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GENESIS 39–40; PSALM 22

Week 3, Day 5

Joseph the dreamer must now see his dreams broken and delayed. At first all goes well: “The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man” (39:2). But his very success and his being “handsome and goodlooking” make him attractive to Potiphar’s wife. Joseph is admirable in resisting her enticing, and his reasons are admirable. He feels a debt to his master and he knows that if he were to lie with his mistress it would be a “sin against God” (39:8-9). He has obligations to both God and society, and he means to fulfill them.

But in doing so he loses his position and, even worse, is thrown into prison. Doing what is right does not necessarily bring immediate reward. Perhaps not even on this earth, else what’s a heaven for? Even in prison Joseph’s character and God’s blessing combine for achievement; he is soon as trusted there as he was in Potiphar’s house. A wise writer will say later that if people’s ways please the Lord, even their enemies will be at peace with them (Proverbs 16:7). Joseph seems to demonstrate the point, and when the opportunity comes to exercise his gift of insight through the dreams of his fellow prisoners, Joseph’s future seems very hopeful.

But it is not to be so easy. “The chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him” (40:23). Sometimes faith shows itself best by our waiting.

PRAYER: If at times, O Lord, I am disappointed in life and in people, grant me the faith to hold steady; to your glory. Amen.

Joseph’s integrity in his conduct with his employer’s wife brings demotion and imprisonment. Recall some incidents, from history or from personal knowledge, where right conduct brought pain or loss.