Joseph: Part 2: Rise to Fame


11th in a series on how men and women in the Bible
deal with waiting, disappointment and unemployment
Joseph: Part 2: Rise to Fame
Reflections on Genesis 39-41


“A good man will do good wherever he is, and will be a blessing even in bonds and banishment; for the Spirit of the Lord is never bound nor banished.” Joseph had been sold as a slave by his brothers.  His arrogance and favoritism by his father had been his downfall.  The dreams God gave him were misunderstood.  What happened during this period to reform Joseph’s character?  How did he become the righteous man that we encounter in Potiphar’s house?

His life as a slave was so exemplary that he rose to prominence in the eyes of everyone who knew him.  His character as a righteous man grew in the midst of slavery which enabled him to become Potipar’s personal servant and head of household.  He wasn’t bad looking either.  This was something that Mrs. Potiphar took notice of and sought to seduce him.  It seemed that even though this was something Joseph could have gotten away with, he resisted for 4 reasons: It would have been a sin against his master, his mistress, himself and God.

Do we consider the ramifications of our actions when opportunities arise for us to benefit personally, financially or in status?  What enables us to do the right thing?  As a man of biblical faith, I have a concrete moral and ethical foundation on which I can lean when faced with any decision.  Without this grounding, I’m afraid I might do whatever felt right in the moment.  Isn’t this the predicament of our society?

But once again, Joseph is at the mercy of those in power.  His coat, in a deja vu sort-of-way, is stripped from him as he flees Potiphar’s wife.  Who’s going to believe the story of a slave?  So, he is thrown into prison where once again the Scriptures say, “But the Lord was with Joseph….”  Here he is the Warden’s #1 man.  Also, with God’s help, he interprets the dreams of the imprisoned Cupbearer and Baker.  Dreams which come true in a short amount of time.

But Joseph’s imprisonment doesn’t end quickly.  The Cupbearer forgets the one who prophesied his release until Pharaoh himself has a dream.  The Cupbearer remembers Joseph and he is called to Pharoah’s court where with God’s help, he interprets the dream.  And not only that, he casts a vision for its management, “So let the king choose a man who is very wise and understanding and set him over the land of Egypt.”  In Career Prospectors we often talk about the job interview as a time when, I as the job seeker, am seeking to solve the problems the employer has. 

With this wisdom and advice, Joseph, probably much to the chagrin of Mrs. Potiphar, rose to be Pharaoh’s #1 in all of Egypt.  

What principles can we glean from these passages?
  1. 0ur lives are not our own.  What we do impacts everyone around us.
  2. How do we handle hardship?  Blame or humility and acceptance?
  3. How do we measure up to the definition of integrity: Who are we when no one is looking?
  4. Are we prepared for God’s timing even when it seems contradictory to our own?
  5. Honor God above all else.  A biblical foundation will provide resources unparalleled in our world.

Respect for the Lord will teach you wisdom. If you want to be honored, you must be humble.
                                              Proverbs 15:33

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