Thursday, March 26, 2009

Joseph: Genesis 39:1- 20 "Staying True"

Read Genesis 39:1-20.

"The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered...." NIV
I have skipped over chapter 38 because it was a story that didn't include Joseph. We find Joseph now in Egypt living as a slave to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard. There are two aspects of Joseph's time here in this house that stand out: purity and prosperity.

Purity: Joseph was noticed by Potiphar's wife and she wanted him. But Joseph stood his ground and remained committed to God's laws rather than human desires. He calls sleeping with her "a wicked thing" and "a sin against God." I'm sure Joseph had needs and desires like any young man, but he had integrity that was greater. He was able to see the big consequences over the small pleasures. Wow, how many less problems would we have in our life if we could stay committed to a principle that the Lord has put in place for our protection and good? See the big consequences over the small pleasures.

Prosperity: Joseph had his position in Potiphar's house only because Potiphar saw that the Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered in everything he did. Potiphar was no idiot. This may be his slave, but if he has hands of gold, let him control everything Potiphar owns and make it multiply. 

Unfortunately, the enemy will throw people into our pathway that will try to stop us from doing what God has called us to do. They will lie, cheat, and steal to hinder our progress. And sometimes, in particular situations, they will succeed. Does that mean that we are no longer in the middle of God's plan? Not in Joseph's situation. Joseph had helped his slave owner become a wealthier man and had been falsely accused of seducing Potiphar's wife. But God had something more planned for Joseph even though as we see tomorrow the path to getting there seems rather grim.

Further Thoughts:
  1. What is integrity? 
  2. What does Scripture say about sexual purity?
  3. Does your path right now seem to be a strange way to receive God's blessing? If you are following His calling and direction, then be patient, He's not done with you yet. God's big picture view clarifies the reasons beyond what we can see while stuck in the details.

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