I’m sorry, I forgot!

Possibly one of the most pathetic lines in the story of Joseph struck me this week. Joseph has just pulled off a most incredible feat. He interprets the dreams of Pharoah’s cupbearer and chief baker, while they are all in prison. The first guy, he tells will be restored to his position in three days and the second he says will die. Quite out there things to say in the first place but the fact that they came true is even more remarkable – or so one thinks. 

Then comes the winning line. Things happen just as Joseph says they will. The cupbearer (lucky lad) is restored to Pharoah’s house and one is waiting for him to get ol’ Jospeh out the slammer. No go!  ”The chief cup bearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him” 

I couldn’t believe it when I read that. The guy had the power to do something. He just had to say a word or mention it to Pharoah as he poured him a beautiful glass of vino. “Mmmh Pharoah you would never believe what happened to me..” It would even have made a great dinner story. But no – he forgot! He just forgot.

I am struck by how often “I forgot” is my excuse. “I just forgot – it happens, you know!” But maybe I’m missing out on the biggest opportunity of my life in conveniently forgetting. Maybe someone else is…just a thought. An uneasy thought at that! 

Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.