Bibledoorajar: False Witness to False Imprisonment

Many of us grew up being taught or told the story of Joseph and his ill fortunes. In those children's stories, we knew Joseph was being mistreated but most of us did not grasp just how far the mistreatment went nor how great was his response in the midst of it. But Stephen made it clear during the time of trouble and persecution of the early church. Full of power, he reported on the source of the power of Joseph that allowed him to successfully endure even unto false imprisonment.

    "And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt; but God was with him, and released him out of all of his tribulations." (Acts 7). Stephen was experiencing significant trouble, but the one thing he remembered was God's promise to be with and deliver obedient ones (Deuteronomy 4:30). And, so, he likened his troubles to that of Joseph. We all seem to chafe at times in the midst of trouble telling our friends how troubling the events were. It is remarkable when one quietly, and in faith, endures without complaint. Nevertheless, troubles have a remarkable effect and have to be endured.
Joseph impressed folks like the official who ran the prison with his endurance and trust in God. Some were also impressed with the God who helped him. Two people were in prison with Joseph and both were watching him. It seems a butler and a baker had offended Pharoah and wound up in the same place as Joseph. We will see that Joseph was able to help one but not the other.

Jesus impressed many during His time of tribulations. One was a Roman official. At the cross, Jesus' greatest tribulation, He, too, was able to help one believing offender but not the other. How important is our continuing belief and obedience in the face of trouble? It is the root of our very salvation. Father, give us the strength to always be obedient ones even in the face of trouble--to NEVER forget that you are with us even unto the end.