This week’s reading: Genesis
Hi Friends,
Joseph arrived in Egypt and seems to be prospering in the house of the Egyptian who bought him. God’s Presence is clearly with Joseph, and his earthly master, Potiphar, cannot help but acknowledge this. He even benefits from the Grace of God that was being poured down upon Joseph. It seems like everything Joseph touches flourishes…that is, until the enemy steps back into his life to try to stop Joseph’s progress. This is the enemy’s way, after all. Wherever a child of God is influencing others for God’s Glory, the old serpent attacks. Ahhh, but God! He works everything together for good. We are finishing up Genesis chapter 39 this week, reading verses 7 through 23. Our real enemy may not want to give up, but neither does God. Listen to the next test of Joseph.
“and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’ But he refused. ‘With me in charge,’ he told her, ‘my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?’ And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.” Gen 39:7-10 NIV
Righteous way. Joseph is minding his own business, going about doing what his position called him to do, and having success because God was with him the whole time… when in comes the next test. The real enemy of God and His people, first tried to kill Joseph. But God protected him. Then this enemy tried to drive Joseph to despair, as he was carted off into a foreign land and became a slave. But once again, God protected him. God was with Joseph and he found favor in the eyes of his earthly master. To the enemy’s disappointment, neither of his strategies worked. So now this destroyer figures he will turn to some of the areas where he finds success with others humans. The enemy tries to appeal to any Pride Joseph may still have and tempts him with sexual pleasure. Probably remembering the old person Joseph used to be before he gave his heart to God, with that entitlement mentality he once had, the enemy thinks he can have victory over Joseph. The enemy feels confident that, in this way, he can stop God from making Joseph’s dreams come true. You see, just like in his father’s household, Joseph once again is lifted to a very high position. And so, the enemy assumes he can get Joseph to believe that he was above everyone, that he could do whatever he wanted, with whomever he wanted. In steps the enemy’s puppet, the wife of Potiphar. This is a very important lesson each believer must come to understand. Our true enemy knows very well who we used to be before we surrendered ourselves to God. He knows how selfish and Prideful and wicked we used to be; only thinking about ourselves and what would bring us pleasure and comfort and ease. He knows this fallen character inside and out because this is who he is. You see, MMI is his evil trinity. What he cannot grasp though, is why anyone would desire to act any different. He still believes life should revolve around MMI, and he assumes every human will believe the same lie. Why would anyone place God and others ahead of themselves?! It just does not compute for this old serpent. But once we belong to God, through Christ our Lord and Savior, we become different people. We grow to live a life that reflects the Holy Trinity instead of that MMI sinfulness. Loving God and others is how a believer should act. This is different than who we used to be and different than the rest of the lost world. We all need to see the truth that we are not who we used to be. In Christ, we are a New Creation. We are in union with God via His Holy Spirit. And because of the Father’s Love, the Son’s sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we CAN act different exactly because God has made us a New Creation in Christ. Are we getting it? Thankfully, Joseph does understand this. As we continue to read, Joseph retains his Hebrew identity throughout his life’s story. For example, see Gen 39:14 & Gen 39:17. Joseph is continually referred to as the Hebrew slave, because Joseph continues to worship his God unashamed. Joseph knows he is holy, set apart for God and to Glorify God. He is different than the godless people around him and lives a life displaying this fact. He never acts “holier than thou,” but humbly serves his earthly master in such a way, that others recognize that he is distinct. Because God is with him, Joseph is unique. Yet, I am really not sure most of the Church knows this. Do we know God has made us New? Do our actions point to Him or to ourselves? If you do not know the truth, you will fall for any of the enemy’s lies. This is one of the reasons the enemy fights so hard to distract us, so that we, the believer, do not understand that we are new people in Christ. If we did know this, we would continue to connect with God and allow Him to transform us into His followers. Not just believers, but followers. I have heard it said that the devil has no problem in us proclaiming to be Christians, so long as we don’t act like one! If we do not think anything has really changed in us, except perhaps our destiny after we leave this planet, then why would we act differently? Once we belong to God, in Christ, He has made us righteous and we should do all we can to walk the righteous way. Again, thankfully Joseph knows exactly who he is because of Whose he is, and by the Grace of God, he does not fall for this next trap. Joseph stands his ground and holds on to God, come what may. I pray God will open our eyes so that we could deeply know the same truth, and not fall for the enemy’s tricks either.
Sinful way. Have you ever stopped to wonder why this world is so obsessed with sex? You see, God created our bodies to be a means through which we may interact with the beautiful world He created. It is in this body— through our appearance, words and actions— that we can display our gratitude for all God has given us, as we worship God our Creator. Sadly, as with all the gifts God has given us, humans began worshipping the creation instead of the Creator. (see Ro 1:25) Seeking sexual gratification is yet another example of humans misusing what was created, as a means to simply find pleasure for ourselves. Sex, which is supposed to be a beautiful sacred act between a husband and wife, has become a self-centered means to indulge our sinful desires. I am sure you have heard this before, but it merits repeating: there is a huge difference between making love and having sex. While I often use the terms interchangeably, God created the first to complete the union of a married couple. Having committed to love one another in spirit, having centered their soul— that is their thoughts, emotions and will— to mutually benefit one another, now the bodies comes together in this amazing physical symbolism where the man and woman are able to love each other fully. Like a heavenly puzzle, fitting together perfectly, the two really do become one. Spirit, soul, then lastly, with the body. Making love was meant to be an outward expression of the inward reality both humans already proclaimed. One man with one woman in committed, holy, lifelong matrimony. This was God’s design…before The Downfall anyway. As with all things, after sin entered into this world, everything became corrupt. God is Love and designed us to desire to love and be loved. The Downfall turned this noble desire inward and now instead, humans run after lust. Godly love seeks to bless others. Lust seeks only to please itself. See the corruption? Now sex became an unclean thing; a self-centered exploit that is all about feeling good, or worse, having power over another human being. How sad. It is not difficult to see how true this is when we look out into this world, is it? What media avenue does not show unmarried people jumping into bed together…and I will only mention in passing that even this is not always between a man and woman. Corruption is what the enemy is all about. The further away from God this culture gets, the less this sacred act is honored. Yet the Bible does not shy away from showing that this fallen way of viewing sex began right from the start of humanity. Here we can see clearly the immorality of the people in Egypt. This wife of Potiphar has that hedonistic mentality, that she can be with whoever she desires, even though she is married. As we said last week, Gen 39:6 ends by saying “Now Joseph was well-built and handsome.” His appearance is supposed to be a blessing from God, but this wife of Potiphar sees it as an invitation to possess his beauty and use it for her own pleasure. Creation worshipping the created and leaving the Creator completely out of the picture. This is the sinful way. I pray God will open our eyes so that we do not make the same sinful mistakes that this wife of Potiphar attempts here.
Holy way. As I said before, Joseph knows who he is because of Whose he is and quickly states his reasons for refusing this wife of Potiphar. He is secure in his position in their household, understanding that Potiphar has trusted him with all his belongings. The only thing that was off limits was this wife of Potiphar. First, Joseph knows God created his body the way he did so that he may use it to glorify God. And so Joseph works hard and honorably to be a blessing to both his earthly and heavenly masters. Second, Joseph knows that God has created making love and knows this is only for holy matrimony. And so Joseph keeps himself pure until God brings him his own wife. It is for these reasons, and probably more, that Joseph cried out, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen 39:9b) You see, Joseph knows he would be disrespecting Potiphar, but he also knows what we sometimes forget: when we sin, we ultimately sin against God. (see Ps 51:4) Never forget God is our Master. And what a loving and gracious and gentle Master He is! We belong to Him and are meant to gratefully serve Him. This is what actually leads to the Abundant Life. When we seek God’s Will and obey it, we are blessed as we are being a blessing. Just like we are supposed to work “as unto the Lord,” we are supposed to do everything for His Glory. (see Col 3:23) What we think, how we feel, the things we desire, the way we act or react, even our appearance…all of these are meant to point our hearts, as well as that of others, up towards our Creator. The moment we turn inward and, for example, think evil thoughts about someone else, we are sinning against God. (see Mt 5:22) We are not obeying His command to love one another the way He has loved us. (see Jn 13:34) We must learn to hate sin with every fiber of our being. Listen to this great quote from Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, “Sin is against God, against his nature and his dominion, against his love, and his design. Those that love God, for this reason hate sin.” Disobedience is sin. And we must admit we sin every day, in countless ways. Thus God’s Grace! Can we see why it’s so Amazing!?! God forgives because He understands our fallen nature. Having become one of us, Jesus felt the pull towards Pride and the sin it causes, but leaning on the Holy Spirit, Jesus never fell for the enemy’s tricks. (see Heb 4:15) Jesus knows who He is because of Whose He is. Joseph has learned this vital lesson too. So when this wife of Potiphar comes, day after day, trying to tempt him, trying to get him to act Prideful thinking, “Why not?” Joseph refuses and chooses the holy way instead. I pray God will open our eyes so that we may know Whose we are and refuse to be anything less.
Self-serving way. It is admirable that Joesph knew this wife of Potiphar was so wicked, and possibly such a temptation, that he did not even want to be near her presence. (see Gen 39:10) She was relentless in her endeavor to get him into her bed and was insulted when he refused. She probably thought, “How dare this Hebrew slave reject me!” She became more and more determined to have her way, if not for the sexual pleasure, then just for the sake of her own Pride. Joseph continues to refuse, but moreover, he did all he could to not “even be with her.” (again see Gen 39:10) Here’s wisdom for today’s environment! In our “Me-too” culture, there have been many legitimate cases where justice was finally served. Yet there have also been many false accusations as well. It is godly wisdom never be alone with anyone you do not know well…how much less with someone you do not trust! Joseph had cause not to trust this wife of Potiphar and so he wisely kept his distance. We need to do the same. At one time I would have counseled that we never be alone with someone of the opposite sex…but sadly, in this day and age, we should never be alone with anyone, regardless of their gender. Accusations can ruin someone’s reputation and cause all sorts of heartbreak and grief. Families can be torn apart. Jobs can be lost. Positions can be taken away. And businesses can go bankrupt. It seems like this world’s media would give any insinuations front page headlines. But once those are revealed as lies, there is only a tiny blurb in some back page article notifying us of the truth. I heard of at least two celebrities who fell victim to this witch hunt, and even though they were rightfully acquitted, I am not sure they have recovered. What I am advocating is that we fiercely guard our reputation. Like with this wife of Potiphar, for selfish reasons, others may want to hurt us. If they think our righteousness keeps them from getting what they want, they will look for ways to destroy our godly influence. And if we are Christians, they will lie about some sin they claim we have committed, damaging our integrity. Being able to trust someone is such a fragile part of any relationship. Once we are seen as a fraud, it is very difficult to gain that confidence back. Joseph refuses to sin. Unfortunately, the wife of Potiphar chooses to follow the self-serving way. Yet Joseph does the right thing, over and over again, as he flees from this wife of Potiphar. I pray God will open our eyes so that we are aware when others are trying to ruin our reputation and flee from them also.
But God’s Way. As Joseph is simply going about his duties, he enters Potiphar’s house as he normally does. This time though, the wife of Potiphar is the only one in the house. She begins with her usual seductions, but once again, Joseph will have nothing to do with it. In his haste to run away from her, he leaves behind his cloak. Is it me or is this poor guy always getting into trouble because of his outer garments?! This wife of Potiphar, might not throw Joseph into a cistern like his brothers, but she does hatch a plan that gets him thrown into prison. As if being a slave was not tough enough! Potiphar comes home and hears her tale about how “That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.” (Gen 39:17-18) What is interesting is Potiphar’s reaction. While the Bible does not explain clearly what motivated Potiphar to “burn with anger,” there have been many compelling commentaries. Could Potiphar still not have trusted his Hebrew slave? After all, they were considered vile and lowly humans that Egyptians did not want to interact with. But that does not fit, because Potiphar had basically handed Joseph his entire estate. He saw, and acknowledged, how blessed he was because of Joseph. So I think this is more likely: Could Potiphar know his wife’s propensity to be unfaithful towards him? After all, the Bible does not say who Potiphar was angry with. And yes, while he does send Joseph away, he places him in the prison, “the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.” (Gen 39:20) According to many resources, this was more like being placed under house arrest while awaited trial. Listen to this commentary, “This was a very moderate punishment…. It is possible that Potiphar was not fully convinced of his wife’s chastity, and therefore did not place unlimited credence in what she said…. But even in that case it was the mercy of the faithful covenant God, which now as before (Genesis 37:20.) rescued Joseph’s life.” Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. Whatever his reasons, ultimately this was God’s hand in Joseph’s life. God continued to prepare Joseph for the high position He had in mind for Joseph, and was also positioning him to be able to enter that role. As I have said before, God’s Way is so very different than ours. Many times success comes out of what looks like failure. (Think The Cross here.) God takes Joseph out of Potiphar’s household, since while there, he has passed all the tests that came his way. Joseph did not try to escape his captivity. Joseph did serve this earthly master to his greatest ability and they both prospered. Joseph did not fall into the sexual temptation, displaying only Humility and not Pride. It was time for the next test. Now God lowered Joseph a bit further, but with the intent to watch him rise to the highest level. One step backwards, but two giant steps forward. This is what God had in mind. I am sure Joseph still remembers those dreams God had given him…and God remembers them too. Will Joseph continue to do his best wherever God plants him or will he crumble because of this new trial? Sometimes we suffer for doing the right thing. This certainly does NOT mean we ought to stop doing those right things. But the injustice can leave us questioning God. Our reality is we live in a fallen and corrupt world filled with selfish and broken people. Yet someone has to display the righteousness of God! This is what Joseph chooses to do, not matter what situation he finds himself in. Will we choose to do likewise? The Bible is always reminding us of two very powerful words: “But God!” Listen to the end of this chapter: “But while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those he held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success, in whatever he did.” (Gen 39:20b-23) Success. Knowing that God is with us…I mean REALLY knowing? That IS success. Whatever you are going through in life, be confident you are not alone. If you have surrendered your heart to Jesus as Lord and Savior, then be aware of His real Presence in and with you, no matter what is happening. Lean on His Grace so that He will give you strength to do all things. (Php 4:13) Seek His Wisdom to direct all your steps. (Pr 3:5-6) And even if you are falsely accused, trust God to avenge you and restore your reputation. (Ro 12:19) Life can be very challenging, BUT GOD! He makes all the difference. That has been, and continues to be my experience, and it also has made my life more peaceful, joyful and content. Want that too? Then won’t you join me?
Until we meet again, keep lifting your eyes to God, He’s closer than you think.
<>< Peace, Diane
