February 11 (Shevat 17) ~ Genesis 39

A Vessel of Honor

S - Scripture: Genesis 39:1-23

And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what [is] with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; [There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? v. 7-9

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, [or] to be with her. And it came to pass about this time, that [Joseph] went into the house to do his business; and [there was] none of the men of the house there within.
And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. v. 10-12

And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners [were] bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison ... the LORD was with him, and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper. v.20-22; 23b


O - Observations:

1) Notice to lie with his Master's wife would be a "sin against God".

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest. Psalms 51:4

2) Notice what Joseph did in the midst of temptation to sin, he "fled, and got him out".

I Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication; I Corinthians 10:14 Flee from idolatry.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things (temptation, lusts, love of money); and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I Timothy 6:9-11

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

3) Finally notice that no matter where Joseph went "the LORD was with Him" even into prison. Joseph did the right thing it seemed and still ended up in prison. Perhaps he was being "sanctified" and prepared for "the Master's use" in due season ... as in the book of Esther "for such a time as this".


A - Application for me today:

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these (profane [and] vain babblings v.16), he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. II Timothy 2:20-22

The application for me today is to let God's hand prosper me and for me to wait upon Him.


P - Prayer in response:

Help me LORD to understand that all sin is AGAINST THEE AND THEE ONLY and help me to flee and run away from sin as Joseph did leaving my "coat" behind if that is necessary, but just to get out of sin's way and the temptation thereof.

Make me a vessel of honor, sanctified and ready for your use, prepared unto every GOOD work. Help me to follow the way of righteousness, faith, LOVE and peace.

Amen & Amen


Today's Love Dare Challenge

Day 3: Love is not selfish

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.—Romans 12:10

TODAY’S DARE
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It’s hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse (or whomever you are challenged to love) something that says, “I was thinking of you today.”