The last verse I preached recently was part of our 2.5-month series on Joseph. Genesis 40:23 says, “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph. He forgot him.” Have you ever felt forgotten?
At dinner one night, our youngest reminded us of the time we had forgotten him at church (well, I had forgotten him). Common mistake, right? I thought my wife had him. She thought I had him. In reality, he never knew we left for a few minutes until we told him the story. He was safe, still studying the Bible in his small group. I think he’s still a little upset! Forgive us, buddy!
This wasn’t the kind of forgetfulness Joseph experienced.
Joseph was thrown into a pit to die by his brothers who hated him; they attempted to murder him, sold him into slavery where he was sold again, falsely indicted, and then thrown into prison while still a slave. Joseph had been betrayed, neglected, wrongly accused, and abandoned.
Overlooked is an understatement. When he interpreted the dream of the cupbearer imprisoned with him and asked him to plead his case to Pharaoh, “He forgot him.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
This would have caused many to turn away from God and cry, “Where were you, God! Why did you let this happen? Don’t you love me?” Some may have already parted ways, believing God had also abandoned them long ago in the first pit.
After preaching both services, several people came up to me, texted, or called and said, “Your last point resonated and helped heal wounds in my life.” I said, “Even when the world forgets us, God never does.” Oh, how my own soul needed that truthful reminder.
Scripture says God will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5, quoting Deuteronomy 31:6). Did you know people can forsake us but not leave us? It happens in marriages all the time. A couple may live in the same house but have long since parted ways in their heart and minds. Did you know people can leave us and not forsake us? I moved away from my parents to attend college for four years, but I continued to love them dearly. People can also leave and forsake us. This is what happened to Joseph. This has also happened to many of you.
There is a phrase used several times in Scripture to describe God’s covenant with those he loves. Genesis 8:1 says, “God remembered Noah.” God also “remembered Abraham” and his family (Genesis 19:29).
He did the same for Rachel (Genesis 30), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19), and the Israelites (Exodus 2). This didn’t mean God overlooked and suddenly recollected. No! It is a way to express God’s attention to his promises. He answers. He sees. He delivers. He fulfills His Word. He divinely acts! If He did it for Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Rachel, and so many others, trust Him – He will do it for you as well.
I didn’t say life would be perfect. Joseph remained in Egypt, 250 miles away from home. He faced so many hardships. In this world, we will face trouble, but take heart, Jesus has overcome it (John 16:33). “God was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2). He is with you as well. He has not forgotten you!
Stephen Harrison, a native of Pine Bluff, is lead pastor at The Summit Church Saline County.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles for consideration to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Please include your name, phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry.