Joseph, Son of Israel

The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph; thus the LORD’S blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. So he left everything he owned in Joseph’s charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate.  (Genesis 39:2-6,NASB)

So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail. But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it. The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper.  (vv. 20-23)

Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Israel (formerly known as Jacob) was hated by his brothers.  They were jealous of him because their father loved him more than them.  When they had the opportunity, they sold him into slavery.  He wound up being slave to Potipher, the captain of Pharaoh’s bodyguards.  We see in the first passage above, that “The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man.”  His master saw that God was with him, so Potipher put Joseph in charge of his household.  Potipher’s household thrived under Joseph’s charge, because God was with him.  Not bad for a slave! 

Today, a phrase that describes this may be, “Bloom where you’re planted!” God expects us to do our best whether at work or play.  We are to work as if God is our Boss, because He is!  This applies so long as our employer is not violating God’s laws and precepts.  When we work and play for God, people see that, and are attracted to it.  They may inquire further.  We’re to be prepared to give our testimonies! 

“Joseph in Prison,” by Gerbrand van den Eckhout, 17th century.  Found at Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_(Genesis).

The story of Joseph continues:  Mrs. Potipher made a play for Joseph.  Joseph refused her advances, so the jilted Mrs. Potipher lied to her husband that Joseph attacked her, so Potipher threw Joseph in prison.  As we see in the second passage above, Joseph again bloomed where he was planted, and the chief jailer put him in charge of all the prisoners.  This is what happens when God is with us!