Review of Genesis 40

— by Victor Fawole

Joseph had hit rock bottom. He had seen firsthand betrayal and bullying. This chapter is dedicated to his prison experiences. God prospered him everywhere he went, even in the prison. In this review, we shall consider four leadership qualities of Joseph.

1. JOSEPH THE SERVANT LEADER

Gen. 40:1-4 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

The two men in charge of Pharaoh’s feeding offended him to a level that demanded a wrathful reaction. Was it that they delayed his meal? Or could they have plotted to poison him? We are not sure of their specific crimes but we are sure that God was the Master Planner monitoring the movement of the chess pieces on the board.

Joseph enjoyed the presence and prosperity of God even in prison, and Potiphar (the captain of the guard – Gen. 39:1) recognized this too. This made him put Joseph in charge of the prisoners. It was an opportunity for him to learn hands-on servant leadership. Notice the:

• Delegation of Charge: “And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them…”
• Description of Care: “and he served them…”
• Duration of Confinement: “and they continued a season in ward…”

This is servant leadership on point. And we see this also in Jesus:

• Like Joseph, Jesus became a servant. (Phil 2:7, Matt. 20:28, Luke 22:27; John 13:12)
• Like Joseph, Jesus showed that humility is the pathway to greatness (Matt. 20:26-27, Mark 9:35, Luke 22:25-26)
• Like Joseph, Jesus prioritised the benefits of others (Mark 10:45, Matt. 9:35-36). We are called to do the same. (2 Tim. 2:3, 2Cor. 12:10).

2. JOSEPH THE SENSITIVE LEADER

Gen. 40:6-7 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?

The heart of Joseph was one full of compassion. Most people in Joseph’s situation will most likely be consumed with anger and bitterness because of the treatment they have faced in life. They would show no concern for other people’s personal problems. They would be engrossed in their own feelings and hurt. However, Joseph cared that the butler and the baker looked sad.

This is a lesson for us as believers. Our workplace competence as supervisors, head of departments or managers of businesses should be adorned with our regard for the wellbeing of our subordinates or employees. Joseph’s sensitivity set him apart as a leader. In spite of his own unjust imprisonment and suffering, he showed love and compassion for his fellow prisoners.

Like Joseph, Jesus the Righteous, Who was unjustly condemned to death, shows full compassion to guilty sinners, to those who nailed Him to the cross, to Paul who persecuted Him, and to as many sinners that will receive His love.

3. JOSEPH THE SPIRITUAL LEADER

Gen. 40:8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

Seeing that these men were clearly disturbed by their dreams, Joseph developed the desire to succour their troubled souls. Being a man of dreams himself, he was confident that God knew what the dreams were about. He approached them with a “Yet Not I” posture. He would not take credit for whatever God revealed to him – but give all the glory to God.

There are spiritual insights for us in the dreams of the butler and the baker, and in the interpretations that Joseph gave them. Let us explore.

A. The Chief Butler’s Dream

• There was a vine and three branches. Christ is the Vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5a)
• The branches were “budded”, “blossomed,” and produced “ripe grapes”. We are the branches in Christ that produce fruit of the Spirit. (John 15:5, Gal. 5:22-23)
• The chief butler “took the grapes”, “pressed them” and “gave the cup”. Jesus gave the cup of life that is available to all sinners (Matt. 26:28).

B. The Chief Baker’s Dream

• There were three baskets filled with baked bread. These symbolise man’s efforts and accomplishments.
• The baskets were not connected to the vine; they rested on the head of the baker. This symbolises the people who rely on their own efforts for salvation.
• Any branch that is not rooted in Jesus will be discarded. (John 15:6, Matt. 7:19)
• In the Bible, scavenger birds signify judgement upon the wicked (Jer. 34:20; Eze. 39:17-20; Rev. 19:17-18). The devil is the bird that snatches the Word from unbelievers. (Luke 8:12)

Everyone who forsakes that path of faith but rests on their own efforts will be condemned by the King of kings.

Like Joseph who was with the two prisoners, Jesus was crucified with two criminals. They represent the two types of people in the world – those who believe and who did not. For the ones who believe, Christ promised the hope of eternal life; those who do not are hopeless and condemned (John 3:18).

What a spiritual insight from Joseph – the spiritual leader!

4. JOSEPH THE SUPPLICATING LEADER

Gen. 40:14-15 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

After interpreting the chief butler’s dream, Joseph saw an opportunity to appeal for his deliverance. He asked the butler to work for his release. Though wasn’t angry and bitter in his heart, he wasn’t stupid either. He wanted to get out, and would use appropriate means to do so. We are not to be satisfied with sorrow. We are not to sit down comfortably with persecution and do nothing. Pray about it! Tender your supplications to God! (Acts 12:5, Phil. 1:19, Rom. 15:30-31)

Joseph gave the basis for his deliverance: He was a victim of injustice. He mentioned how he was a victim on two specific occasions: kidnapped without cause and imprisoned without cause.

One would wonder why the chief butler did not remember Joseph. God was working things out to ensure that no man gets the credit for Joseph’s freedom. Joseph might have made the mistake of appealing to a powerful official instead of God; but God did not hold it against him. Our supplications are to be directed primarily to God. He can then inspire us to reach out to men for help, and ensure that He grants them the willingness and ability to help us.

While the chief butler did not remember Joseph, we serve a God who will never forget His covenant. He was faithful to His covenant with Noah (Gen. 9:15), the children of Israel (Ex. 2:24), and even to us (Heb. 10:23, 1Cor. 1:9, Heb. 13:5, Isa. 54:10). God is always faithful to remember His promises. When we pray for ourselves or intercede for others, it is not out of place to rely on the truth that God remembers! (Exo. 32:13, Psa. 105:8).

Thank you for reading.

Grace to you, Church!