The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His (Joseph’s) master saw that the LORD was with him (Joseph) and that the LORD caused all that he (Joseph) did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his (his Egyptian master’s) sight and attended him, and he made him (Joseph) overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had, in house and field … the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor … The LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed. Genesis 39.2-5, 21,23
I’m wondering if you, like me, were an “extra credit” kid in school? I often accepted the challenge to earn a few extra points on math or vocab tests. Unfortunately, I never was successful at convincing my teachers that those extra credit points should be sprinkled across the spectrum of all my classes. In particular, my science and PE (Phys Ed) grades really could have used some extra points. I guess the math teacher didn’t really like the science and gym teachers too much because, to my knowledge, they never once discussed my proposal. With 50+ years’ consideration, perhaps that was a good thing.
This week, I’ve got something extra for you.
Upon reading from Genesis 39, of which we read a portion at the top of this message, there can be no doubt of who is really the cause of benefit and blessing. It’s the Lord God. Israel’s God. Not an Egyptian god. Not Joseph alone. No, it’s God working through Joseph.
But why? Why would there be blessings for that spoiled Hebrew teenager whose jealous brothers finally had had enough? Why would there be blessing for an Egyptian captain of the guard who bought slaves and was quite surely required to worship pagan gods, including the Pharaoh?
Because God is a promise keeper. He is the Promise Keeper. God is orchestrating lives and circumstances to keep His promises to Israel’s Patriarchs and to fulfill prophetic words spoken by His prophets in years to come. Joseph’s success, and thus the gain of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian captain, is due to God’s presence. He is with Joseph. This implies that our once-spoiled teenager has submitted his own will to the God of his fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is committed, no matter circumstances, to honoring His holy Father God.
You may wonder, “What promises?” Well, let’s read of the promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel’s Patriarchs).
I encourage you to read each of the following pieces of Scripture. Note the promises and watch how God continues to orchestrate lives changed forever by His promised nearness and blessings.
Genesis 12.1-3 where God first declares His covenant promises to Abram (Abraham). There are four precise promises in verse 2 alone, with further blessing implications in verse 3. If you only memorize one thing from the entire Old Testament, maybe this is it.
Genesis 18.18-19 when the Lord appears to Abraham and reminds him that he is the chosen man through whom the Lord would bless all the nations of the earth; that He would keep His promises to Abraham, his children, his household.
Genesis 22.15-18 where the Lord God provides a substitute offering when Abraham is willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, his own son of the promise. In verse 17 there are promises for Abraham’s offspring and also in verses 17-18 the promise of the Messiah who will mediate blessings to all the nations of the earth!
Acts 3.24-26 when the Apostle Peter speaks to a group of Jewish men in the days after Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. He reminds them of the prophetic predictions of the promised Messiah – first for the Jews, though ultimately always for all who would believe; quoting words we read in Genesis 22.17 … “And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”
I pray you feel as extra blessed as I did this week when I allowed myself to marinate a little in the profound truth that God has always been the Promise Keeper and He is always faithful – no matter the muddle and mess my life may look like. No matter the muddle and mess of our world. God is faithful to orchestrate circumstances for our good and His glory. Sprinkle that, my friend, across the spectrum of your life and be blessed.
Blessings, Colleen Lacey
On a personal note … if you would like to join me Sunday afternoon October 27, at 2 PM in celebrating Colleen Pagaard and her soon-to-arrive little one, this is the link for more information: