RPG Adults
SUFFERING INJUSTICE, YES. PLEASURES OF SIN, NO!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Genesis 39:11-23
Psalm 25:1-11
Yield not to temptation
for yielding is sin.
SUFFERING INJUSTICE, YES. PLEASURES OF SIN, NO!
What would you do, young man, if you were in Joseph’s place? Your master’s wife, a person in authority above you, whose orders you would do well to obey, whose favour you could hardly afford to lose, keeps urging you to yield to her. She keeps up the temptation day after day, using every means to disarm you. Nobody would know! What would your response be?
Joseph faced mounting and unbearable pressure from the woman. He could not run away or change his job. He was but a bond slave, owned by Potiphar. To complain to his master carried certain risks. Potiphar might not believe him. If he did, it would be too shameful and embarrassing. Could he have someone accompany him in the course of his duty? Yes, but not all the time.
In the days following, the advances kept coming, without abating. The sex-hungry Egyptian woman put on the pressure, using her wiles and powers of seduction. Joseph had his mind fixed. To him, a moment’s pleasure, nay, even a lifetime’s pleasure could not compensate for God’s displeasure and everlasting wrath to come. He had no pastor or elder to counsel him. There was no one to supervise his conduct. Everything was simply perfect for him to enjoy himself.
One day, Potiphar’s wife found Joseph alone in the house. At last! She snatched at the opportunity and held on to his coat. He was resolute. But she would not let go. The only way was to leave his coat in her hands, and run. Then, what next? Her lust turned to cruel hatred that sent Joseph to prison. She called the other servants, summoned her husband, spun a tale that turned the truth upside down. She got him thrown into prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and gave him favour in the sight of the prison keeper. When God chooses a man, He sees to his preservation. Joseph walked with God. He yielded to God, without reserve. Whereas many other men would have fallen, Joseph stood firm. In a short time, Joseph became the deputy prison keeper!
THOUGHT: Prison bars cannot keep the Lord out!
PRAYER: May the temptation to sin have no power over me, O Father!