But for our study, Joseph’s story continues in Genesis 39. Read that chapter and then come back for some observations. I have a hard time imaging the circumstances – even though I know there are people in our world who must live through horrific things. The chapter is full of positive examples for you and me to follow. I will offer three … you will most likely be able to add more.
1. First, I am impressed by the quality of work Joseph offers. There seems to be no self-pity from this young man. He works with excellence and with integrity. Did he enjoy his work? I doubt it. Did he consider the work beneath him? Perhaps. Was the work intellectually stimulating? I doubt it. Was it meaningful? Who knows. The point is … IT DOES NOT MATTER!! He does his work with excellence and integrity. I am reminded of the words of Paul in Colossians 3:17:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Potipher was his boss (his master, actually) but Joseph “worked as unto the Lord”. Did Joseph like Potipher – maybe. Did Joseph respect Potipher – maybe so, maybe not. And so the question comes to us … whether we work outside our homes as well as in – or if our work in primarily inside our home … do I do my work with that attitude? Is there room for improvement in that arena? Excellence and integrity, girls!
2. The second thing that impresses me is that Joseph was a blessing to those around him – Potiphar’s entire household and enterprises were blessed because of the presence of Joseph. Am I a blessing to those around me? Do I want to be … or do I just want to receive blessings? I can hear the words of Jesus in Matthew 5: 43 – 48:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brother, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”BE a blessing, girls … family, colleagues, neighbors … BE a blessing.
3. The third thing that I want to emulate from Joseph’s example is the way he managed temptation. Potiphar’s wife was less than subtle in her intent and approach. And that’s an understatement! Did you notice the way Joseph responded? He did not justify behavior that he knew to be ungodly. He could have … after all, he was a slave. After all, she was his superior. After all, he was a young man. After all, the house was empty and who would know. Joseph recognized that sin is always a violation of God. He first appealed to her integrity by referring her back to her husband. That didn’t work. So Joseph then appealed to her by referring to his God. That didn’t work. The only thing left was for him to run. And it cost him dearly. I think about what James said in James 4: 7 – 8a:
And Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13:
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
So, take the example of Joseph. Resist, girls! Don’t stay in a situation where you are tempted – particularly sexual temptation. It is never something to flirt with – to play with. Sometimes … you just run. Even when the cost is great.
There is a theme that runs throughout this chapter. Let’s close today by reflecting on that theme. Did you notice it?
“The Lord was with Joseph …” (verse 2)
“… the Lord was with him …” (verse 3)
“… the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.” (verse 5)
“… the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” (verse 21)
“… the Lord was with Joseph …” (verse 23)
And hear the voice of Jesus as He says to you …
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Lord, we pray that You, through Your Spirit, will grant us the wisdom and then courage to be women of excellence and integrity. We pray that we, too, be a blessing to those around us. And Lord, gives us eyes to see the temptations that satan hurls our way – both the subtle and the overt. And because of You … our desire is to stand firm.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.”
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