SEP 2

Genesis 39
Memorise Genesis 39:9
"Flee also youthful lusts"

When we think about sexual purity and strong moral discipline, one of the prime examples that comes to mind would be that of young Joseph. Of all the men in the Bible, he was one of few who did not have any sin recorded for us. Not that he was flawless, but it showed that through most of his life, he lived beyond reproach, and is a good example for us to follow.

As you read the account of Joseph’s life from Genesis 37-50, one thing that stands out about him is his consistency. No matter what circumstance he found himself in, he was able to see God in the picture, and he always worked hard to please Him. Time and again it was recorded that ‘the LORD was with Joseph’, and that was really his secret to success. It was only because he was so aware of the presence of God with Him that he was able to remain strong when he faced temptations and adversities.

The temptation that Joseph faced was no trivial matter. Potiphar’s wife was an immoral adulteress who ‘cast her eyes upon Joseph’, and ‘spake to Joseph day by day’, asking him to lie with her. It was a continual relentless temptation that he faced, and not just a one-off incident. Though he would have been lonely in this foreign place, and the pressure to yield to this woman was great, yet Joseph was exemplary in his response. He had a God-consciousness that allowed him to see things clearly, to know that if he were to succumb to the advances of Potiphar’s wife, it would not only be betraying his master’s trust, but worst of all it would be a great wickedness in sinning against God. Thus in all things that he did, his fear and love for God enabled him to rise above the situations, to deny self, and to obey God. Thus when the final temptation came, when she made sure that the house was empty, and she physically laid hold of him, he had the courage and the wisdom to flee even though it cost him his job and he was sent into prison.

How about us? What sacrifices are we willing to make to ensure that we maintain our integrity and purity before God? Are we able to see the presence of God in every situation that we are in, and react and respond accordingly?

Thought: God is watching me, every place I go, every thing I see, every thought I have, every word I speak.
Prayer: Lord, help me to realise that You are present in every situation that I find myself in, and thank You for that.