“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.” Genesis 39:10
What drives you to distraction? For me, it doesn’t take a lot. Is it lack of responsibility? I hope not. Maybe it’s lack of character? I pray not. Could it be lack of discipline? That one is convicting. Come on overcomer; overcome.
While studying Joseph’s story via Liz Curtis Higgs; Bad Women of the Bible; I asked myself the following question about Potipher’s wife: “Was she bored to distraction or driven there from his lack of attention? Was she a member of Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band? Does boredom = lonely? It really doesn’t matter. It was against God’s law, as well as the law of the land. (In those days, they were one in the same.)
In Biblical times, men could have multiple wives, while women were bound to absolute fidelity. We must surmise Mrs. Potipher was not a God follower. What was handsome Joseph’s secret ability to resist her advances? Joseph put off his flesh and put on godly breaks to what is unholy. He did not take God’s commandment concerning adultery lightly.
Mrs. P. chose to dishonor her wedding vows; the ones she took before God and all the people at their marriage ceremony. Instead, she mocked her own husband by following the lust of her own flesh, determined to have her husband’s right hand man. Potipher trusted Joseph with all that he owned. Joseph would not dishonor his God nor his boss by taking the bate of Mrs. P’s repeated flirtation. This made her furious.
After many failed attempts; her all consuming unmet passions, turned into hatred. Hatred turned into scheming and plotting for Mrs. P; so she set out to ensnare godly Joseph. If he would not have her; she would make him pay; royally pay, for his refusal.
Sinful lies and accusations against this man of God; did not turn out the way Mrs. P had hoped. Potipher could have had Joseph killed, but he only imprisoned his right hand man. Even from prison, Joseph rose to the top. He exhibited godly character, no matter where life took him.
“If God is for us; who can be against us?” “No weapon formed against us shall prosper.” Joseph was strong in character and determined to be strong in the Lord his God.
“The Lord was with Joseph.” Genesis 39:2
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
Prayer in Motion:
Jesus, forgive me for my distractions. I need to keep my focus on You; the Author and Finisher of my faith. Thank You for your unfailing love. May I be strong in You and in the strength of Your might. “It is not by might, nor by power, but by Your spirit that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In Jesus Name. Amen
