Commit to Memory: “But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” (Genesis 39:21 KJV)
What is it that made Joseph successful in everything he did and layed his hands to do? What was it that made him find favour before those that matter to his destiny? What is it that God found in Joseph that made Him prosper him everywhere he went? It was one major trait- Godly fear. Joseph had the fear of God and so He will prosper anyday, anytime and anywhere because of that priceless value (Gen.39:2-6). See what the Bible attested of Joseph in Genesis 39:2-4 NIV:
“The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.”
This trait of godly fear is what satan saw in Joseph and will go all out through Potiphar’s wife to destroy him. She began to plan for Joseph’s downfall. It was indeed manipulation at its peak and a subtle talk marched with romantic gesticulations. Joe Dear she said with a sonorous voice look back, look front, look right and look left- there is nobody spying at us or watching. I have ensured and practically sent everyone away from their duty post so that we can have a good time. But Joseph filled with godly fear said to her: Madam it is true that nobody is spying and watching, it is true that nobody will know about this secret but ma you have forgotten to look up there, there is a door up there beyond the sky no one can shut, there is an ever seeing eyes waiting, watching and looking at us at the moment and He is saying will my son- Joseph let me down at this time of his life. Upon this insight, Joseph said: How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God (Gen.39:9).
Friends, it’s note taking and a serious lesson to learn that Joseph did not see this “would be” orchestrated sexual pleasure and gratification as a wicked act but in his very choiced words called it “Great wickedness” and he understood and saw the big picture and offender here as God and not Potiphar, his master’s wife or himself. Little wonder, he said “how can I …sin against God”. It was a heart borne and filled with the Spirit of the fear of God (Isaiah 11:2). I pray, that spirit that comes upon a man and makes him to detest and abstain from all ungodliness shall come upon you today.
Reflection: The fear of God in a Believer is that trait that attracts favour and makes him or her find favour with God and kings.
Prayer Lines: Father, I have made up my mind to fear you, compel kings to favour me.