TURNING ADVERSITY TO ADVANTAGE (PART 2) – JOSEPH, FROM SLAVE TO STEWARD

Dear Members in Christ,

Turning adversity to advantage (Part 2) – Joseph, from slave to steward

Adverse circumstances in our lives are unavoidable, and sometimes beyond our control. A sudden economic turn resulting in business closures and job losses, an illness, or changes in our regional security because of tussles between superpowers. The man Joseph was sold as a slave into Egypt, yet the Lord saw to it to save him and even exalted him in the household of an officer of the Pharaoh, a man named Potiphar. The Bible tells us that Potiphar made Joseph an overseer in his household, a position such as a chief steward, a position of trust.

“And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.” Genesis 39:4

Despite being almost killed by his hate-filled and envious brothers, Joseph now experiences the gracious hand of God. Instead of being a slave for menial labour, Joseph is now in a respectable position in life, a man trusted with the household matters of an officer of Pharoah. God is no debtor to any man, the believer that is faithful to the Lord will not fear whatever circumstances that come his way. The believer is unafraid because he knows God’s sovereignty will work out in any event in his life for God’s purpose and glory. Looks like the Hebrew slave boy sold into Egypt has struck windfall in Potiphar’s house. What else can go wrong?

A. Joseph was held in esteem in Potiphar’s house because God blessed him

God can prosper the faithful even when the circumstances look dire. The promotion of Joseph given by Potiphar was also God’s doing. Even Potiphar, an Egyptian could see that “the LORD was with him” (Genesis 39:3). It was this assessment that let Potiphar entrust all he had in Joseph’s hands. 

“And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.” Genesis 39:5,6

The Bible explains that Potiphar had no cause for concern over any matter, and he entrusted all things into Joseph’s hands. Potiphar had only to think about his own meals or “save the bread which he did eat”, a phrase to mean that he had no cares at all, for Joseph took care of everything else.

Now the Bible says that “Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured”. He was good looking, and that was to be the cause of his next set of troubles. Potiphar’s wife had other design on Joseph. “And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.” (Genesis 39:7). In the midst of prosperity hides adversity! If Joseph had fallen to Mrs. Potiphar’s lure, it would have been disastrous but God gave him strength to flee temptation. Centuries later, the apostle Paul wrote the divine solution to temptation to lust which is, “flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

B.  Good beginning, yet another calamity is about to befall Joseph

Despite the temptress’ urging and persistent enticement, Joseph stood firm in his faith to stay pure. The Bible tells us in Genesis 39:8 “But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand.” When temptation is strongest, God can prevent us from falling into sin. Potiphar’s wife constantly tried to seduce Joseph, but Joseph remembered not to sin against God. He very wisely said,

“There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9

From his response, it is clear that Joseph knew that adultery is a “great wickedness”, and it is a “sin against God”. We must walk close to God so that we do not stray into the path of sin. How insidious it is for the Evil One to tempt the saints to fall into sin! Joseph was steadfast in his faith, he knew that whatever the pleasures; holiness with God is the path to communion with God and therefore the way to blessings. We know that Joseph was imprisoned as a result of a false accusation by the wife of Potiphar. A disaster it seems, but God has His way – this was going to lead to Joseph’s exaltation to the highest office second only to Pharaoh.

Dearly beloved, let us be steadfast as the biblical examples of faithful men (and women) in the Bible has shown. May God bless and strengthen each of us to remain steadfast and unwavering, that we do not fall into temptation of the flesh. May God help us. Amen.     

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor