Bible Study: Genesis Chapters 39

A Picture of God’s Faithfulness

Prayer:

             Heavenly Father, there are many things I don’t seem to understand. Nevertheless, this one thing I know—You are faithful. You do exactly what You say You will do. I never have to worry about the outcome of my life situations for You are always there and in control. Therefore, I know I will be safe and be delivered unharmed. Hallelujah! I praise the name of Jesus, amen.

Introduction:

            Into every life a little rain must fall. I believe we’d all agree that storms, although unfavorable for a time, are necessary components of life. After all, it is rain that replenishes the earth to bring forth its bountiful supply of herbs, vegetables, and of course, fragrant flowers.

            But what about the unexpected, unwarranted, destructive tornados that hit some people in the guise of illness, death, divorce, or some other earth-shattering calamity? As in nature, not everyone seems to get hit with such turbulences and certainly not to the same degree or type of storm. Nonetheless, the magnitude of these occurrences is on the rise afflicting more people than ever before.

The Lesson

            For Joseph, turbulence came in the form of slavery. We have seen a picture of Jesus in the persecution and rejection he suffered at the hands of his brothers. Similar to Jesus, those closest to Joseph sold him for pocket change.

            Our own actions stimulate much of the turbulence we experience in our lives. And perhaps one could say that Joseph’s arrogance brought about his misfortune; but did he really deserve to be sold as a slave? One thing is certain, whether we endure hardship by our own misconduct or through the deeds of malicious men, our loss will destroy us unless we rest in the faithfulness of God.

            Although He revealed His faithfulness in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God reveals an even clearer picture of His faithfulness in the life of Joseph.

            As a servant to Potiphar, Joseph quickly advanced in authority until he was head of his master’s house. Even the pagan Potiphar recognized that the LORD was with Joseph (verse 3). The Egyptian was a wise man for everything that Joseph did, God prospered making, not Joseph, but Potiphar a very wealthy man (verse 5).

            Joseph learned to trust God’s promises by being a dependable servant even when tempted with the beauty of his master’s wife (verses 7-12). Though the Scriptures do not reveal to us Joseph’s thoughts or feelings at this point, it implies that his belief in God’s visions for his life had not been forgotten. Without friends, family, or the written word of God to encourage him and to remind him of his calling, Joseph could have become bitter and plunged into every wicked temptation that came his way. But he didn’t. God was with him in the turbulence—a very present help in the time of need. God’s faithfulness, not Joseph’s belief system, is pictured here.

            Even though Joseph conducted himself uprightly in all things, Potiphar chose to believe his wife and threw Joseph in prison. Don’t be fooled. He was as human as you and I. The loneliness and devastation was just as shattering for Joseph as it would be for any of us to be unjustly accused and thrown into prison.

            But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison (verse 21). Again, God blessed his servant, Joseph, with favor and prosperity. The prison guard saw that Joseph was an honorable man and placed him in charge of all the other prisoners. The guard had so much confidence in Joseph that he didn’t even bother checking up on the prisoner’s transactions (verse 23).

            Joseph had plenty to learn under God’s regimen, but the LORD continuously watched over him and promoted him.

Conclusion and Challenge

        Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”—has become a favorite for many people who have faced “tornados” in their lives. But God doesn’t stop there. In the following verses of Jeremiah, God explains why we must face horrific storms in life: He wants us to call upon Him; separate ourselves and pray to Him; seek Him; search for Him with all our hearts (verses 12 and 13). “I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:14a NIV).

            While in the midst of a “tornado,” we may not see prosperity, promotion, or even much progress. Nevertheless, we must arrive at the place where we, like Job, can say, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. . .He also shall be my salvation (15a & 16a). When we finally arrive at that place, we will see God’s faithfulness, and then we will glory in His mercy.