July 15, 2013
Genesis 39-Part 3
But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Genesis 39:23
LET IT GLOW
There is a lady in our state that ministers to women in prison. She knows what they need
and how to provide it. That's because she once was there herself. Now God uses those
experiences to draw others to Him. She is one of our state missionaries. She never expected
her life to turn out like this, but she is so happy to serve her Savior where He sends.
We can be in our own prison-prison of bitterness, anger, disappointment. Only Jesus can
set us free. Will you turn to Him today? Our study tells us of Joseph who was put into
prison for something he didn't do. How did he react?
We left Joseph being put into the king's prison because Mrs. Potiphar lied about him. She tried to seduce the young man into her bed of sin, but he refused the first time and fled the second time. However, she grabbed his coat and everyone believed her story. Joseph didn't try to have his way with her, it was the other way around.
Here is what Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament has to say about the situation:
Not only was Joseph able to control his appetites, but he was also able to control his tongue; for he did not argue with the officers or expose the lie Potiphar's wife was spreading about him. Control of the tongue is a mark of spiritual maturity (James 3). It is likely that Potiphar was the captain of the guards in charge of prisoners; he may even have been the chief executioner. At any rate, he saw to it that Joseph was put in the king's prison (verse 20), and Joseph's faithfulness and devotion again brought him favor with the officers. "The Lord was with Joseph" is the key to his success (32:2, 5, 21). Joseph had to suffer as a prisoner for at least two years, and probably longer.
So what is the exciting thing about this occurrence? [Our main character of the story (which actually happened) is in prison.]
- The LORD was with Joseph.
- God showed Joseph mercy (chesed in Hebrew), which means favor, loving kindness.
- God gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
- Joseph was put in charge of all the prisoners in the king's prison.
- That which Joseph did, the LORD made it to prosper.
prison? Do we set aside alone time with God daily? How do we react to people who have
been or are in prison? Do we know people who are in a prison of their own choosing? Where sin has them bound? Jesus can set them free.
LET IT GROW
The death penalty for adultery may not have applied to a charge of attempted
adultery, attempted seduction or rape (verses 14,18), so Potiphar consigned Joseph
to the prison reserved for royal servants, from where in the providence of God, he
would be summoned into Pharaoh's presence and begin the next stage of his life
(chapters 40 & 41). (MacArthur)
Potiphar could have killed Joseph on the spot, but instead chose to have him put in
Pharaoh's prison. I don't think he totally believed his wife, but he could not very well do nothing.
(Dick Kelsey)
God faithfully demonstrates His loyalty to His people. God had saved Joseph, and now
He was being faithful to His covenant with Joseph by giving him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. When we make positive, difficult decisions to live according to God's standards, he will remain faithful to us and meet our needs. (Falwell)
The keeper of the prison recognized Joseph's loyalty in service, as did Potiphar. This guy
put Joseph in charge of his prison. The warden put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners
there, to the extent that whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it (verse 21).
Verse 23 c says, that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
Do we ask the Lord to lead us, bless our work, prosper it for His glory?
LET IT GO
I am trusting God for the outcome of my situation. He is in charge, our Sovereign God,
All-powerful.
Seek God's plans, then follow them.
Let go of the past and walk with Jesus today.
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