660. GEN 40:14. JOSEPH’S PATHETIC APPEAL TO PHARAOH’S BUTLER

Gen_40:14. Joseph’s Pathetic Appeal to Pharaoh’s Butler

"But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house."’97Gen_40:14.

Our text is the affecting language of Joseph to the chief butler, whose dream he had just interpreted. Let us look at the scene before us. It is an Egyptian prison. We behold in it three persons,’97two of the servants of Pharaoh, the chief butler and baker: Gen_40:1, &c. The other is an interesting youth, of a different nation. Who is he, and what has he done? That youth is Joseph, the son of the godly Jacob. He was the special object of paternal affection. A few years before, and he was clad in the coat of many colors. He is the object of God’s providential complacency. His dreams indicate his future greatness. But he becomes the subject of fraternal envy. His own brethren conspire against him. They even contemplate his destruction. But Providence overrules, and he is sold into Egypt. Here he is falsely and wickedly accused by a person of influence, and he is thrown into prison. In prison, God was with him: chap. Gen_39:21. And now the clouds are breaking’97the day of hope begins to dawn. His fellow-prisoners dream, and he interprets; and this lays the first step towards his future advancement. Having given a most cheering interpretation to the chief butler, he addresses him in the language of the text.

We observe,

I. The uncertain and precarious tenure on which our earthly enjoyments are held.

Here are three individuals, who had previously been basking in the sunshine of prosperity, now dwelling in the same prison. Joseph, torn from the home of his childhood, had been mourned over as dead. The two servants of Pharaoh, who, doubtless, considered that their mountain would not be moved. Who have not in some way, and to some extent, had a similar experience?

How many have been brought down from affluence to poverty!

From health to sickness!

From the enjoyment of friends, to distressing bereavements!

What earthly good is certain? Alas, nothing! "For the fashion of this world passeth away." The changing sky’97the fluctuating sea’97the veering wind’97the alternate seasons’97all are symbols of man’s changing state.

II. Affectionate sympathy is most consoling to the afflicted and distressed.

The want of this deepens the anguish’97embitters the cup’97darkens the scene. To suffer unpitied’97to die unlamented’97involves the idea of concentrated calamity. Sympathy may not remove our pain; lessen our pangs; annihilate one groan; but it cheers and invigorates the sufferer. I will tell you what it is like. It is the sunbeam entering through the grating into the dungeon, delighting the eye of the captive. It is the sweet breeze entering the window of the sick-room, which enables the patient to breathe more freely. It is the draught from the cooling spring, to the wearied way-worn scorched traveller. It is more than these,’97it is the balm of goodness, poured into the wound of sorrow, which softens, and heals, and comforts.

III. We ought to cherish the feelings of affectionate sympathy towards our friends, in suffering and adversity.

We should do so,

Because God has formed us with the emotions necessary.

Because it is an essential part of all acceptable religion, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor," &c.

Because it is a leading characteristic of the Christian religion.

It is the love of God in the soul.’97It is the love of Christ constraining’97It is the Spirit of God influencing. Mercy, compassion, pity, are indispensable in New Testament piety. "Be pitiful," &c. "As the elect of God, put on bowels," &c. "He that dwelleth in God, dwelleth in love."

Because we may soon require the sympathy of others. Your mountain may now be strong’97circumstances good’97health sound’97domestic hearth cheerful. But the reverses of Providence may be coming. The east wind, the black clouds, the teeming rain, &c.

IV. There are special seasons when this sympathetic remembrance should be cherished.

It should be the habit’97the state of the heart. But sometimes more intense, &c.

1. When at the throne of grace.

The spirit of prayer has descended upon you,’97the fire is burning brightly on the altar of your hearts. You are touching the hem of the Saviour’s priestly robe, and the virtue is communicated. You have power with God, and you have access to the riches of the Divine grace. Oh, then, think of the sorrowful, the distressed, the afflicted! Touching the sceptre of the Divine mercy, should transmute all your feelings into mercifulness. Oh! then, pray largely, affectionately, powerfully, for those in adversity.

2. When at the table of the Lord.

Feasting at Christ’s hallowed board. Favored by the presence of the King of kings. At the sacred banquet. Having audience with the Lord. Think of those who are deprived. Be with them in spirit. Seek God’s blessing, &c. Think of those you would wish to be there. How many relatives, friends, children, &c.

V. This spirit has often been exemplified in the history of the pious.

There was Moses, and the Israelites in Egypt.

There was Ruth and Naomi.

There was Onesiphorus and Paul.

But let us pause. There was Jesus, and our miserable race. It was well with him; yet when he saw us in guilt and peril, oh, amazing love! he flew, &c.

"This was compassion like a God,

That when the Saviour knew

The price of pardon was his blood,

His pity ne’er withdrew."

After his sojourn of sorrows, he ascended; it is well with him now, &c. No more poverty, persecutions, tears, cries, sufferings, &c. But does he forget his people’97his tried and tempted ones?

"Our fellow-sufferer yet retains

A fellow feeling of our pains;

And still remembers in the skies

His tears, and agonies, and cries.

In every pang that rends the heart,

The Man of Sorrows has a part;

He sympathizes with our grief,

And to the sufferer sends relief."

Application

Let the subject lead us,

1. To exemplify the. spirit of the text.

Self must be crucified,’97kindness cherished.

2. Let our text especially have a spiritual bearing.

To the spiritual concerns of our fellow-creatures. Charity to the soul, is the soul of charity.

3. Let us rejoice in the affectionate remembrance of Jesus, and reciprocate it.

At his table we profess to do so.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS