Are You an Instrument of Blessing?

"So Joseph found favor in [Potiphar's] sight and attended him, and he made [Joseph] overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had, in house and field. So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate." -- Genesis 39:4-6

Did you catch that? Do you know who Potiphar was?!? He was the captain of the guard for Pharaoh himself. Do you think this man was particularly honorable and deserving of God's blessings? Personally, I imagine that Pharaoh's captain of the guard was probably a ruthless and shrewd character; he got to be the head honcho's head of security because he could get things done efficiently and effectively.

Yet, God blessed him! Why? Because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on all that Potiphar had because of Joseph. I think there are a couple of lessons to learn from this:

First, God had a plan for Joseph to be second in command, and he ordained the means by which
he arrived at that post. God prospered Potiphar in order that Joseph would be favored by him. Even when Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce Joseph, where did Joseph land? Don't you think he would have been executed by the Pharaoh's head of security if Potiphar thought Joseph had really tried anything with his wife? Potiphar was angry, all right. He was so angry that he put Joseph in the prison where he kept the Pharaoh's prisoners--the ones that might or might not be guilty. If he had been really angry with Joseph, he would have executed him immediately. He was really angry with his wife for accusing his trusted servant!

Second, God prospered Joseph because Joseph was faithful to God. And because Joseph was faithful to God, Potiphar benefited. We need to be seeking God's favor in our workplaces in order to prosper our employers. We are commanded, "Whether you drink or eat, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Do you consider you actions at your workplace as an effort to benefit your employer? Are you considering for whom you ultimately work?

May we be an honor to God and an instrument of blessing for our employers!

Todd


P. S. -- Arturo Azurdia pointed out some of these details in a sermon on Genesis 39.