Genesis 39:1-23
Joseph had been sold to Midianite traders by his angry brothers in Canaan. He was taken in chains to Egypt, where he was bought by Potiphar, an officer of Pharoah, captian of the guard. Young Joseph, the dreamer, was now a slave.
Despite everything he had been through, "the Lord was with Joseph." Back at home Jacob's love for Joseph had been displayed in the tunic of many colors that he had given to the boy. In Egypt God's blessing was evident in that "the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand." And Joseph's master, Potiphar, observed that "he was a successful man." Because of this, "he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority." It was a wise decision. "So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field." Genesis 39:2-5.
"Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance." Genesis 39:6. Good looks can be a blessing, but can also bring on problems. He was no longer a teenager when Potiphar's wife "cast longing eyes on Joseph, and...said, 'Lie with me.'" He refused, saying, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" In Proverbs 6:32, 33 we read, "Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away." Joseph was not lacking for understanding. Day by day she continually tried to entice Joseph, but "he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her." Finally, "she caught him by his garment, saying, 'Lie with me.'" Even as Moses ran from a snake in Exodus 4:3, Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife. Genesis 39:7-13. It has been said, "Character is who you are when no one is looking."
Potiphar's wife accused Joseph of attempted rape, and his master "took him and put him into prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined." Genesis 39:13-20.
Joseph had been misrepresented, and mistreated. "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison..., because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper." Joseph was blessed by God no matter where he was, no matter what he did, no matter whom he served. The prophet Jeremiah had a similar experience, and testified, "The Lord is with me as a mighty awesome One...." Jeremiah 20:11. And He has promised you, dear Christian, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5.
Lord, help us to see sin as You see sin. Deliver us from pettiness. Open our eyes to Your presence in our lives. May others see Jesus in us. In His name. Amen!
