August 31, 2015
Scripture Reading: Genesis 39:1-6a
1Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
2The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.
Questions for Reflection:
When we talk about the idea of allowing our faith to permeate every aspect of our lives, it’s helpful to have an example. The Old Testament story of Joseph gives us a great example of how we can carry our faith with us into the marketplace.
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37). He finds himself being purchased by Potiphar. What was Potiphar’s role in the Pharaoh’s regime? What happened for Joseph as a result of the Lord being with him? What happened for Potiphar’s household as a result of Joseph working for Potiphar? What principle can be drawn out from this part of Joseph’s story?
Potiphar was blessed as a result of Joseph’s presence in his household. If you are faithful, your presence in a company or business can bring blessings. How can you be a blessing to your company today? How will your co-workers be blessed by you today?