Read: Genesis 39 How did the Lord use Joseph’s faithfulness?
39:1
- The date of Joseph's arrival in Egypt is debatable. Many believe he arrived during the period of the Hyksos rulers, foreigners who came from the region of Canaan. They invaded Egypt and controlled the land for almost 150 years. If Joseph arrived during their rule, it is easy to see why he was rapidly promoted up the royal ladder. Because the Hyksos were foreigners themselves, they would not hold this brilliant young foreigner's ancestry against him.
- Pharaoh was the general name for all the kings of Egypt. It was a title like "king" or "president" used to address the country's leader. The pharaoh who placed Joseph in charge of Egypt was a different person from the pharaoh who turned against the Hebrews in the book of Exodus.
- Ancient Egypt was a land of great contrasts. People were either rich beyond measure or poverty stricken. There wasn't much middle ground. Joseph found himself serving Potiphar, an extremely rich officer in Pharaoh's service. Rich families like Potiphar's had elaborate homes two or three stories tall with beautiful gardens and balconies fruit from expensive bowls. They surrounded themselves with alabaster vases, paintings, beautiful rugs, and hand-carved chairs. Dinner was served on golden tableware and the rooms were lighted with gold lamp stands. Servants like Joseph, worked on the first floor, while the family occupied the upper stories.
39:9
Potiphar's wife failed to seduce Joseph, who resisted this temptation by saying it would be a sin against God. Joseph didn't say "I'd be hurting you," or "I'd be sinning against Potiphar," or "I'd be sinning against myself." Under pressure, such excuses are easily rationalized away. Remember that sexual sin is not just between tow consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience against God.
39:10-15
Joseph avoided Potiphar's wife as much as possible. He refused her advances and finally ran from her. Sometimes merely trying to avoid temptations is not enough. We must turn and run from them, especially when the temptations seem very strong, as is often the case in sexual temptation.
39:20
Prisons were grim places with vite conditions. They were used to house forced laborers, or, like Joseph, the accused who were awaiting trial. Prisoners were guilty until proven innocent, and there was no right to a speedy trial. Many prisoners never made it to court because trials were held at the whim of the ruler. Joseph was in prison a long time before he appeared before Pharaoh, and then he was called out to interpret a dream, not to stand trial.
39:21-23
As a prisoner and slave, Joseph could have seen his situation as hopeless. Instead, he did his best with each small task given him. His diligence and positive attitude were soon noticed by the warden, who promoted him to prison administrator. Are you facing a seemingly hopeless predicament? At work, at home, or at school, follow Joseph's example by taking each small task and doing your best. Remember how God turned Joseph's situation around. He will see your efforts and can reverse even overwhelming odds.
These scriptures detail a point in the life of Joseph where this godly young man could have become bitter. Joseph could have spent his entire life boiling in righteous indignation, and no one would have faulted him because of the numerous harms and injustices that had befallen him. If Joseph had chosen to live a life of self pity and lack of faith, being suspicious of The Lord's intentions for his life, he would never have become the young man capable of receiving the dream interpretations for Pharaoh, and he certainly would not have had the attitude of excellence in service even while in jail: A difficult learning posture, which Joseph mastered in humility. This enabled him to live the learning processes , analytical thinking and discipline that eventually allowed him to mature into the kind of young man whom The LORD could trust to be second in command to Pharaoh.
Alternatively, Joseph could have decided to "make his own way" and succumbed to the seduction of Potiphar's wife. He knew that this pathway was forbidden to him, and he was determined in his heart to remain faithful and obedient to GOD, because he loved The LORD more than he loved how this world could make him feel. He continued in his love of GOD, even though it cost him his physical freedom, because he valued communion with GOD more highly than the company of evil men and women.
Joseph chose to look to GOD for deliverance and understanding, rather than wallow in self pity. He didn't have to constantly rehearse the wrongs done to him, because he had chosen to rely on GOD. It is written:
Isaiah 26:3 (King James Version)
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Joseph was able to move forward because he trusted in GOD and kept his mind focused on Him, and not his circumstances or disappointments.
Reflect:
The story of Joseph’s rise as the prized child of Jacob to his fall into the false accusation of immorality of Potiphar’s wife sounds almost like a reality T.V. show. But the relevance of how some of us feel in our daily lives in relation to this story is quite applicable to our culture today. Spend a few minutes reflecting and tying this story to your life, or the lives of others. And discuss amongst yourselves the following:
1. Who is someone in your life that has been a person of integrity? Explain why!
Carrie Fry! Nicolle Clemmer - They are consistent with every daily task and never give stray from being consistent.
2. What are some areas of growth needed in your life to be a person of integrity?
Consistent in all of my actions. Always honest. Ephesians 4:2
Respond: Send an encouragement of appreciation to someone who has been an example of integrity (e.g. Facebook, email, letter, etc.).
1. Have you ever been in situations like Joseph where your integrity was challenged? Why?
2. What is the most effective way to defend our integrity? Explain!
Be knowledgeable in God's word. Consistently reading and living what you read.
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