Category: Uncategorized

⁵ “And one night they both dreamed—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison—each his own dream, and each dream with its own interpretation. ⁶ When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. ⁷ So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, “Why are your faces downcast today?” ⁸ They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” (Genesis 40:5–8 (ESV)

The story of Joseph’s journey involved a series of personal dreams (Gen. 37:5-11). It is ironic that while he languished in an Egyptian prison for some time, another series of dreams would occur. These dreams did not belong to Joseph, but rather to Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker (Gen.40:1-4). They both were bound and fettered like Joseph (Gen.39:20; 40:3-5). They too had dreams like Joseph.  

Today’s text says that both of Pharaoh’s servants had a dream on the same night. The text continues to say that each man dreamt his own dream. Additionally, each dream had its own interpretation or meaning.

When Joseph approached them the next morning to attend to their needs (Gen. 40:4), he noticed that they both were troubled. Why, he did not know. The word troubled means to be dejected and discouraged. Their faces reflected their anguish.

. ⁶ When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. ⁷ So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, “Why are your faces downcast today?” The word downcast means to be sad or depressed.

” ⁸ They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” They were not only depressed by their dreams, but also because there was no one they knew who could interpret their dreams.

“And Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me’.”

Dr. John Walvoord explains, “Joseph noticed their sadness and agreed to interpret their dreams. He understood their dreams to be from God and realized that God was beginning to work His will through two more dreams.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul states, “In prison, these officials do not have access to professional interpreters, and so they are troubled with uncertainty (v. 6). Their attendant Joseph quickly notices their worry and learns what is behind their troubles (vv. 7–8a). His reply reveals the strength of his faith and his spiritual maturity. He has spent years waiting for his lot to improve, but Joseph still believes God is with him and will give him the meanings of the dreams. Thus, he confidently asks to hear them. Also, Joseph explicitly declares that the interpretation of dreams comes by the Lord’s inspiration (v. 8b). In his younger years, Joseph proudly paraded his interpretive abilities (37:5–11). Having been humbled in prison, Joseph now affirms his talent is a gift from on high.”

Even while suffering in prison, Joseph’s empathy for the cupbearer and baker prompted him to inquire about their depressed emotional state (40:6–7). The LORD expects such compassion of His people (Col. 3:12). Even Jesus came to empathize with us in our weaknesses (Heb. 2:18; 4:14–16). We must do so for others.  

Soli deo Gloria!     

“Some time after this…,” (Genesis 40:1a)

The first part of Joseph’s story involves a period of thirteen years (Gen.37:1; 41:46). Joseph spent a large portion of those years in either slavery or imprisonment in Egypt. These facts raise some questions in my mind.

I wonder what Joseph was thinking during this time? Did he doubt God? Did he ask God why He allowed his brothers to do what they did to him (Gen. 37:12-36)? Did he question why, after doing the right thing, Potiphar had him imprisoned (Gen.39:1-23). Did he consider why the LORD would permit all this to happen?

I also wonder what Joseph was feeling? Was he embittered towards his brothers? Was he angry at God for all that occurred? Did Joseph become angry at himself? After all, what did doing the right thing with Potiphar’s wife gain him? On the surface at least, it resulted in him receiving a lengthy prison sentence.

Finally, I wonder how Joseph’s thinking and emotions impacted his decisions. We are able to discern to some extent how Joseph thought and felt because of what he did. Joseph’s actions speak loud and clear of his commitment to, trust in, dependence upon and worship of the One, True God. Joseph consistently did what was right and consequently honored the LORD (Gen. 39:1-10; 19-23).

It is one thing to fervently serve the Lord when life is going well. These are times of enthusiasm and excitement. It is another thing entirely when God calls you to serve Him in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

I Peter 1:3-9 says, “³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”  

During the difficult times of life, it can be easy to question and doubt the Lord. It can also be easy to become embittered. Our anger towards life’s circumstances may result in our becoming angry at other people and ultimately angry at God. I have witnessed people in this so-called prison. It is not a pretty sight to behold. It can become a spiritual captivity just as binding as a physical imprisonment.

Dr. John Walvoord explains, “Joseph would not throw away God’s blessings for the pleasures of sin. Nor was he troubled because he suffered for his faithfulness. God would ultimately honor him as He had promised.”

God did not forsake Joseph in the midst of conflict, and He does not forsake His children today. This includes godly leaders who are currently in the midst of conflict. He has a purpose and a plan for each leader and uses conflict for a greater purpose than one’s immediate comfort and prosperity.

What was God’s purpose for Joseph’s life? At this particular time Joseph had no way of knowing that God would use prison to prepare him for even greater responsibilities. At this point in his life, all Joseph could do was trust God. God was all he had. God was all he needed.

Soli deo Gloria!  

“Sometime after this, the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker committed an offense against their lord the king of Egypt. ² And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, ³ and he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined. ⁴ The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be with them, and he attended them. They continued for some time in custody.” (Genesis 40:1–4 (ESV)

Today’s text begins with the phrase ““Sometime after this.” Moses does not tell us how long Joseph was in prison prior to the events of Genesis 40. All we know for certain was that he was in prison and he was serving the Lord (Gen. 39:19-23).

Puritan John Bunyan spent twelve years imprisoned in Bedford County Gaol for his biblical preaching. In prison, Bunyan had a copy of the Bible and of John Foxe‘s Book of Martyrs, and writing materials. He also had at times the company of other preachers who had been imprisoned. It was in Bedford Gaol that Bunyan wrote Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. He alsobegan work on The Pilgrim’s Progress as well as several tracts. He was chosen as pastor of the Bedford Meeting, which was a gathering of prisoners for worship. The Pilgrim’s Progress was not published until some years after his release.

The point of comparison is that God uses His chosen people to serve Him where and when He chooses. Even if the field of ministry is within prison cell. This was certainly true with respect to the Apostle Paul (Acts 28:16-31).

Genesis 40:3 refers to Joseph being confined. The word confined (a-sur) means to be tied up and bound. It was not an easy time for the Patriarch.

Psalm 105:16-19, in reference to Joseph, says, “¹⁶ When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, ¹⁷ he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. ¹⁸ His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; ¹⁹ until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.”

It was during this indefinite period of time that Pharaoh became angry with two of his officers: the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. The text does not provide any reason for Pharaoh’s anger. The chief cupbearer was in charge of all aspects of the king’s beverages. This included not only quality control but also to ensure none of Pharaoh’s drinks were poisonous. The chief baker was in charge of all of the king’s meals. He also made sure Pharaoh’s food was not tampered.

Genesis 40:4 says, “The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be with them, and he attended them. They continued for some time in custody.”

The chief cupbearer and chief baker may be fellow prisoners, but the captain of the guard appoints Joseph to attend, or serve, both of them. This would be the perspective of the lesser serving the greater.

Dr. R .C. Sproul writes, “Though time in prison could make anyone discouraged, Joseph does not waver from his consistent service. No matter the work he was given to do — overseer of the prison or attendant to the cupbearer and baker — Joseph continued to serve others and wait on the Lord. We should expect nothing less since patience has always been a distinguishing mark of God’s people (Gal. 5:22). Do you patiently wait for our Father to act or do you try to force His hand?”

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!    

We will continue to devote each Lord’s Day weekend in 2022 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Twenty Two: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows. Part 4.

7. No man may vow to do anything forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein commanded, or which is not in his own power, and for the performance whereof he hath no promise or ability from God.^a In which respect, Popish monastical vows of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself.^b

a. Num 30:5, 8, 12-13; Mark 6:26; Acts 23:12, 14. • b. Mat 19:11-12; 1 Cor 7:2, 9, 23; Eph 4:28; 1 Pet 4:2.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

Soli deo Gloria!

We will continue to devote each Lord’s Day weekend in 2022 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Twenty Two: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows. Part 3.

5. A vow is of the like nature with a promissory oath, and ought to be made with the like religious care, and to be performed with like faithfulness.^a

a. Isa 19:21; Psa 61:8; 66:13-14; Eccl 5:4-6.

6. It is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone:^a and that it may be accepted, it is to be made voluntarily, out of faith and conscience of duty, in way of thankfulness for mercy received, or for the obtaining of what we want; whereby we more strictly bind ourselves to necessary duties, or to other things, so far and so long as they may fitly conduce thereunto.^b

a. Psa 76:11; Jer 44:25-26. • b. Gen 28:20-22; Deut 23:21, 23; 1 Sam 1:11; Psa 50:14; 66:13-14; 132:2-5.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁹ “As soon as his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, “This is the way your servant treated me,” his anger was kindled. ²⁰ And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. ²¹ But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. ²² And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. ²³ The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.” (Genesis 39:19–23 (ESV)

I submit to you the following observations from today’s text. Consider them, if you please.

First, why didn’t Potiphar execute Joseph? If he believed his wife enough to place Joseph in prison for attempted rape, why not complete the task of retribution by executing him? Historically, the normal punishment for rape or attempted rape in Egypt was execution. However, this was not the fate Joseph received after being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39:11–18). 

Second, even though Joseph was once again a prisoner, the LORD blessed him (Gen. 39:21). Believers in Christ often equate God’s blessings in their lives by their circumstances rather than in spite of their circumstances. Although Joseph was in prison, with seemingly no hope of ever getting out of prison, the LORD not only showed him His sovereign and steadfast love, but also favor with the keeper of the prison.

Third, God’s blessings upon Joseph were in the midst of his prison trial and not the immediate removal of his prison trial. God may choose to place us in trials for our overall benefit and His overall glory (I Peter 1:6-7). The believer in Christ is to count it all joy, even when life is hard (James 1:1-5).

Fourth, Joseph exhibited leadership qualities in whatever situation he found himself. Joseph became in charge of all the other prisoners. The keeper of the prison delegated that responsibility to Joseph. Why did this happen? The text reveals that it was because the LORD was with Joseph and He made everything Joseph did succeed (Gen. 39:1-2).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Yet we should not think Joseph’s life in prison was easy. In all likelihood, Jacob’s favorite son was confined to a fortress where he would have been subjected to forced labor. Yet again he was persecuted for doing the right thing and serving his master (37:12–28; 39:6b–18), giving us an important theological lesson for our day. Unfortunately, many believers have been deceived into thinking that God never desires for His children to suffer and that to endure a hardship like sickness or poverty necessarily means the victim has a weak faith. The story of Joseph reminds us unjust suffering is often our path to the blessings God wants to shower on us, just as it was for Christ (Isa. 53; Phil. 2:5–11). In many ways, his imprisonment at the hands of his brothers prepared Joseph for his time in the king’s prison.”

Proverbs 24:16 says, “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” The righteous may suffer many adversities, yet God vindicates them.

One commentator explains, “As God’s holy people, we are not free from suffering and failure, but we alone have the hope the Lord will raise us up again to great blessings, both now and in the age to come. How are you suffering today? Do you face illness, failed plans, or hostility? Trust again in God’s goodness, for He will most certainly raise you up in His time.”

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶ “Then she laid up his garment by her until his master came home, ¹⁷ and she told him the same story, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to laugh at me. ¹⁸ But as soon as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me and fled out of the house. ¹⁹ As soon as his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, “This is the way your servant treated me,” his anger was kindled. ²⁰ And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. But the LORD was with Joseph.” (Genesis 39:16–21a (ESV)

Proverbs 6:32–35 (ESV) says, “³² He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. ³³ He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. ³⁴ For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. ³⁵ He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts.”

It has been written, “Those that have broken the bonds of modesty will never be held by the bonds of truth.” Joseph maintained his modesty towards Potiphar’s wife and therefore held to the bonds of God’s truth. However, she did not. Potiphar’s wife lacked sense in her desire to commit adultery. Her behavior should have immediately brought her dishonor and disgrace.

To further compound her sin of adultery, she lied to Potiphar about Joseph. Potiphar reacted as most husbands would. He became angry. The Hebrew word for kindled means to become enraged and strongly displeased. Potiphar took Joseph and put him into the prison. The word prison literally means a round house which was used to confine the king’s prisoners.

Potiphar put Joseph into prison. There was no trial or any opportunity for Joseph to defend himself, but rather a quick confinement for something he did not do. The irony is that Joseph was confined even though he did the right thing by running away. How do we make sense of this?

The Scriptures do not attempt to explain to Joseph or to leaders today, the reason God permitted these events to occur. The Bible says only that “the LORD was with Joseph.” (Genesis 39:21a ESV).

Dr. Don Carson writes, “No marvel that she who had impudence enough to say, Lie with me, had front enough to say, “He would have lied with me.” Had the lie been told to conceal her own crime it would have been bad enough, yet, in some degree, excusable; but it was told to be revenged upon his virtue, a most malicious lie. And yet, she manages it so as to incense her husband against him, reflecting upon him for bringing this Hebrew servant among them, perhaps at first against her mind, because he was a Hebrew. It is no new thing for the best of men to be falsely accused of the worst. This was not the first time that Joseph’s coat was made use of as a false witness concerning him; his father had been deceived by it before, now his master.”

Proverbs 24:16 (ESV) says, “¹⁶ For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”

Though Joseph found himself in another pit, the LORD will cause him to rise again from the depths. This is because the LORD was with Joseph as He is with you and me.

Soli deo Gloria!  

¹³ And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house, ¹⁴ she called to the men of her household and said to them, “See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to laugh at us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. ¹⁵ And as soon as he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me and fled and got out of the house.” (Genesis 39:13–15 (ESV)

Joseph did the right thing in fleeing Potiphar’s home (2 Tim. 2:22). Dr. Don Carson writes, “Here is a most illustrious instance of virtue and resolved chastity in Joseph, who, by the grace of God, was enabled to resist and overcome this temptation; and, all things considered, his escape was, for aught I know, as great an instance of the divine power as the deliverance of the three children out of the fiery furnace.”

Joseph’s flight from evil was a response all believers in Christ would do well to imitate (1 Tim. 6:11). God promises to bless those who obey Him and resist transgression (Deut. 28:1–14; Matt. 5:10).  However, this episode in Joseph’s life reveals that the reward from God is not always immediate. As one pastor writes, “faithfulness often brings persecution.”

English playwright and poet William Congreve (1670-1729) wrote, “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.” It did not take long for Potiphar’s wife to turn against Joseph. She wanted him, but he refused. Therefore, she became determined to destroy him any way she could. She called to the men of the house and falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Joseph’s rapid exit would raise many questions, and so Potiphar’s wife acts quickly to avoid any blame. She appeals to the basest instincts of the other servants and emphasizes Joseph’s foreign heritage to cast him as an outsider and as a threat to the household (Gen. 39:14). Moreover, she lies outright, accusing Joseph of her actions by saying “he left” his garment (vv. 15–18), terminology that implies he willingly disrobed instead of struggling to escape her. Potiphar’s wife shows how sinners attempt to corrupt the way others see us when they cannot entice us to follow their schemes.”

Joseph’s resistance of temptation was very brave, and his obedience to the LORD truly honorable. The almighty grace of God enabled him to overcome this assault of the enemy. May the LORD provide each of us the same almighty grace (I Cor. 10:12-13). He has promised to do so.

Soli deo Gloria!  

¹¹ “But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, ¹² she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.” (Genesis 39:11–12 (ESV)

It is interesting how three words can establish an ominous tone in literature. I’m certain you have heard the well-mocked expression, “It was a dark and stormy night.” This archetype, by many, for bad writing comes from the first phrase of the opening sentence of English novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton‘s 1830 novel Paul Clifford.” Just a brief bit of trivia to begin your day.

However, Moses should not be compared to Edward Butler-Lytton as an example of writing bad prose. Rather, the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) established a foreboding and sinister premonition that something sinister was about to happen to Joseph. The phrase but one day is another way of writing and it came to pass.

It occurred that one day, as Joseph was going about his normal business in his master Potiphar’s house, that none of the other men, presumably other servants, were there in the house. Joseph was alone, except for Potiphar’s wife. This was not a good situation.

Given her previous behavior of sexual advances toward Joseph (Gen. 39:6-10), the fact that the two of them were alone in the house was not a coincidence. Potiphar’s wife was seeking to fulfill her wanton desire.  The text says, “She caught him by his garment, saying, and “Lie with me.” She seized Joseph’s by his clothes and continually commanded him to be sexually intimate with her.

Joseph did the only thing he could righteously do. He fled from the scene. The interpretive principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture certainly applies. 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV) says, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

The time for discussion was over. It was time to do the only right thing he could do given the particular circumstances. The text says Joseph left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.” To flee means to not only physically leave the house, but also to reject the woman’s indecent proposal.

Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph and was willing to go to great lengths to entrap him. Potiphar’s wife set the trap. Joseph refused to take the bait. He did what every leader should do in a similar situation, but often do not; he ran away. He got as far away from her as he could. Joseph did the right thing.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Joseph would have been wearing the typical garments of the day: a long-sleeved shirt and shorts that come down to the mid-calf. For him to flee and leave these behind would mean Joseph engaged in a forceful struggle with the woman to escape — since the clothes could not normally be removed so quickly (vv. 12b–13). Joseph is honorable and would rather leave a valued piece of clothing behind than to sin against the Lord. His flight from evil is a response all believers do well to imitate (1 Tim. 6:11). God promises to bless those who obey Him and resist transgression (Deut. 28:1–14; Matt. 5:10), yet this episode in Joseph’s life reveals that the reward is not always immediate. In fact, faithfulness often brings persecution.”

Puritan Matthew Henry comments: “It is better to lose a good coat than a good conscience.”

Another commentator put it this way: “Joseph would rather lose his possessions or even his reputation on account of Potiphar’s evil wife than transgress the Lord’s commandments. There are times when we may have to choose between what others might think of us and doing the right thing. Even if others lie about us now, our righteousness will be rewarded in the age to come (Matt. 5:11–12).”

Faithfulness often brings persecution. We’ll see how this occurred in Joseph’s life when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!  

¹⁰ And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her.” (Genesis 39:10 (ESV)

Joseph encountered an intense conflict which has destroyed many a leader: adultery. Yet Joseph stayed noble and true to the holy God he loved and the human master he served. He would not commit what he called, “this great wickedness and sin against God” (Genesis 39:9 ESV).

As it is so often the case with conflict, the temptation continued. Potiphar’s wife was relentless. She would not give up. The Bible says “she spoke to Joseph day after day” (Genesis 39:10 ESV). What she said to Joseph is intimated in the statement “that he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her” (Genesis 39:10 ESV). Joseph remained true to God in spite of intense conflict. He would not compromise his convictions, but neither would Potiphar’s wife alter her desires.

When the text says that Joseph would not listen to her, it does not mean he did not hear what she had to say. He heard her and understood her. However, he would not comply with her, but resisted her advances.

Desperate people often do desperate things. Or, as filmmaker and comedian Woody Allen once stated in explaining his sexual affair with his wife’s adopted daughter, “The heart wants what it wants…. There’s no logic to those things”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Joseph could not see it at the time, but his service in Potiphar’s house was actually good training for his future vocation. The authority he held under Potiphar (Gen. 39:1–6a) would, in effect, be excellent schooling for the high position of stewardship we know he will be given under Pharaoh (41:37–57). Joseph’s life,

Puritan Matthew Henry comments: “What God intends men for he will be sure, some way or other, to qualify them for. Our Lord also prepares us spiritually, as befits our calling as His holy people (Ps. 144:1; 2 Tim. 1:8–9), and this is true in Joseph’s life as well, as today’s passage illustrates. One way our Father equips us for ministry is by allowing temptations into our lives so that in suffering under and resisting against them He can establish us all the more firmly in the truth (1 Peter 5:6–11).”

Today’s passage is an excellent example when dealing with temptation. Joseph would not wrong his master and he would not offend his God. This is the truth which strengthens the believer’s aversion to sin.

Consider this truth: “When tempted to sin, we should first remind ourselves that evil offends the Lord. Yet we should also consider how the act might hurt another person in order to motivate ourselves to refrain from sin and the harm it does to other people.”

Soli deo Gloria!