In this modern progressive age, common sense and personal responsibility are fading away into oblivion. Victimology has now taken center stage, being used as an escape clause to justify and or rationalize previous deeds. Gone are the honest days of remembering your faults, imperfections and past trespasses against your neighbor.
Then the chief butler said to Pharaoh, I remember my faults today. 10 When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me in custody in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker, 11 We dreamed a dream in the same night, he and I; we dreamed each of us according to [the significance of] the interpretation of his dream. 12 And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard and chief executioner; and we told him our dreams, and he interpreted them to us, to each man according to the significance of his dream. 13 And as he interpreted to us, so it came to pass; I was restored to my office [as chief butler], and the baker was hanged. 14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. But Joseph [first] shaved himself, changed his clothes, and made himself presentable; then he came into Pharaoh’s presence, Genesis 41:9-14.
Today’s featured passage contains a man who was self-absorbed. When the Chief Butler of Pharaoh was restored to his position, he was eager to serve the leader of Egypt. Despite vowing to put in a good word for Joseph upon his release from prison, the butler’s promise went unfulfilled for two years. Only when Pharaoh was in desperate need of a dream interpreter did the Chief Butler remember his fault.
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. 17 Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. 18 And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual]. 19 [My] brethren, if anyone among you strays from the Truth and falls into error and another [person] brings him back [to God], James 5:16-19.
In a letter written for Christians scattered throughout the Mediterranean following Nero’s persecution in Rome, Jesus’ earthly brother urges believers to practice confession. Since first century historians claim that James didn’t believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah until after Resurrection Sunday, he was compelled to practice what he preached. Whenever human beings remember their faults publicly, a spirit of confession creates an atmosphere for revival.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 