28 February | EVERYONE

JOSEPH AND POTIPHAR'S WIFE

"There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)

The cistern was as dark as night. A dry, lifeless pit and a morgue of death, was where his brothers threw him. Little did Joseph know that in the future he would face much more dangerous and deadly caves, “for a harlot is a deep pit, and a seductress is a narrow well," Solomon would write centuries later (Proverbs 23:27).

Potiphar's wife approached him with a symphony of seductive promises. Was Joseph tempted to accept her proposals? The biblical account does not say that he was free from all human desire. Nor does it say that the woman was ugly. It was an attractive insinuation, and no one would have to know about it. But his master, Potiphar, had full confidence in him and had appointed him steward of his household. How could he betray him?

The reason Joseph rejected temptation was not for fear of punishment; it was loyalty and gratitude to his boss but above all love for the Lord. This is evident in the question he asks to move the woman to reflect. There was an experience of communion, tenderness, and faithfulness between the Creator and Joseph. The Lord never forsook him, even though Jacob's son went through hardships, and Joseph did not forsake his loving Father either, even amid adversity.

Potiphar's wife did not like the brave young man’s refusal. How dare he! To reject her and on top of that, to say that her proposal was a "great wickedness"! She did not give up. With wounded pride, she decided to set a trap for him. She accused him of harassment. She went screaming out onto the street, made a fuss, and the authorities placed the loyal young man in prison.

Is it worth being faithful to God? Where is the Lord who does not intervene on behalf of his faithful children? These are disturbing questions, in a world where justice often does not seem to favor those who try to follow the good path. There is, however, no greater reward than peace of mind at night. It is worth keeping that in mind.

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The worst thing about giving in to an unhealthy temptation is that you can spend your whole life regretting it. Hold on to Jesus today to be faithful and pure; and like Joseph, do not upset God or stain your conscience.