January 16, 2006 - Genesis 39-40 and Matthew 11
The account of Joseph's life in Genesis 39 and 40 is pretty amazing, when you consider how God blessed him as a slave and a prisoner. He was a trusted steward to Potiphar and to the jailer, because they saw that God's hand was on him, and God was blessing all he did. However, I suspect that Joseph would not have chosen to be a slave and a prisoner. He could have become discouraged, but he did not give up. This passage shows how God can bring us through difficult times with His blessing. He had a plan for Joseph, but Joseph had to be patient while God was working all things together for good. We must all have this same kind of faithful patience in order to follow God and not get ahead or behind Him.
However, I do want to point out that Joseph made at least one mistake in my opinion. He allowed himself to be alone in the house with Potiphar's wife. That mistake allowed him to be accused of a crime or a sin for which he was not guilty. That is why he was placed in prison, and God used his prison time to bring him to Pharaoh, but I don' think it was necessary for Joseph to be in prison. God could have brought him to Pharaoh in another way. Joseph was a wise man, but in this instance, he did not act wisely. We must learn from his experience. No man should put himself in a position where he can be accused of a sin. That means that no man should be alone with a woman who is not his wife. I know that sounds strict, but I believe it is the way of wisdom, when it comes to this issue. Joseph broke this rule, and he had to pay the consequences. Let's not make the same mistake.
Matthew 11 is a blessing to me because it tells me that we don't have to be perfect to be used by God in a great way. John, the Baptist, was wondering if Jesus was really the Messiah. He sent his disciples to find out. Jesus assured them He was the One by showing His ministry to them. Then, He proceeded to compliment John. He was more than a prophet. He was the one sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus. He was Elijah come to make the time right for Jesus. (v.14) However, there he was in prison. What was the problem? Jesus tells us that most people do not recognize God's will. They are looking for something to please themselves, not God. (v.17) Most people missed Jesus and John's witness. Most people miss God's wisdom, and you can tell by the results of their lives. (v.19) John and Jesus fulfilled God's mission for them, and there were supernatural results of their ministry. I pray that we can say the same about our lives. If not, we are not living by God's wisdom.
Finally, Matthew 11 promises rest for those who trust Christ and do His will. In a day of stress and busy schedules we need to read these verses again and again. God's will is not stressful for us. He will give us strength and rest, when we take His yolk on us. I pray that we will all know His rest and peace.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 41-42 and Matthew 12:1-23.
However, I do want to point out that Joseph made at least one mistake in my opinion. He allowed himself to be alone in the house with Potiphar's wife. That mistake allowed him to be accused of a crime or a sin for which he was not guilty. That is why he was placed in prison, and God used his prison time to bring him to Pharaoh, but I don' think it was necessary for Joseph to be in prison. God could have brought him to Pharaoh in another way. Joseph was a wise man, but in this instance, he did not act wisely. We must learn from his experience. No man should put himself in a position where he can be accused of a sin. That means that no man should be alone with a woman who is not his wife. I know that sounds strict, but I believe it is the way of wisdom, when it comes to this issue. Joseph broke this rule, and he had to pay the consequences. Let's not make the same mistake.
Matthew 11 is a blessing to me because it tells me that we don't have to be perfect to be used by God in a great way. John, the Baptist, was wondering if Jesus was really the Messiah. He sent his disciples to find out. Jesus assured them He was the One by showing His ministry to them. Then, He proceeded to compliment John. He was more than a prophet. He was the one sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus. He was Elijah come to make the time right for Jesus. (v.14) However, there he was in prison. What was the problem? Jesus tells us that most people do not recognize God's will. They are looking for something to please themselves, not God. (v.17) Most people missed Jesus and John's witness. Most people miss God's wisdom, and you can tell by the results of their lives. (v.19) John and Jesus fulfilled God's mission for them, and there were supernatural results of their ministry. I pray that we can say the same about our lives. If not, we are not living by God's wisdom.
Finally, Matthew 11 promises rest for those who trust Christ and do His will. In a day of stress and busy schedules we need to read these verses again and again. God's will is not stressful for us. He will give us strength and rest, when we take His yolk on us. I pray that we will all know His rest and peace.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 41-42 and Matthew 12:1-23.