Genesis 40:1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt.
What jumps out at me about today’s verses is way down in verse 6: Joseph “saw that they were dejected.” Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and is in prison because his boss’s wife lied about his actions. Yet here he is paying attention to others, realizing that they are dejected. That says a lot about his character.
Genesis 40:2-3 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined.
Not only that, but verse 7 shows that he understands the importance of listening, of compassion. I truly think that–listening, allowing people to speak and to feel heard–is a lost art. And yet here is Joseph, who has every right to be angry and sullen because of his circumstances, reaching out to others, caring, listening.
Genesis 40:4-5 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time, each of the two men—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison—had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the example of compassion You show in Joseph today. Help me, especially when I feel I’m entitled to be angry and sullen, to instead react to others with compassion, to listen, to allow them to be heard. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 40:6 When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected.
Have a blessed day.