The Lowest High

Scripture: Genesis 40:4 "So the captain of the guard charged Joseph with [the butler and the baker of the Pharaoh], and he served them; so they were in custody for a while."

Observation: The phrased "and he served them" is repeated here and in Chapter 39, verse 4 (where Joseph is said to have served Potiphar). This demonstrates two things:

1. As Jesus said, "Those who would be great among you must be servant of all." Joseph had learned humility and served all put in his care. This is the essence of leadership done God's way.

2. Joseph's perspective on serving God was right. He walked closely with God; that relationship was his identity. It gave him the joy and hope of life. It was that reason that made it possible for Joseph to keep a God-honoring heart and attitude toward his circumstances.

Application: Regardless of the circumstances (1) seek God with all my heart with unwavering faith in His goodness and an untiring desire for God Himself; and (2) serve others - bless them, love them, work to build them up, and be an aid to them.

Prayer: Simply let me be near You always and honor You through my honoring of others because it brings You glory. I love You! Amen.

What Kind Of Fuel Is Running Our Engine?

Scripture: Genesis 39:9 "[Joseph said] there is no one greater in [Potiphar's] 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?"

Observation: On the heals of two chapters in which God's sovereignty over our actions and even thoughts is emphasized, the narration now comes to a change of pace. Or does it?

I get the sense as I read through Joseph's experience in Potiphar's home and his incarceration that God has "taken a liking" to Joseph. In verses 2, 3, 5, 6 (in a way), 21, and 23 Moses repeatedly shows or states that God poured blessing after blessing on David, but even more so on David's work. Nothing he did failed. All he was responsible for abounded with growth, blessing and praise from those around him. The question I ask is, Why? There's really nothing in the narrative leading up to this that indicates Joseph deserved great blessing for his extreme faithful to God.

I think the answer appears very quietly and is almost mentioned as an after thought. At the end of verse 9 Joseph says "... how can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" If Joseph would have surrendered to Potiphar's wife, I would have normally perceived it to be a sin against Potiphar - not God - but in this response Joseph reveals his heart in two ways:

1. He acknowledged that the fact that Potiphar had given him everything in his house (well, almost everything) only happened because God brought it about. Joseph knew that every blessing, authority, and freedom comes from God's hand. James said it like this: "Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Paul echoes the sentiment: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." (Romans 13:1) Peter wrote, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time." (1 Peter 4:6) Joseph knew that God put Potiphar's house under Joseph's rule, not Potiphar.

2. Joseph's work ethic was driven by the glorious worth that he attributed to God and by the joy of serving and loving Him. He could not turn against a God that loved him so much! Joseph knew that sin separated him from his Lord. What joy would a one-night stand have given compared to the Highest Joy in existence? The temporal pleasures of sexual intimacy stolen from its proper abode would have tasted as so much mud, filth and sewage when placed on the same plate as the only true eternally satisfying Feast for man's heart.

Application: Though my body is currently chained to this world, my heart and mind ought to ever be turned to my Lord, the only true Hope. "Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth."(Colossians 3:2; really all of 3:1-4)

Prayer: Father, may I bring You glory always. May You ever be in my mind and heart. May I set, place, establish, build, found my actions on You, my Redeemer, Savior, and Hope. I love You. Amen.

What You Need Is A NapCab.

I recently had a layover in Munich, Germany. I've been in Japan's Naha and Narita airports and one of the Republic of Korea's major hubs. I'm always impressed at how different cultures set up their airports because they each put some focus on different things.

The Japanese, for instance, are serious about their smoking rooms. There were so many people in the little glass rooms that they looked like sardines swimming through foggy water. The Germans had a glass walled smoking room also but theirs looked more like a modern-motifed diner with glass walls. I'm pretty sure they were in there sipping wine with their cigarettes.

Anyway, these pictures are of a quiet spot in Munich's airport. I really wanted to crash out but my connection was rapidly approaching. Doesn't a NapCab sound nice? And from what I hear a lot of Europeans countries are good at mixing their work and rest. I've seen Saudi Arabians, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Pakistanis, and citizens of other middle east countries regularly incorporate naps into the work day. Asian cultures do that really well, too.

Could we Americans learn a thing or two from them? Or are we too progressive of a society? You know, we've probably outgrown such trifles.

Actually, I think that my dad had one of these on the back of his semi when I was growing up. Yeah! He had a NapCab and a DogHouse (I think those are illegal for use now, though). That truck was way cool and, obviously, way ahead of its time.

 

 

It seems they do a lot of bossing around there. Sleep! Work! Relax! Discover napcabs! But then, frankness has always been a virtue of the German people that I have known.

Judah and Tamar

Scripture: Genesis 38:27, 29b "Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in [Tamar's] womb. ... [the first-born child] was called Perez."

Observation: This story about Judah and Tamar brings almost nothing but questions to mind. There are still a few things to note.
1. Judah was the one that had the bright idea to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites so that his blood wouldn't be on their hands. After all "what profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?" he said. Better to sell him and gain some real profit.

2. Judah continues here to boldly proclaim his lack of morality. The only two "good" things he does is to attempt to bring an heir to his first-born son and then later confess his sinfulness (which is indeed an awesome thing to do). We might think this a selfish thing to do, but in their culture a woman's prize and joy came greatly (if not primarily) from being blessed with children.

3. Through this event God does two things of note:
     A. He demonstrates (again) His love for and valuation of women. Tamar was a widow and was being treated unjustly. It is no little wonder that God would give her twins! He is a good God.
     B. He again worked through the unrighteousness acts of men to bring about His plan to save people from the consequences of those same sinful acts. Tamar's child Perez is in the ancestral line of Jesus.

Application:
1. God will accomplish His purposes and they cannot be thwarted.

2. God will always act on behalf of the outcast, poor, widowed, fatherless, and humbled. And He, in His time, will judge and bring wrath on sinful man for their rebellion and sinful acts.

(Psalm 18:27 "For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks.")

Prayer: I will follow You and trust in Your ways and means even though I do not understand them always. You alone are The Lord. And this is eternal life, that people may know You, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Father, please use me to spread those truths in a country and military that adamantly and forcefully is shutting their ears to You and driving all reminders of You out. We need You. Amen.