By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Tempted
Genesis 39:3–12, 19–21
Successful (3–6a)
Although hated, abandoned and sold into slavery by his brothers, the Scripture declares that “the Lord was with Joseph.” The theological centerpiece of the story is God, who was present and working on Joseph’s behalf. During the most uncertain time of Joseph’s life the eternal, faithful, covenant-keeping God of Israel was at work to fulfill His promises through Joseph.
In Potiphar’s house with the Egyptian culture and idolatry dwarfing him, Joseph was not alone. The Lord was with him to effect a mighty work for His covenant people and the blessing of the world.
Because of the Lord’s favor upon Joseph his work ethic did not go unnoticed. Potiphar could see something special in Joseph and promoted him from a lowly personal slave to the supervisor of his entire estate.
With Joseph in charge Potiphar prospered. The Lord blessed Potiphar’s house for Joseph’s sake, just as He had blessed Laban’s house because of Jacob.
Joseph made the best of his circumstances while remaining faithful to God, and God blessed him for it. He could have become angry and bitter toward God, but he continued trusting God and believing God’s promises.
Tempted (6b–12)
Joseph was at the pinnacle in Potiphar’s house. There was no doubt God was with him. Young, successful and extremely handsome, he caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife. She tempted him sexually.
The rationalizations were easy and logical. His hormones would have been at full force. He deserved it. No one would ever find out. As a slave his life was not his own. Sexual promiscuity was a daily part of slaveholding households. And by giving in to Potiphar’s wife, he could enhance his career. What could be so wrong with a little “strategic adultery”? These were powerful, reasonable rationalizations.
Potiphar’s wife was relentless in pursuing Joseph, but Joseph did not give in to her constant sexual advances. Joseph refused to sin against the trust given him, the woman’s husband and God.
Joseph was faithful in all his relationships. He viewed his moral life as a unified, integrated whole. His faithfulness helped him reject this powerful temptation. We must understand that “little” sins lead to “big” sins, and Joseph was not about to compromise.
The greatest deterrent keeping Joseph from yielding to Potiphar’s wife’s advances was his awareness that God was with him. Joseph knew that God sees everything.
A sin no one knows about, committed behind closed doors in a dark room, is seen by the holy God. No one ever sins and gets by with it. Every sin will either be pardoned in Christ or punished in hell. And God does not overlook one sin.
Favored (19–21)
Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife and her sexual advances, but he left his garment in her hand as he quickly escaped. She fabricated a story and shifted the blame.
Potiphar responded in anger but did not have Joseph executed. Instead he imprisoned him where the king’s prisoners were confined. But Joseph was never separated from God’s presence or mercy.
Even in the prison the Lord was with him. Joseph experienced grace, receiving a position of trust and authority.
Joseph could not understand what God was at work doing in and through his life. Understanding can wait but obedience cannot.
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