约瑟的铁窗岁月
创世记三十九章19节
19约瑟的主人听见他妻子对他所说的话说：“你的仆人如此如此待我”，他就生气，
信息分享
对约瑟来说，他被判入狱是绝对不公平的。他拒绝犯罪，却换来监禁，而且还可能是无期徒刑。他差不多被监禁了十年，直到神奇妙地拯救他。
即使在监中，约瑟再次证明自己是个可靠而且值得信任的仆人，并被委予重任。原因何在？因为「耶和华与他同在」。这个熟悉的解释出现了两次。
解梦
后来，又有两名要犯交由约瑟看管，他们在法老的宫中担任要职。是不是波提乏指定要约瑟看管两人呢？（4节）
一天早上，约瑟看见两人神色凝重。甚么困扰他们呢？原来他们各自做了一个梦，但两人都不明白梦的含意。他们认为没有人能够帮助他们解梦，特别是现在他们人在监中。
约瑟听完他们的梦后，相信神会帮助他明白梦的含意。他对这位自小认识的神，仍然满有信心。
故事的后半段很出名。两人的梦都按照约瑟的解释应验了。约瑟替酒政解梦的时候，最后曾恳请他：「你再次得到法老恩宠时，请向他提及我的案子。」这是否约瑟唯一一次为自己争取利益呢？
本章的最后一节，岂不是约瑟最黑暗的时刻？（23节）酒政忘记了约瑟和他的请求。他是善忘或是故意的呢？你怎样看？
请看：神掌权和神的时机。
JOSEPH AND HIS PRISON YEARS
Genesis 39:19
19 So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, “Your servant did to me after this manner,” that his anger was aroused.
Message
In Joseph's case, his imprisonment was absolutely unfair. He had done the right thing but the physical result was chains and imprisonment. The sentence seems to have been open ended. He may have been in prison up to ten years until God finally and wonderfully released him.
In prison Joseph again proved himself as a reliable, trustworthy worker and gained promotion once more. The reason? That phrase 'The Lord was with him', appears twice as the familiar explanation.
DREAMING AGAIN
Then two more prisoners for Joseph to look after! These were important officials from Pharaoh's household. Was it Potiphar who assigned them to Joseph's care? (v.4)
One morning Joseph noticed the sad disturbed expressions on their faces. What was their problem? They had compared notes and each had had a dream which they couldn't understand. They thought no one could possibly help them, especially in prison.
As Joseph listened, he was led to say his God could give them the meaning of their dreams. He still had his remarkable confidence in the God he had known since childhood.
The rest of the story is well known. The dreams were each fulfilled exactly as Joseph said. Joseph had one final word for the cupbearer: 'When you are back in favour with Pharaoh, please mention my case to him.' Was this the only time Joseph ever spoke up for himself?
Does the final verse of the chapter tell us of Joseph's darkest hour? (v.23) The cupbearer forgot Joseph and his request. Did he do it accidentally or deliberately? What do you think? What is your answer?
NEXT: GOD'S REMARKABLE OVER-RULING AND TIMING.