The Eternal Example of Joseph from Gen. 39:6-9
Pastor Brad Abley: Biblical Educator
From the Life of Joseph: It always pays to Trust God!
Pastor’s Corner
Gensis 39 : 6-9
6 So he left everything he owned in Joseph’s charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate.
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”
8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge.
9 There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?”
Pastor Brad writes…
There are many vital lessons to glean from the above story. The woman who tempted Joseph is a representative of the ways of this world system. She wanted to please herself; Joseph wanted to please God.
She had no self-control; Joseph exercised the fruit of the Spirit of self-control. She lived for the moment; Joseph lived for eternity.
She ruled herself; Joseph was freer; God ruled him (cf. John 8:31-32). She went down an infamy; Joseph’s trust in God has blessed the world for 3,000 years. Joseph practiced Prov. 25:28; 2 Tim. 2:22. Perhaps Solomon and Paul were thinking of Joseph when they wrote these verses.
The woman said, “But no one will ever know!” But Joseph said, “God will know and that is all that is important to me.” That statement enraged her, but it brought glory and honor to God.
Joseph understood the best definition of integrity: What one does in private will determine his or her character in public.
Joseph stands in contrast to many in Scripture who began well but failed to meet the challenge to end well. For example, Samson lived to gratify the flesh and it ended badly for him (Judges 16:23-31).
Joseph forsook self-gratification in favor of God glorification. Instead of living for the moment, Joseph made a future for all who will follow his example.
Joseph may have had his coat of royalty stolen from him by his own brothers (Gen. 37:3, 23), but they could not steal his identity. He found that identity in God, who was already at work to exalt Joseph, albeit through severe testing.
In Gen. 39:9, Joseph may have lost another royal robe, but he did not lose his character. Joseph wisely opted for integrity instead of deadly compromise.
Joseph knew and lived out Heb. 11:25 (cf. Rom. 6:23) and he has been a tower of inspiration to multiplied millions for 3,000 years. It always pays to trust God. Blessing always follows obedience.
Pastor’s Corner
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