Genesis 39

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What a roller-coaster! Joseph was in a pit in Chapter 37 and sold as a slave. He rises to becoming the overseer of Potiphar's household and then his life takes an extreme nose-dive as he is falsely convicted of sexual assault. This lands him in the king's prison where he ascends again to a position of responsibility – being in charge of the other prisoners. (see Genesis 39)
 
How long did this whole process? We don't know. The text tells it in a very succinct manner.

How does Joseph feel through all this? We don't know that either. The text doesn't tell us. It focuses on something else: the LORD's presence with Joseph and the success he experiences because of God's blessing.

When I read through Genesis 39, I noticed that “The LORD” is mentioned 6 times by the narrator and “God” is spoken of once by Joseph (39:9). So I looked back at Chapter 37. Interestingly, there is no mention of God in Chapter 37. That's when Joseph is living as the favoured son among the family of Jacob (also known as Israel) and yet God is not acknowledged. But, when Joseph is taken captive to a foreign land, the LORD's presence becomes central to the story. The narrator is determined to let the readers know that it is because of the LORD that Joseph is blessed. Hear the refrain in the passage:

“the LORD was with him and.... gave him success in everything he did.” (39:3)
“the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” (39:23)

I find this encouraging – that the LORD's presence in adversity can turn a situation around. But it is to be taken as normative? Should we expect that God will bless us and grant us favour in the eyes of our owners and prison wardens? And maybe here is the thing to note as we seek application to our lives from that of Joseph: our situations aren't exactly the same as Joseph's and walking with God is not formulaic. God is free to act. We don't know what His will is in all circumstances. But we do know who He is.... “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Exodus 34:6)

As you follow Him through all of life's twists and turns, through all the highs and lows, this is Who is with you. May you experience His presence and blessing day by day.




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