August 29: The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
So the chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph and said to him, “In my dream there was a vine before me…”
Then Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days. In three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office, and you shall place Pharaoh’s cup in his hand as formerly, when you were his cupbearer. Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the pit.”
Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. –Genesis 40:9, 12-15, 23
Joseph has acted righteously but still has been condemned by his enemies. He’s confined with two other criminals who are very different from each other. One of them has been chosen for condemnation and judgment (the baker) while the other is going to be restored to paradise (the cupbearer). Joseph ministers to them even in his own great distress.
Wait a minute: this sounds familiar. Jesus had acted righteously but still had been condemned by his enemies. He’ss confined (on the cross) with two other criminals who are very different from each other. One of them has been chosen for condemnation and judgment while the other is going to be with Jesus in paradise (Luke 23:39-43). Jesus ministers to them even in his own great distress.
But that’s where the two stories divert. In Genesis it is Joseph who asks the cupbearer to remember him when he is restored to the kingdom, but it is the criminal on the cross who asks, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” The cupbearer forgets about Joseph for 2 years. Jesus never forgets. We can know that he will not forget us when we are before the Judge of all the Earth. We will be restored from sin to righteousness in his Kingdom forever because he remembers the promises ensured by the cross.
And that’s the gospel! Come hear it preached and enacted in the supper with Jesus this Sunday.
The related hymns we’ll sing are:
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus!
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday school for children (in Genesis) and adults (in Galatians) is continues. Coffee and other treats are served at 9:15, teaching begins at 9:30, and we break to get ready for worship at 10:15.
Visitors are always welcome!