Sun.’s Devo - The Butler and the Baker

Read Gen. 39:1-41:16, Matt. 12:46-13:23, Ps. 17:1-15, Pr. 3:33-35 Jesus taught in parables to the people because they were not going to understand spiritual things, but he explained the parables to his disciples because he told them that they were chosen to know the mysteries of God. Joseph was a living parable showing the life of Jesus. Both were hated by their own brothers: Joseph his blood brothers, and Jesus by the Jews. They were both put in a grave and assumed dead. They both rose out of that pit and went to prepare a place of provision for the very ones who wanted them dead. They both lived their lives with humility and grace. In today’s reading we have the story of the butler and the baker. The butler’s job was to serve the king wine. The baker’s job was to cook the king’s food. There must have been a plot to poison the king that was exposed, so they were put in prison until the truth could be determined. They stood for two different people groups - the righteous and the wicked. The butler was the righteous and given back his position. The baker was the wicked and condemned to death. This is a picture of end time judgment. The righteous will be restored to the kingdom and will minister before the throne. The evil will be condemned and the birds will eat their flesh. In Revelations 19:17-18, God calls all the birds to eat the flesh of the kings and captains and horses, etc. that fought against him in the last battle. Joseph’s plan was that when the butler was restored to his position, the butler would tell the king about him and get him pardoned. Instead, the butler forgot Joseph. Little did Joseph realize, God had a plan that was better if he would patiently endure the moment. Joseph had no other choice. I wonder how many times God has tried to tell us that same thing, when we have found ourselves in uncomfortable places that look like God has forgotten us. Man may forget about us, but God never does. Joseph could have used today’s Psalms. Lord, bless our homes today. Grant us grace and may we by your wisdom inherit honor.