In our lesson last week, we reviewed the story of the relationship of Joseph and his brothers.  Their betrayal of Joseph was brutal, mean-spirited, governed by jealousy and a deep hatred which bordered on murder.   Without the intervention of Reuben and Judah, Joseph would have been left to die in that cistern. Jacob would have lost a favored son.

Joseph would pass by the road to his home in Hebron as he was taken by force by an Ishmaelite caravan into Egypt.  Joseph’s response to this betrayal by his brothers could have paralyzed him and hamstrung his future accomplishments.  The pain of betrayal would follow him for many years while he was in Egypt.  That kind of pain lingers long and stings deeply.  Joseph was stripped of his beautiful coat provided by his earthly father.  Meanwhile, events that follow assure us that he was well covered by the favor of his Heavenly Father.

God alone can take such circumstances and weave them down an undeterred path of covenant keeping.  He would use these events to preserve and prosper the fledgling nation of Israel in the accomplishment of His eternal purposes.  The brothers slaughtered one of their male goats, dipped that beautiful coat in the blood, using it to convince both Reuben and Jacob that Joseph was dead.  Jacob’s grief was immense and intense.  God’s plan moved forward.  

Genesis 37:36 informs us that Joseph was purchased as a slave to a man named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh in Egypt.  Potiphar was captain of the “secret service” officers who served as bodyguards for Pharaoh.  The word “potiphar” means “belonging to the sun” which indicates he was a worshipper of the pagan sun god, “RAH.” 

A phrase in Genesis 39:2 brings us deep assurance, providing a solid clue that God is working out His perfect plan in His perfect standard time.  “The Lord was with Joseph.”  Joseph was a prosperous young man.  He quickly displayed leadership qualities.  Even as a “foreigner,”  Potiphar welcomed Joseph to dwell IN his house, putting him in charge of all of his affairs.  This sun worshipping man observed and recognized that Joseph was especially blessed and gifted.  Joseph found favor, became his personal servant and overseer of his whole household.  

However, the pain of the pitfall of betrayal was about to be eclipsed by the danger of the pitfall of temptation.  Scriptures describe as a handsome young Jewish man.  Someone in the household noticed.  Potiphar’s wife “cast her eyes” upon Joseph.  Day after day, she begged him to have relations with her.  Joseph firmly refused her advances.  To quote a familiar phrase, “No!  A thousand times, no!”  Later in Psalm 51, David would declare,  “I cannot sin against my superior.  I cannot sin against his wife.  I cannot sin against God, for all sin is first against Him.”

The day came when she grabbed his garment to force him to do her bidding.  Joseph left his garment in her hand and fled.  That word “fled” means that he ran away as soon as he could get loose.  He ran away as fast as he could run.  He ran away as far as he could go.  I contend that he left her holding his garment, while remaining fully clothed in his personal character and obedience to God.  Joseph fully avoided the pitfall of temptation.  

Mrs. Potiphar lied to her husband, falsely accusing Joseph of taking advantage of her.  Potiphar captured Joseph and confined him in the equivalent of our federal prisons of today.  Joseph had been stripped of his beautiful coat and sold into slavery.  When he arrived in Egypt, he was probably naked so that the purchasers could see what they were buying.  Soon, he wore the garment unique to the keeper of Potiphar’s house.  He left that garment in the hands of an evil woman.  Soon, Joseph found himself dressed in prison stripes.  

When we find ourselves faced with temptation, take a lesson from Joseph.  The “Billy Graham Rule” applies here.  Do not be alone with someone who is not your spouse.  Guard your witness.  Run.  Flee.  Avoid integrity traps.  Trust that God is always at work.