Luther on Joseph

Genesis 40:23
Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.

Luther wrote, "no other model we can think of compares to that of Joseph. He endured so many unbearable tortures, had no help and little hope. By contrast, Martyrs for the faith usually suffered for just a short time, but Joseph suffered for a long time. You won't find many people like him who were abandoned yet didn't complain, become angry, or impatient! Yes, Joseph had his weaknesses. At times he felt depressed and wanted to give up. But his example illustrates to us the importance of waiting for the Lord. In Psalm 27 you will read, "wait for the Lord and hope, be strong and let your heart be courageous." And the prophet Habbakuk wrote; "the vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its conclusion. It will not be a lie. If it's delayed, wait for it - it will surely happen!" Unfortunately, our human weakness tells us that the waiting has been too long or that we waited long enough: there's no end in sight to this endless waiting! We would do well to remember at such times that God made promises not just to someone but to us! He is our father, and friend. It is because of his kindness and mercy that he's promised to take care of us just as a father cares for his children. And because you are his dear child, and he is your faithful father, your sinful nature cannot get in the way of the relationship. Even though your sin might tell you that hoping on God is foolish, do not worry! Continue to wait with every believer. For just as Christ promises in Matthew 24:13, "it will come to pass that those who endure to the end will be saved!"