Righteous Posture: Genesis 39:19-23
It is always easy for God to use us when our eyes are upon Him. This makes sense. People are easiest to teach when they are focused on the teacher and ready to listen. People are easiest to lead when they are focused on the directions and willing to follow. When we let go of our own control and trust God, He can do amazing things within us and through us.
When Potiphar hears the accusation against Joseph from his wife, he takes Joseph and throws him in prison. Unfortunately, this is a case where Joseph’s past works against him. The problem is his past isn’t deserved.
Joseph was disliked by his brothers because he received a larger portion of his father’s love. He was sold to Ishmaelites and purchased by Potiphar through no fault of his own. Even though was a faithful manager of Potiphar’s estate, Potiphar’s wife told lies about him that people assumed were the truth. Joseph was an honest worker who enjoyed rising to the expectations of others and working hard. He had his faults, especially with regards to pride, but he was genuinely one of the good guys. His undeserved past cast an enormous shadow that proved impossible to get out from under.
In the moment, that feels like a horrible circumstance. For the person, it never feels good to reap consequences for undeserved actions. I don’t mind dealing with consequences for my own stupidity, but it is incredibly frustrating tolerating consequences from the poor behavior of others. Dealing with undeserved consequences can be disenfranchising and suck hope and joy out of a person. It can turn people bitter and cynical.
Fortunately, this is not how Joseph responds. God remembers Joseph and causes him to prosper even in prison. The Bible glosses over any struggle Joseph endured before earning the favor of the guards; surely he had bad days and days of undeserved mistreatment. In the end, he endured, never letting his outlook sour. He stayed true to the character God instilled. Even in prison, Joseph earns trust and lives out a testimony to the greatness of God.
God doesn’t forget Joseph. Joseph doesn’t forget God. As God gives circumstances for Joseph to use to prosper, Joseph honors God and lives in an upright manner. Joseph acts in ways to encourage people to trust him. Joseph says things to encourage people to believe him. God wants to put Joseph in a place of power and Joseph does everything in his power to walk the path God set before him.
This makes Joseph an incredible figure for a role model. When life was good, he lived righteously. When life was hard, he lived righteously. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he continued to follow God’s leading and walked through the doors of opportunity God opened. Regardless of circumstance, Joseph’s eyes were on God. It is always easy for God to use us when our eyes are upon Him.
