²⁰ Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, ²¹ the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warder. ²² So the warder put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. ²³ The warder paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
40 ¹ Some time later, the cup bearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. ² Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cup bearer and the chief baker, ³ and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. ⁴ The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. Genesis 39:20-40:4

So Joseph refused to sleep with Potiphar’s wife. Out of spite, she makes up a story about him coming onto her and her husband throws Joseph in prison. Just when we thought things couldn’t get worse for Joseph. I was watching the video online last week of a guy, engaged to be married, who was falsely accused of murder and ended up in jail for 27 years. Again, you may relate – things go from bad to worse and it’s not your fault.

Two things to learn from Joseph. Firstly, again he continues to live a life that shines and he is recognised and given responsibility. As we will see later, even in prison, God is training Joseph and getting him ready for the fulfilment of the dream. Secondly, he meets the baker and the cup-bearer. This is destiny! Divine appointment. His interactions with them prove crucial for the next phase of his journey towards the promises of God.

Our lesson today is this. Never look down on “random” encounters and conversations. Don’t make light of those you have to meet while you are in the dungeon. Those you meet in the queue at the passport office or police station. The lawyer you have to deal with. The shop owner where you have been referred to buy what you need. A business acquaintance. The landlord. Any of them will be used as keys to unlock “the dream”. That’s how God operates. All you can do is walk with diligence and in faith. He is working all things out for good. Romans 8:28.

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