Joseph Shows Us How to Live Upright
Jacob is living in the land of Canaan. Joseph is now 17 years old (Gen. 37:2). Joseph was pasturing the flock of his dad with his brothers, his half-brothers. Due to envy (vs 11), his brothers sell him into slavery.
In the house of Pharaoh’s chief steward, Joseph finds himself in an unbelieving world, surrounded by idols and pagans. Even Pharaoh, himself, is supposed to be a “god.” But, observe Joseph’s prosperity.
Beginning in 39:2, in this precarious situation in Potiphar’s employment, the Bible says the Lord was with Joseph – twice in verse 3, twice in verse 5, three times in verse 21, and twice again in verse 23. That is the theology of the life of Joseph and the overall life of Israel and – through Jesus Christ – the theology of the life of the Christian – “the Lord is with us.” This answers the promise of God to the patriarchs – 26:3, 24; 28:15; 31:3. This chapter is, perhaps, the most uncertain moment in the life of Joseph. Yet, God is with him.
Why? There are two main reasons we understand God blessed Joseph and they are both related to Joseph’s attitude toward God. First, when Potiphar’s wife tried to commit adultery with Joseph, he begins by saying he has an obligation to his employer. Joseph was a man of integrity. He was trustworthy. But a big part of Joseph’s response is in verse 10 – “How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?”
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In verse 10, Joseph would not “lie beside her or be with her.” Joseph was trying to avoid her presence at all costs! Compare 2 Cor. 6:14ff; 1 Cor. 15:33. Joseph was not being reckless nor provocative. He was trying not to give her any motivation to continue her advances! Eventually, of course, Joseph was thrown into prison where – incidentally – God continued to bless him.
How do we live upright in an upside down world? We stay true to Christian principles, regardless of the outcome! Stay faithful unto death and you’ll receive a crown of righteousness (Rev. 2:10).
The second reason why God blessed Joseph is found in his response to the chief butler and baker and Pharaoh himself relative to the dreams each had. Joseph gives God the glory for the ability to interpret these dreams (40:8). He does the same with Pharaoh – the one who thinks he is a god (41:16, 25, 28, 32). Joseph is not afraid, in the court of a non-believing Egyptian to speak of his God.
How do we live upright in an upside down world? We remember that all good gifts and every perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights in whom there is neither change nor shadow cast by turning (James 1:17).
–Paul Holland
