OCTOBER 10, Genesis 39:7-12

Temptations came in all sorts and forms. For Joseph, it came in the form of Potiphar’s wife She was attracted to Joseph because he was handsome and capable.

One day, Potiphar’s wife caught hold of Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” He refused. He told her that his master trusted him and had committed all things into his hands. He would be true to this trust and would never betray that trust. He would not commit ”this great wickedness” against his master who had treated him so well. Most importantly, Joseph said that he would not sin against God. For if Joseph were to take his master’s wife, that would definitely be sin. Joseph feared God and did not want to sin against God.

Despite that, she pestered Joseph but failed at every attempt. One day, she thought she had an opportunity to be with him. Joseph went into the house to do some work and nobody was around. Potiphar’s wife caught him by his garment and demanded, “Lie with me.” Joseph fled from her and got out of the house as fast as he could, leaving his garment behind in her hand. Joseph did the right thing - he fled from evil and successfully overcame the temptation. He was wise not to stay a minute longer. Wisdom demands that he flees immediately. When you are faced with temptation, be sure to run far from it as soon as you can. Do not linger because the danger will only grow bigger.

Temptation might come through the television or the Internet. Be careful, little eyes, of what you see. The Father above is indeed watching over you, as He watched over Joseph long ago. When you fear God, you will surely not want to sin.

Can you sing this song that tells us to be careful of temptations?
Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see. Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love, So be careful little eyes, what you see.

Thought: Flee temptation!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to flee from evil and temptation. At the same time, please teach me to love the things that are good, pure and lovely. This is my humble cry in the name of Christ my Saviour. Amen.