Genesis 39:1-23

We see a stark contrast between Judah and his younger brother Joseph when we compare the previous chapter with this chapter.  Judah was a free man who was punished because of his lust and unfaithfulness.  Joseph was a slave who was blessed because of his self control and faithfulness.  Ironically, Judah remains free and Joseph ends up in prison.  We must never judge a person’s character by the circumstances they face.  Many times God calls His most faithful servants to face intense suffering.  This is how God, in His wisdom, chooses to prepare these faithful followers for service and equip them to glorify Him.
JOSEPH IS PROSPEROUS AS A SLAVE: Joseph’s work in the fields and as administrator of Potiphar’s house is blessed by God.  His master has never experienced such prosperity and he wisely gives more and more responsibility to Joseph and experiences even greater wealth as a result of God’s blessing through Joseph.  We must never assume that all wealth is as a result of the blessing of God.  Just as we must never assume that poverty or hardship is consequence of God’s displeasure.  The point that we need to understand is that faithfulness and obedience to God is always the best path on which to walk.  Prosperity or poverty are both far more enjoyable when accompanied by godliness.  Those who gain their prosperity through dishonest means are bound to be enslaved to fear and anxiety and well gain no joy from this wealth.  Those who face poverty with trust in and faithfulness to God will experience peace and joy despite their difficult circumstances.  God’s blessings are extended to those who are faithful and demonstrate a godly character.  Too often we try to take shortcuts to prosperity through sinful means.  This is like chasing the wind.  God calls to be holy, faithful and trust Him and promises to bless us with peace no matter what circumstances we might face.
JOSEPH IS PURSUED FOR SEX:  Not only was Joseph a talented and respected administrator, was he also good looking according to Scripture and Potiphar’s wife.  She pursued him day after day attempting to seduce him.  Joseph is resolute in his determination to not commit this abomination against God and Potiphar.  What a shining example that Joseph is to all of us as to how we must handle temptation.  He counted the cost of his sin before he practiced it.  Too often we focus only on the please that sin offers us and ignore the consequences.  He faithfully stood his ground and did not compromise his position or dabble in flirt with sin.  Finally, when faced with eminent danger he ran from sin.  When we are tempted we must learn to count the cost, be persistent and run away.  Even though Joseph did everything right he was still falsely accused and ended up in prison.  I am sure that Potiphar regretted this decision for many years but he preferred to protect his own pride over truth.  There are times that we will suffer and be misunderstood for doing what is right.  Men are not just and they do not know the truth; that is the reality of living in a sin cursed world.  However, we must remember that it is far better to suffer for doing what is right than to prosper for doing what is wrong.  We must constantly remind ourselves that God is just and that he always knows the truth.  Our highest aim must be to please Him.
JOSEPH IS PERSEVERANT IN SERVICE: Even though Joseph finds himself in prison he continues to be faithful and is soon give over to the administration of the other prisoners.  He did not become depressed or give up on obedience.  He pressed forward in his current circumstances with complete faith that God was in control and would work these things out according to His plan and His will.  The true test of our character is always adversity.  My mother had a plaque on her wall that said: “It is easy enough to be pleasant when life goes by like a song, but the man worthwhile is the man with a smile when everything goes dead wrong.”  We must learn to persevere in doing good even when the rewards of obedience are not readily evident.  There is a God in heaven who has promised eternal rewards for a cup of water that is served in His name.  We must live in light of these promises and realities.

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