Here,
we have human sin and divine grace. We see jealousy (11) and its
effects: 'where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be
disorder and every vile practice' (James 3:16). There is God working out
His purpose: 'you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good'
(50:20). In his dreams, Joseph was given a glimpse of the 'new thing'
(Isaiah 43:19) God was about to do. Joseph's situation seemed hopeless:
'cast...into a pit', 'sold' into slavery (24,28). God was in this
situation. Each of us is in a 'pit', but we are not alone. Jesus has
gone into the 'pit' for us, and He has come out of it victorious: 'Death
is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave where
is your victory?'. Slaves of Satan, we have been set free by Christ
(Romans 6:17-18; Hebrews 2:14-15). God was with Joseph. He is with us.
Genesis 38:1-30
'Judah
went down from his brothers, and turned in to a certain Adullamite...'
(1-2). This is the sad story of so many people: Drawn away by an
unbelieving man/woman from the fellowship of God's people. The story
then goes from bad to worse. A whole catalogue of disasters follows. God
is mentioned in only two verses (7,10). Both speak of human sin and
divine judgment. God's Word is clear: Believers are not to be joined in
marriage to unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Lower your spiritual
defences at this point, and you are asking for big trouble! Satan is
ready to sweep in and cause chaos. This sad story of sin and shame
stands as a warning to us. Do not rush into sinful choices. Put God
first, and let Him lead you in His perfect way: 'Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well' (Matthew 6:33).
Genesis 39:1-23
In
chapter 38, we read of unbridled lust. Here, we read of sexual
restraint: 'how can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?'
(9). Sin brings complications, and so does obedience! There is, in fact,
only one complication - sin. We live in a sinful world, which has no
real interest in obedience to God. We must be realistic: 'all who desire
to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted' (2 Timothy
3:12). Obedience and persecution - we see both in the story of Joseph.
He was tempted, but he did not sin (7-9). Temptation is not sin. God
provides 'the way of escape' (1 Corinthians 10:13). Christ is 'the way'
(John 14:6), God's way of escape. We go to Him when we are tempted
(Hebrews 2:16; 4:15-16). Joseph was put into prison, 'but the Lord was
with him, and showed him steadfast love' (20-21) - 'persecuted, but not
forsaken'' (2 Corinthians 4:9).
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