The Example Of Joseph

It is good for us to be reminded that, while the Old Testament is not the law under which we live, it is still very useful in the area of examples (Col. 2:14; Rom 15:4).  When writing about the Israelites of old, Paul indicated, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples:  and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Cor. 10:11).  With that understanding, let us take the time to study about one particular man and how his example is worthy of imitation.

In the book of Genesis, we are privileged to be able to read about the life of Joseph (Gen. 37-50).  Whether it be about his “coat of many colors,” or about his ascension in the land of Egypt, much can be learned from his life.  For the sake of this article, we will focus on how Joseph, amidst temptation and pressure, stayed faithful to the Lord.  Genesis chapter thirty-nine begins by stating, “And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ismeelites, which had brought him down thither (Gen. 39:1).  Keep in mind, by this time, Joseph had been mistreated by his brothers and sold into slavery.  That in and of itself would have been enough to “break” certain men, but not Joseph.  As such, it is recorded, “And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian” (Gen. 39:2).

It did not take Potiphar long to see that Joseph was a man of integrity who was blessed of God.  In fact, “And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.  And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him:  and he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had he put into his hand.  And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.  And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat.  And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured” (Gen. 39:3-6).  All things considered, Joseph made the best of an otherwise bad situation.  Instead of letting being sold as a slave ruin his character, he continued to be a great example.

Then things changed.  Joseph did not change, but rather Potiphar’s wife changed.  It is written, “And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, Lie with me” (Gen. 39:7).  No doubt, this had to be a temptation for the young man.  However, his reaction is to be admired.  “But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;  There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing form me but thee, because thou art his wife:  how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God” (Gen. 39:8-9).  Joseph cared more about being faithful to God and Potiphar than to fulfill fleshly lusts (James 1:12-15).

Instead of taking no for an answer, it is recorded, “And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.  And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house within.  And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me:  and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Gen. 39:10-12).  Again, the great integrity of Joseph is seen.  Many men would have given into the continual temptations, but Joseph did exactly what he should have done in that situation, flee!  When writing to the church in Corinth, that is the exact command that Paul gave them.  “Flee fornication.  Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18).  Likewise, Paul instructed Timothy, “Flee also youthful lusts:  but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22).

Would we be able to imitate the good example of Joseph?  Sadly, with many temptations, we fail and commit sin.  Joseph serves as a reminder that it can be done, and should be done.  Later, when Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him, Joseph still had integrity in his heart and purity in his soul.  There is no earthly treasure that is of more value than those.