February 25, 2026
Dear Church of the Open Bible,
Recently, I was reading the story of Joseph. It’s a story I’ve read many times, and even preached on. But one of the benefits of a structured reading schedule is going over passages you thought you knew. As I read, a short verse stuck out to me. Joseph was sold by his brothers as a slave. Then he was falsely accused of sexual assault and sent to prison. While in prison, two other prisoners had dreams one night, and then we get this verse.
When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. - Genesis 40:6
It’s those last six words that stuck out to me. When I am inconvenienced or treated unfairly, my eyes are typically on myself. I’m prone to think of how I deserve better or why God can’t give me a break or why I…fill-in-the-blank. Instead, Joseph had eyes to see that two of his fellow prisoners were troubled. I find that amazing, divine even. Joseph goes on to ask them why they’re troubled.
The Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love (Gen 39:21, 23). His presence with Joseph caused Joseph to see and care for those around him, even in the midst of suffering. Where are your eyes today? What are they looking for and aware of? May the Lord’s compassion for us make us compassionate to those around us.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. - Philippians 2:3
In Christ,
Pastor Jeremy