Reflecting the Image

Scripture:

Genesis 39:19–23

Genesis 39:19 When his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, saying, “This is the way your servant treated me,” he became enraged. 20 And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; he remained there in prison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love; he gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. 22 The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison, and whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. 23 The chief jailer paid no heed to anything that was in Joseph’s care because the Lord was with him, and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper. (NRSVUE)

Observation:

Joseph had been sold into slavery by his older brothers. His first assignment was to work for Potiphar, and there he grew into a capable and dependable young man, eventually given responsibility for the entire household.

The scene we read above comes immediately after Potiphar’s wife has tried to seduce Joseph and he has refused. In her anger and frustration, she falsely accuses Joseph, and he is thrown into prison.

So far, Joseph’s life has been very difficult. He has been betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and now imprisoned. Yet somehow, he doesn’t allow his circumstances to determine the kind of person he will become.

Even in prison, Joseph continues to serve faithfully and work diligently.

The key may be found in one simple sentence:

“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love.”

God had not abandoned Joseph in prison.

One can imagine that, little by little, Joseph was given greater responsibilities within the prison. Time and again, he proved himself capable and dependable. Eventually, the chief jailer placed all the other prisoners under Joseph’s care, and whatever needed to be done, Joseph did it.

Think about that! A prisoner had effectively been given responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the prison.

And Joseph didn’t simply do the work—he did it well. So well, in fact, that the chief jailer no longer needed to concern himself with anything placed in Joseph’s care.

The circumstances were terrible.

Joseph remained faithful.

And the Lord was with him.

Application:

When things aren’t going well in life, it’s easy to make excuses or find places to lay blame. Joseph helps us see another way.

Even when he found himself in circumstances he had never chosen and certainly didn’t deserve, he continued to be faithful with what was placed before him.

I think the key to all of this is buried in verse 21:

“But the Lord was with Joseph.”

Joseph’s circumstances had changed dramatically, but God’s presence had not.

The Lord was with Joseph, and Joseph experienced God’s steadfast love. But Joseph was not passive in that relationship. He continued to walk with the Lord, responding faithfully to God’s presence and grace. God was steadfast toward Joseph, and Joseph chose to remain steadfast toward God.

And the same Lord wants to be with us today.

The Lord wants us to experience His steadfast love.

The Lord is waiting to spend time with us today.

The Lord wants to share His wisdom with us.

And then He sends us out to be faithful with whatever He has placed before us.

A number of years ago, I heard a friend quoting Dr. Paul Bassett, the great church historian who taught at Nazarene Theological Seminary. He was talking about the importance of living the holy life, but with this caveat:

“Holiness shabby is still shabby.”

I’ve never forgotten that.

In other words, don’t try to make something sound good by calling it holy if you’re unwilling to work hard and give it your best.

Holiness shouldn’t make us careless about our work. Quite the opposite. If everything we do is offered to God, then the way we do ordinary things becomes part of our worship.

Joseph wasn’t where he wanted to be.

He wasn’t doing the job he would have chosen.

He had every reason to complain about the injustice of his circumstances.

But the Lord was with Joseph, and Joseph faithfully did the work that was before him—and he did it well.

Maybe that’s the word for today.

No matter the circumstances—do it well.

Not because the circumstances are good.

Not because the work is glamorous.

Not because anyone will notice.

But because the Lord is with us.

Prayer:

Lord, please help me not to make excuses, but to serve You faithfully in the work You have placed before me. May the labors of my hands and heart be pleasing to You, no matter the circumstances. Amen.