Fruit In The PrisonSpeaker: Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Gist: When you come across painful experiences in your life, do not be depressed and backtrack in your love for God. Our grief is short, but our rejoicing is long. Be truthful in everything that God has entrusted in your hands. “The Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s hand, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” (Genesis 39:21-23)
Joseph had been put in prison for no guilt of his own. In prison whatever he did was touched with the Spirit of truth; so the Keeper of the prison committed all other prisoners to Joseph’s hand.
Once when Pharaoh’s officers- Chief butler and Chief baker were put in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, Joseph, aware of his charge over them, in the place of the captain, kindly enquired them: “Why do you look so sad today? (Genesis 40:7). “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:9). “A faithful man will abound with blessings” (Proverb: 28:20). How true are the fore-going wards!
In the U.S.A. when Richard Nixon was the President, Jack Halson was an Assistant in the White House. Once when there was a disorderly situation in the country, Jack was said to be one of the instigators and was about to be imprisoned. In the meanwhile, one day, when Jack went to meet a friend, there, he lost his heart to Jesus; he received a great peace, which the world cannot give. Later he was punished and put in prison. True to the saying, ‘Let the whole world enjoy what I have enjoyed’ he began to talk to all people there, about Christ who had given him a divine peace. Nevertheless, one day he was over taken by grief and loneliness and he, in agony cried out, “Alas, what wrong did I commit? Why am I languishing in the prison? I am not allowed to see my wife and children. What is the benefit of worshipping God? I am squirming like a worm in the prison!” Just at that time, the Chief officer of the prison was announcing loudly in the mike, ”Jack Halson, some people have come to meet you; come to the office immediately.” Reluctantly Jack went to the office, where some of his old friends were waiting. They told him: “Jack, you have been set at liberty; the new President has pardoned you and passed an order releasing you from prison.” Jack could not believe it, When they showed him a copy of the President’s order, his heart melted; he shed tears, anguished by him own faithlessness to God; yet he rejoiced at the great miracle God had done to him in His faithfulness!
My dear children, when you come across painful experiences in your life, don’t get depressed and backtrack in your love for God; captive situations and distressful times won’t last forever. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trails” (1 Peter 1:6). According to this Biblical verse, our grief is short, but or rejoicing after grief is long. So continue to declare to all the joy of salvation and be truthful in everything, God has entrusted in your hands. Then just as He blessed and exalted Joseph, He will do the same to you.
Prayer:
Gracious Heavenly Father,
When I pass through difficult situations, various trials and tribulations help me to remember that these times of pain are only for a short period and be patient. Help me to be faithful and truthful in all the responsibilities that You have entrusted in me. Bless me too, and exalt me just as You blessed and exalted Joseph for Your glory. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray.
Amen. |