November 6, 2020 (Friday)
In chapter 39 we get back to Joseph’s story, “When Joseph
was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an
Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of
Egypt.” [Genesis 39:1 NLT]
The transition from favorite to slave was one that many
people would sit down and throw themselves a pity party. However, it is significant
that Joseph is sold to a very important person. As such, he would have come into
contact with people in the highest level of Egyptian government. Even at this
point, the ground work is being laid for even bigger things.
Even as a slave Joseph was faithful in his work. “The Lord
was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian
master.” [Genesis 39:2 NIV] In our American culture, we would rather live poor
and free than in a “gilded cage” (enslaved and comfortable). Joseph worked
diligently for his owner, with the Lord’s help.
This got him noticed. “Potiphar noticed this and realized
that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.”
[Genesis 39:3 NLT] His trust in Joseph was absolute. As a result the Lord
blessed Potiphar’s house.
This got him noticed. “Some time later, his master’s wife
became attracted to Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.” [Genesis 39:7 CEB]
Character is built on choices. Choices reveals character. Joseph refused. She
becomes relentless in her pursuit. “She kept putting pressure on Joseph day
after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much
as possible.” [Genesis 39:10 NLT]
One day, Joseph ends up in the house alone with her. Things turn
ugly. She grabs is cloak, he leaves it behind, she screams and accuses Joseph. “Potiphar
was furious when he heard his wife’s story about how Joseph had treated her.”
[Genesis 39:19 NLT] The wheel turns again. From favorite to prisoner.
It was Potiphar’s
right to execute Joseph, but instead “Joseph’s master took him
and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.”
[Genesis 39:20 NIV] While it now seems he has become a slave to prisoners, he
is still in contact with the most important people in Egypt.
Notice what happens next, “But the Lord was with Joseph and
showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the
prison.” [Genesis 39:21 ESV] Lately, in my devotional life, the word “but” has
been jumping out at me. I’m starting to call this the “divine but.” In English “but”
is used as a contrast. It is God overruling the apparently negative to cause
His will to be done.
Once again Joseph finds favored status. He had it in his
father’s eyes. He had it in his master’s eyes. Now he has it with the jailer. Once
again God makes the point, it’s not where you are that counts. It’s what God
does with you that matters. Joseph is given charge of the prison and its
guests. “The jail’s commander paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s
supervision, because the Lord was with him and made everything he did
successful.” [Genesis 39:23 CEB] The wheel has turned and Joseph is now the
favored.
Are you seeing a pattern? Joseph works faithfully wherever,
in every circumstance, and God makes him successful. God has a plan. I don’t
think Joseph saw the clear path to becoming what God had promised him as a
young man. When we can’t see the path but stay faithful… that’s
character.
So how does someone go from the sex offender’s registry to
the second most powerful person in Egypt? Stay tuned!
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