DCLM Daily Manna 2024: DCLM Daily Manna 14 November 2024: The Test of Purity
Text: Genesis 39:1-12 (KJV)
1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.
7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;
9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
KEY VERSE: Genesis 39:12
“And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.”
It has been said that what happens to you does not make you who you are but reveals who you are. A person’s real character shines forth in what the person does when confronted with the relentless come-hither signals of an agent or practitioner of seduction.
In Potiphar’s house, Joseph was at the cusp of his destiny. Then came along Mrs. Potiphar with the offer of illicit pleasure; he would be her toy boy with all the potential “benefits” it promised. The temptress tried flirting and, when that failed, resorted to aggressive pursuit. Joseph’s flat refusal of the persistent solicitations by his master’s wife was a testament to his righteousness. But English poet and playwright William Congreve’s observation is apt, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”; Joseph would pay very dearly for daring to stand for holiness. But God was with him through it all.
Maintaining moral purity today may be a tedious swim against the tide, but it endears one. The ‘Joseph Test’ confronts the modern-day believer in the form of barefaced nudity on the streets, lust and immorality promoted and popularised in society and undisguised erotica pornography in the social media. Heaven’s pilgrims need a healthy dose of divine grace and personal discipline to maintain holiness of heart and life.
What seemed like a setback for Joseph was the last hurdle he had to jump before entering the glorious destiny prepared for him. God’s presence with him charted his course from prison to Pharaoh’s palace. Personal purity has its rewards. If you, like Joseph, decide for moral pureness, you can expect God’s companionship through the vicissitudes of life and assurance of victory at last.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Your stand for holiness is the sure step to greatness.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 5-6
Daily Manna 14 November 2024
Comments 1