JOSEPH #8: JOSEPH SOLD TO THE EGYPTIAN POTIPHAR #1
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3604
JOSEPH #8
JOSEPH SOLD TO THE EGYPTIAN POTIPHAR #1
Joseph was sold by his own brothers as a slave and was purchased by Potiphar, a captain of the guard of Pharaoh.
But even as an indentured servant, Joseph turned every experience and all circumstances, no matter how trying, into something good.
This ability to turn everything into something good appears to be a godly characteristic.
The biblical account does not record Joseph’s thoughts during that time; however, Scripture clearly shows how God moved through these seemingly tragic trials in this young man’s life.
As Stephen said in his address to the Sanhedrin immediately before his martyrdom, “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt; but God was with him” (Acts 7:9). Psalm 105:17–19 states, “He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant, Whose feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in iron, Until the time that his word came; and the word of the Lord tested him.”
No matter how Joseph handled this awesome trial, he had not been forsaken by God. God was with him, working to preserve His people, Israel. It was not the brothers who tried Joseph, but the Lord. God used tragic circumstances for His glory, although Joseph most likely did not realize it at the time.
Potiphar, to whom Joseph was sold as a slave, was a very powerful man in Egypt. He soon recognized that the Lord was with Joseph and prospered him in all that he did. Therefore, he made Joseph overseer of his house, putting his affairs in Joseph’s able hands. From that time on, Potiphar’s house was blessed for Joseph’s sake.
What is the lesson for us today?
Joseph's example teaches us as believers how to face trials.
If we depend on our own strength, it is easy to fall apart. But we do have a choice: We can try to face them alone, or we can rest in the sovereign will of God, knowing that He will work things out for His glory.
When we cast all our burdens on Him, we can move through the trials of life with calmness and inner peace.
