Gen 39:1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of the Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites….
The story of Joseph seems to be a story of faithfulness—both Joseph’s and God’s. Joseph has been wrongfully sold into slavery by his brothers, wrongfully accused of sexual advances by his master’s wife, wrongfully imprisoned because of those false charges. By human standards, he has every right to be angry because what keeps happening to him is not fair. But he remains faithful and finds a way to serve God, even in his unpleasant circumstances.
Gen 40:2-3 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and put them in custody…in the same prison where Joseph was confined.
In Genesis 40, I am reminded again and again of Isaiah 43:19 (…Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness…) and Romans 8:28 (…in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him….). Potiphar, the master whose wife falsely accused Joseph, is the captain of the guard in the prison where he is housed. He shows Joseph kindness and favor while he is imprisoned, showing that he did not believe his wife’s charges against him. And with the addition of the chief cupbearer and chief baker, God is continuing to put things in place to move Joseph where He, God, can powerfully use him.
Gen 40:4a The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are with us always, even when our circumstances are unpleasant, unfair, or unbearable, even when we feel alone. Thank You that You can use all things for our good and Your glory and for continuing to make a way in our circumstances. Help us to trust and obey. Draw us closer. Amen.
Gen 40:4b-5 After they had been in custody for some time, each of the two men…had a dream the same night.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.