When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so sad today?” (Genesis 40:6, 7 NIV).
Joseph was a man with character. He was genuinely concerned for others. This quality stood him out for greatness.
Joseph saw. It is that simple. Many people pass by even when they see. But he stopped to inquire.
He was a fellow prisoner with them. Equal in status. He would gain nothing by seeking their welfare. Yet he was ready to meet their need.
Here was Joseph, a man who was not ready to live his life in self-pity at the injustice done to him. But instead, he was ready to be useful even when he was in prison. Those who love to succeed in life in a godly manner may note this point.
If Joseph had bypassed this need, he would never have become the governor of the land. But there was nothing in that situation that would have given Joseph a clue that this was somehow going to be a vital link in his promotion to greatness.
So, be alert at all times. Be genuinely concerned for others. You will never know how your help to someone in need today might bring you a promotion to greatness in the future.
For our God disguises such steps. He intends that only those genuinely concerned for others might discover such opportunities for service. Then God takes care of their promotion in due time.
Lastly, think about the question that Joseph asked: “Why are your faces so sad today?” That means they were not sad before. Are you so concerned for others that you can spot this overnight difference?
God has need for such men and women today. Only such can serve His cause in this misery-filled world. God waits to see whether you would you be one of Joseph’s kind?
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