The Life Of Joseph - Part 2 Series

God was a part of Joseph’s life. He guided him, gave him an understanding of his new environment as well as an understanding of a new language. On top of all of that, He gave him favor in the eyes of the chief executioner, Potiphar. Clearly, God was the secret of Joseph’s success. Luck had nothing to do with it. And Joseph didn’t have to tell Potiphar that the Lord was with him, Potiphar could see it for himself. Joseph didn’t use his faith and spirituality as a tool to get benefits from his superior. Simply, because the Lord caused all that Joseph did to prosper, Joseph found favor in his sight. Scripture doesn’t say that Joseph asked favors from Potiphar, he found favor from Potiphar. God ordained, God’s timing, God’s plan for his life.

And as we follow the account of Genesis chapter 39, we find Joseph in a precarious position. Joseph has been placed in charge of everything, except of course, Potiphar’s wife. She sets her sight on him for whatever reason, and Joseph refuses her advances. Out of complete respect for Potiphar and a love for God, he says, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Yet, Potiphar’s wife continued day after day and Joseph never succumbed to this temptation. Finally, in a final effort, she approached Joseph when no one was around, and this time he fled. He ran into the street scripture says. In his haste to get away, he left his outer garment in her hand (you’d think he’d learn by now that coats would get him into trouble.) And then Potiphar’s wife sets him up, accusing him of approaching her, this ‘Hebrew servant’ Potiphar brought into their house. Chuck Swindoll says, “I read the Biblical account, and my heart goes out to Joseph. I think, ‘Oh, if there’s ever a time to reward this man Joseph, reward him now God. Reward him for saying no, day after day after day. Reward him for running instead of yielding.” But God is not through with him in God’s providence. God is not like us. He patiently and faithfully works in ways we would never understand or even choose at times. God sees beyond our situations and knows what needs to be done to accomplish His will for our lives. Certainly true with Joseph. This is but a blip on the radar in the long run. Therefore, God appears to be silent when Potiphar returns home.

More lies and accusations and Joseph ends up in prison, right where God wants him. We need to be careful how we interpret scripture, but I wonder about Potiphar’s decision to put Joseph in jail. According to Potiphar’s wife, Joseph has committed the ultimate break in trust between them, yet Potiphar sends him to prison. Remember, he is the chief executioner. Why wouldn’t he have Joseph put to death. That had to be a daily occurrence in Potiphar’s life. I believe he knew Joseph was not entirely guilty and there was more going on behind the scenes. Besides, God was just beginning to work in the life of Joseph.