RE:flect
"The Lord was with Joseph..." (vss. 3,21,23)
Moses (the author of Genesis) is clearly trying to get us to first understand that God is, and will be, with Joseph (as this story continues). He begins and ends this chapter with these remarks. But ask yourself at the same time, "Is Joseph with the Lord?". We often forget our standing, firm footing and our need for a real relationship (a REALationship) with God through Jesus Christ before we enter into the temptations and valley's of life. Joseph was a man with integrity. Honest. Trustworthy. Successful. His master was one of the top officials in Egypt. And yes, Joseph was also with God!
Joseph here can teach us something very important. We should live an upright life, a holy life. We should be good sons and daughters, siblings, students, teammates, etc. But why? Joseph here helps us understand that our EARTHLY masters (whether parents, teachers, youth ministers, coaches) must answer to God someday about their care for us.... so... that also means that obeying our EARTHLY masters is also obeying the God of heaven and earth, who is working through them. Notice verse 9, " How then could I do such a wicket thing and sin against God? "
The NIV Study Bible reminds us of David's Psalm after he was caught in adultery and murder. Psalm 51:4 "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight." In the end, we must answer to God for all of our sins. We maybe able to hide them from our parents, hide them from friends, from teachers and even our sponsors and youth minister. But you cannot hide them from God. Joseph knew this and was blameless (resisting temptation). David knew this and failed (leading to a very dark time in his life). Consider these two paths. Learn from them.
Remember the wise student watches and learns from others
RE:act
Take some time today.
Write down how important it is to you that God would be with you.
Then write down how important it is that you also be with God.
Finally, take a look at your life and the secrets, the sins and the rebellion you are hiding from your parents, friends, teachers, sponsors, youth minister and coaches. Understand that you have sinned against God--affecting them yes--but you must answer to God.
And thank God of his promises, " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins--and purify us from all unrighteousness, " (I John 1:9).
RE:ply
"Lord, I have sinned. I have fallen short. I have missed the mark. I have wandered and trespassed from your good and perfect path. I need your forgiveness for _______________________.
Lord I am angry and holding bad feelings towards people in my life. Help me to forgive and ask for forgiveness to ___________________________.
Lord, I want to be like Joseph. I want to not fail. I want to have the strength to resist temptations. I want to know you and who I can be when I am with you.
Lord, give me the mind to understand when I am being tempted.
Lord, give me the strength to resist that temptation.
Finally, Lord, help me understand our relationship with each other so that I can see that my life is better your way--and that I will mess my life up on my own. Give me the strength to walk with you.
"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us... So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has come to you except what is common to everyone. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can handle. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can remain standing and not fall." I Corinthians 10:11-13
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