Perspective: Wk2 - WED

Seduction
Genesis 39:6b-10
Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”

But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.

You might wish you were wealthier, more talented, more handsome, or more beautiful. But those things always carry the cost of greater exposure to temptation. Joseph was a charismatic, natural leader. He was the kind of handsome that turned heads when he entered the room. So it wasn’t long before the problems with Potiphar’s wife began.

We have no idea whether this woman is in a loveless marriage, has a history of loose behavior, or simply holds a different moral worldview from Joseph. Whichever is the case, she has set her sights on the bright, athletic Hebrew servant. And she acts on it, “Come to bed with me!” (v6)

There are probably many things so extreme they present no real temptation to you. You wouldn’t say yes to killing your irritating coworker. But you might happily make them the butt of an office-wide joke. Robbing a bank isn’t likely to tempt you. But fudging your taxes, well… that’s another story. So when this woman brazenly invites Joseph to fornicate with her, it’s an immediate, pointed refusal. Most of us would do the same, wouldn’t we?

The original language paints a picture with more color and far greater depth. While the wording of verse six, “come to bed with me,” is an accurate option, it is more literally translated as “come lie beside me” or “be beside me.” Joseph has options for interpreting her invitation. By the time she persists “day after day,” he will have no doubt about her intentions. But initially, his successful resistance requires subtlety. Joseph chooses not to spend time with her, even though he could claim innocence, while foolishly drifting, step by step, toward the sexual cliff she hopes to pull him over. He refuses to spend time with her, period.

Finally, the recipe for Joseph’s successful resistance is outlined in verse 9, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” You might read this as one thought repeated twice, but he is pointing to two distinct failings. When Joseph mentions “such a wicked thing,” he is referring to his relationship with Potiphar, the trust that would be broken, and the moral contract he chooses to uphold. Caring about people gives us extra courage to do the right thing. Second, he adds, “and sin against Yahweh.” Here, Joseph reflects on the importance of his spiritual journey and the value he places on God's presence in his life. Two things. Each contributes to the power required to resist “day after day.”

Today, no matter the temptation or the number of days in a row you have been hounded, may you experience deliverance through your love for the people around you and the goodness of Immanuel, God with us.

1. What small, socially acceptable failing do you struggle with, such as gossip, inappropriate humor, or wandering eyes and thoughts?
2. Who inspires you to do the right thing and gives you the courage to become the person you aspire to be? Are they available to you in a moment of weakness? What would need to happen for that to be possible?
3. What persistent problem hounds you daily? What do you want to say to Jesus about it?