The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master – Genesis 39:2
SUMMARY
Genesis 38: Judah, one of Jacob’s sons, had three sons with a Canaanite woman. He arranged for his eldest son, Er, to marry Tamar. Er was wicked in God’s eyes and died. Judah then instructed his second son, Onan, to marry Tamar and have children in Er’s name, but Onan refused to fulfill his duty and also died. After a long time, Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. Once Judah recovered from his grief, he went to Timnah to shear his sheep. Judah promised Tamar that she could marry his youngest son, Shelah, when he grew up, but he did not keep that promise. Feeling neglected, Tamar disguised herself and waited by the roadside. Judah approached her, thinking she was a prostitute, and unknowingly became the father of her children. When Judah later discovered that Tamar was pregnant, he realized his mistake in not giving her to Shelah as promised. Tamar eventually gave birth to twin sons, Perez and Zerah.
Genesis 39: Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an official and captain of the guard for Pharaoh. The Lord was with Joseph, allowing him to prosper in Potiphar’s house, where he found favour and was put in charge of all that Potiphar owned. The Lord blessed Potiphar’s household because of Joseph. Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after some time, Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, but he refused, explaining that he could not betray his master or sin against God. One day, when none of the household servants were present, she grabbed his cloak and demanded he sleep with her. He fled, leaving his cloak behind. She then falsely accused him of trying to assault her. Potiphar, angered took Joseph and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. However, the Lord was with Joseph in prison, granting him kindness and favour with the prison warden, who then put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners, as he was successful in everything he did.
Genesis 40: ome time later, Pharaoh became angry with his chief cupbearer and chief baker, putting them in prison where Joseph was confined. The captain of the guard assigned the two men to Joseph, who attended to them. After some time, both the cupbearer and the baker had dreams on the same night that needed interpretation. Joseph noticed they were dejected and asked them about it. They explained that they had dreams but no one to interpret them. Joseph said interpretations belonged to God and asked them to share their dreams. The cupbearer described his dream about a vine with three branches that blossomed and produced grapes, with Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, and he squeezed the grapes into Pharaoh’s cup and put it in his hand. Joseph interpreted this as meaning he would be restored to his position in three days. He asked the cupbearer to remember him and show him kindness when all went well, mentioning him to Pharaoh to help get him out of prison. The baker then shared his dream about three baskets of bread on his head, which Joseph interpreted as meaning he would be executed in three days. On Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a feast and restored the cupbearer to his position while executing the baker, just as Joseph had predicted. However, the cupbearer forgot to mention Joseph to Pharaoh.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your constant presence in my life. Just as You were with Joseph in his trials, I trust that You are with me in my struggles. Help me to remain steadfast and faithful, knowing that even in difficult times, You are working for my good. Grant me the wisdom to recognise Your hand in every situation and the courage to follow Your path. May I, like Joseph, find strength in my faith and be a testament to Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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