But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. Genesis 40:14
“The man who seems to be quite in control here is needful. The pitiful plea is unexpected after his public performance. It is remarkable that this man nearly identified with God (v. 8) now is reduced to a plea. The powerful man born to rule is also a needful one, one “the least.” It in 39:21, it is affirmed that God shows him “loyalty” (hesed). But in 40:14, he asks for “kindness” (hesed), not from God, but from the imprisoned butler. The liberator of the butler is now himself dependent and in need of liberation. For all his reliance on God, Joseph must depend on the act of a covenantal neighbor.”
Walter Brueggemann in Genesis: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Louisville: WJKP, 2010) 324.
When this posts I will be flying somewhere over the Pacific.
Some time ago, I shared a post about the fact that I often experience the feeling of “helpless dependence” on God when I travel. I also realize how needful and dependent I am on others. I pray they attend to my needs.
As we continue to explore kindness in the Scriptures and consider its relationship with generosity, a question comes into view today for each of us: Will I remember others and show them kindness even as God has remembered me and shown kindness to me?
Let us consider how God showed kindness to Joseph in Genesis 39:21. “The Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” Sometimes God’s kindness appears as favor from an unsuspecting person.
Father, we acknowledge that we are needful and dependent on you and others. Surprise us with your favor through unsuspecting people, and cause your kindness to flow through us to others by your Holy Spirit. Hear my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.