Meant for GoodSample

God’s Providential Presence

Read: Genesis 39:1-6

Discover

As Moses transitions the story from Judah’s family to Joseph’s time in Egypt, a clear contrast begins to emerge. Even as a slave, Joseph quickly rises to oversee Potiphar’s household, managing his affairs and supervising his staff. Joseph’s success is credited to God’s presence in his life.

Learn

A key theme of the Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) is God’s presence. Whereas God’s seeming absence in the previous two chapters emphasized a devastating pattern of sinfulness, His presence in this chapter portrays blessing and success. Joseph’s faithfulness to work hard, leverage his gifts, and seek the flourishing of those around him stands opposed to Judah’s laziness, greed, and selfishness. While Joseph may have been endowed with gifts of leadership and administration, the passage is clear that Joseph’s success is not ultimately because of his competency. What sets Joseph apart is the presence and power of God in his life and work. Only the Lord’s presence could take a Hebrew slave and make him the chief-of-staff of the second most powerful ruler in Egypt.

Apply

Joseph’s faithfulness in this passage provides a powerful theology of work. Even before the Fall in Genesis 3, Adam is given instructions to tend and keep the garden (Genesis 2:15). Work is intended as a source of flourishing for God’s image-bearers, but the curse of sin makes work difficult and burdensome (Genesis 3:17-19). Joseph provides a template for us to redeem even the most challenging work.

First, Joseph is personally diligent, disciplined, and dedicated to the flourishing of Potiphar’s affairs. Even as a slave who receives no wages, Joseph understands that integrity in work honors God and inspires people. When you approach your work, are you leveraging your energy, gifts, and competencies for the success of those you are called to lead and serve? Selfless work is a dedication to bring a level of excellence to all God calls us to accomplish.

Next, pray for the Holy Spirit to empower your work so you can faithfully serve God and lovingly serve others. Joseph’s competencies in leading, managing, and even growing Potiphar’s success are only due to the Lord’s hand of blessing on him. All work is inherently spiritual, the difference is whether we depend on the Lord to empower us, or we depend on our own gifts, talents, and competencies to sustain us. Write a prayer today asking God to enable you to do all He is calling you to accomplish.