second chance to rely on God.

Even though Joseph did not deserve to be sold into slavery, unjustly arrested, and forgotten, he remained faithful to God. And, in turn, God gave Joseph a second chance. As we conclude the story tomorrow, we’ll see how Joseph’s second chance led to a blessing for not just him but also his entire family.

>> You may have been unjustly accused or harmed. Even though there may be times that it feels like God has abandoned you, He knows and sees your situation. When He gives you a second chance, you must decide how to use it.

Pray with Us

Often the wounds others inflict on us shape our behavior for the worse. We petition You to heal us so wholly from these wounds that we can be instruments of healing in others’ lives.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini is Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. He is the former President of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously served as an Associate Minister of Preaching and Teaching in Spokane, Washington. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children reside in Northwest Indiana.