Today’s Reading, Genesis 38-40
Focal Scripture: Genesis 39:22 “The warden put all the prisoners who were in the prison under Joseph’s authority, and he was responsible for everything that was done there.”
Having good character matters. The reason Joseph is in jail at this point of the story, is because he refused to sleep with Potiphar’s wife. She was determined to have this man in her bed. However, Joseph was a man of character and integrity. When she grabbed him and tried to force the encounter, he ran away. He ran so fast that he left his coat behind. The wife used this to her advantage and showed her husband the coat as evidence. Joseph, was subsequently thrown into prison. He was wrongly accused and wrongly punished.
In today’s reading we catch up with Joseph after his imprisonment. During his time in prison, he made such an impression on the warden that he put him in charge of all the prisoners. He was also responsible for everything that was done in the prison. Joseph had such high character that the prison did not change him, he changed the prison. Joseph did what was right. Joseph sought to please the Lord. Joseph put integrity in every situation over his feelings and circumstances.
Let me be very blunt today. What type of character do you have when life doesn’t go your way? I have read this account of Joseph many times. It always amazes me that he never complains about his situation or circumstances. He does what is right when things go well and when things go against him in his life. Joseph showed what it means to be the same person in every circumstance.
Let me challenge you today to examine yourself completely. When life turns against you, how do you respond? When you are wrongly accused, do you have hope or anger? I have learned through my years that when things go south in your life that your reaction is who you truly are in the inside. Are you faithless when life is difficult? Do you become angry and talk about people? Are you a person who wallows in self pity?
Joseph had high character no matter the situation or the accusations. This is the biblical standard for believers. We never have an excuse to behave in another manner. Why? Because Christ lives in us! Character and reputation matters. People look for it and desire it in their interactions.
Be a person of character and change the world around you for the glory of Christ.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Genesis 41-42
