(50.) “Joseph – Finding Favor”

Today, we see Joseph being carried down into Egypt. His journey from being the most beloved son of his father, Jacob, to a piece of merchandise being carried off into slavery only took moments.  His young life was truly turned upside down his hands tied to prevent escape, pulled along by the camel haired rope, led along like an animal, and made to walk for miles and miles.

I can only imagine the feelings of lost, the tears flowing down his face from a broken heart. Seeing him cry out, “ Surely, this is a mistake, someone is playing a cruel joke on me !“  But, these were Midianite merchants, with their own language.  Even if anyone understood his cries, what did it matter to them.  He had no rights. They had paid 20 shekels of silver for this young boy. (Gen. 37:24-28)

Once they reached Egypt, he was taken to the slave market to be sold. (Gen.37:36, 39:1- 20) One of Pharaoh’s officers, Potiphar, who was a captain of the guards bought Joseph. You would think that after all the difficult situations he found himself in, that he would be angry and hard to get along with.

But, what did Potiphar see concerning Joseph?

“His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did. “ (v. 3)

Now, can you see the “ favor “ God gave to Joseph ?

Potiphar entrusted Joseph with the care of all that was his, the house and all that he owned.  Everything Joseph did prospered, good came forth, and blessings poured out. As he faithfully served his master and laid his hands to do the work, things thrived and flourished, excellence showed forth in all that he did.

“ Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with (all) thy might ……” (Ecl.9:10)

“Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of honor, that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed,“ (1 Tim. 6:1)

When Potiphar’s wife tried daily to entice him to sin with her, we truly see the character of Joseph.  When she trapped him to force herself on him, Joseph took  courageous action, he continued to reject and run from sin, even when this led to being falsely accused and sent to prison.

“ But, he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.  Flee fornication…….Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you……therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s “. (1 Cor. 6:17-20)

What does this reveal to us about his heart condition?

At some point in his life, he had made a decision to live an upright and pure life before the Lord. His heart was committed and consecrated to live this God pleasing life, no matter what.

May you and I walk before the Lord, as Joseph did:

“ Be sober, be vigilant “! ! !    

Why?

“ Our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion  is walking about seeking whom he can devour.”

Let us continually, “Resist steadfast in the faith .”  (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Vigilantly walking after the Lord,

Tricia Cook