47 Days of Justice 2024 - Day 41: Don’t forget those who are still suffering, when justice has been restored to you.

“Pharaoh’s birthday came three days later, and he prepared a banquet for all his officials and staff. He summoned his chief cup-bearer and chief baker to join the other officials. He then restored the chief cup-bearer to his former position, so he could again hand Pharaoh his cup. But Pharaoh impaled the chief baker, just as Joseph had predicted when he interpreted his dream. Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭40:20-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sadly, it’s all too common: Someone—perhaps having fallen on hard times—is helped out of their situation. But, having been restored, they now forget those who are still in a bind. But allow me to tell you something a little closer to home.

My father was known for being a forgiving, loving, individual who helped many people, people others wouldn’t help. Yet, some of those same people, turned around and—because of their own agenda—went after him, even to the level of allowing someone close to them to threaten to “break the old man’s legs.”

I will have to say, my father never turned around and said he regretted having reached a hand to lift that person up, or anyone else, for that matter.

Additionally, there were others he lifted up who—when given the chance to help him—did not. For example, my father had a very rich relative whom he had brought to Christ and was always ready to offer prayer when that person had a need. But that same individual, never helped my father financially when he was struggling to get a church started with a young family.

Now, I don’t say any of these things with bitterness. After all, my father was never bitter; and my Heavenly Father is never pleased with those who are being controlled by bitterness.

My point is this: If someone has helped us, even if that person never personally needs help for themselves, we must pay forward what has been done for us.

For those who estimate themselves as being “self-made,” or always singularly fighting their own battles, I would simply point them to what Christ has done for us.

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And there’s this:

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It should not be enough that we have been given what we needed. What about those who are still struggling? What about those who reached out to us when we needed a helping hand?

Jesus gave a simple, but very profound instruction:

“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If we followed this simple instruction, we would never forget, or leave people behind who are still seeking justice.

In our opening scripture we see that the dreams interpreted by Joseph have come to pass. Just as he said, the cupbearer was restored, and the baker was executed. Then we see this very sad commentary: “Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.”

Surely Joseph will now throw up his hands in despair and allow bitterness to fill his soul. I guess we’ll have to see what happens.

In the meantime, let’s remember how we felt when we needed justice. Let’s never leave anyone behind and forgotten.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#resolveforhim #47DaysOfJustice