It's Just Not Fair
Did you ever do something for someone expecting a favor in return?
How did that work out for you?
He restored the chief cupbearer to his cupbearing, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand; but the chief baker he hanged, just as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. - Genesis 40:21-23
The story of Joseph is one of my favorites in The Bible. It is not like so many other stories where God shows his favor on the least likely candidate and raises him up only to be disappointed by the choices the new king or prophet makes when he comes to power. Joseph is the one who is repeatedly disappointed in the outcome, and yet he perseveres, staying faithful to God.
In today's reading, Joseph interprets the dreams of two of the king's chiefs and though one promises to help him, he forgets, leaving Joseph to languish in prison.
Now, I am sure something like this has happened to all of us.
Maybe the circumstances are different, but trusting in someone and being disappointed seem to go hand in hand sometimes.
It's just not fair, is it?
True. You can argue, and probably wouldn't get much of an argument from anyone, that life isn't fair. But that isn't a consolation, is it?
Those of us who try hard to keep our word, even when it creates hardships and conflicts in our lives like to think that fairness is a worthwhile doctrine, that there are rewards to commitment and fulfillment.
For Joseph, there are. Long before he is restored to a position of power in Egypt, he is at peace with his situation, even though it is not fair. He puts his trust in God and not in men.
How do we do that in the present? How do we accept the wrongs that are done to us and keep our eyes focused on the prize?
For me, just revisiting his story helps. I like having that boost each morning, that reassurance that I am not alone and there is a way to overcome the unfairness that comes my way.
There is also real evidence in the world, moments and messages that can remind us of God's love and power, but we have to be listening and looking for them.
I'll leave that up to you. Take a moment this day and think of something you saw or heard or thought that seemed like a little miracle. Think about such things.
More to come...
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