Presence in Peril (Genesis 39)
We welcome Mr. Roy Kim to our pulpit this Sunday.
Genesis 39 tells the story of Joseph in Potiphar’s house. Joseph experiences blessing, but also hardship. Joseph’s travel down to Egypt was an act of betrayal. His brothers sold him to Ishmaelites as a slave. His brothers were jealous of Joseph. He had the coat that celebrated his favored status. Joseph did not have to get his hands dirty in the family business. He was merely sent to check on his brothers rather than help his brothers. We can understand how his brothers were overcome with rage. However, this does not give them any right to kidnap and sell their brother into slavery.
Joseph ends up in Egypt. Moses, the narrator, tells us by the Holy Spirit, “the Lord was with Joseph.” God blesses Joseph’s work, gives him favor, and prospers all that he does. It would seem that Joseph would have an easy life. However, this is not the case. Potipher’s wife tempts him to sin. Joseph refuses to give in to her seduction. His reason is that he truly does worship his God even in the midst of this trial. Joseph says, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
Unfortunately, this does not lead Joseph to enjoy greater blessing. No, his righteous refusal results in false accusations against him. Potipher’s wife decides to cover her tracks by claiming Joseph made unwanted advances. Joseph ends up in prison. One would think that the Lord could not protect him in Egypt or in prison. However, Moses assures us, “the Lord was with Joseph.” Joseph experiences hardship and abandonment, and it seems he will just rot in prison. However, the Lord is always with him. One thing we learn is that we should not measure God’s love by our circumstances or material blessings, but trust him even when his providence is hidden.
Ultimately, Joseph points us beyond himself to Jesus Christ, the better Joseph. Like Joseph, Jesus was the righteous one who suffered unjustly. But Christ willingly entered our fallen world, perfectly resisted sin, endured perverted justice, went to the cross, and rose again to accomplish salvation for his people. And unlike Joseph, whose experience of God’s presence was seen throughout his trials, Christians have Christ with them now by his Holy Spirit. We must remember that we are never alone. God could protect Joseph in a foreign land and a dark place. God is with his people. We must see that Christ is with his people, and God's purposes cannot be thwarted.