Pharaoh's Butler
Homilist
Genesis 41:9-13
Then spoke the chief butler to Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:…


I. THE POWER OF MEMORY. "I do remember." Memory, a faculty of mind, wonderful, varies in its strength and exercise, accompanied by pains as well as pleasures. The effect depends upon the state of the soul, and on the character of the things remembered, whether good or evil, painful or pleasant (see Job 21:6; Psalm 63:6; Psalm 77:3; Psalm 137:1; Ezekiel 16:61; Ezekiel 20:43; Ephesians 2:11; Luke 16:25; Revelation 14:13.) Beware. Do some evil deed, commit some wrong against your neighbour or your God; and, try as you will, you cannot quite forget. Memory may slumber for a while, but will some day awake.

II. THE POWER OF ASSOCIATION. "This day." Why then? For two years all had seemingly been forgotten. Now chord of association touched: Pharaoh's dreams. This power is often appealed to in Scripture. Type, symbol, parable, all recognize, and receive much of their value from association. In the special case before us, behold the hand of God. The great designs of Providence are ripe for execution. Hence the butler is roused to action. It needs but a touch of association, and the long-forgotten promise is recalled. Joseph's release immediately follows.

III. THE POWER OF CONSCIENCE. "My faults." Mark the power conscience:

1. In exciting a sense of personal blameworthiness.

(1)  Infidelity.

(2)  Ingratitude.

2. In exciting a feeling of painful remorse.

(1)  Shame.

(2)  Regret.

(3)  Atonement.

(Homilist.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

WEB: Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, "I remember my faults today.




Pharaoh's Butler
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