Genesis 39:1-6 (NIV)

1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.

2 The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

Reflection:

There was a theme in the Old Testament that the most concrete proof of God’s favor over one’s life was prosperity, security, and health. Although this was not always the case (as shown in the book of Job), the Lord does provide us with material and nonmaterial blessings. We can look upon our own jobs, houses, and various relationships as a sign of blessing and favor from Him.

Response:

Let’s reflect on all the blessings that we have already received from the Lord and thank Him because of His favor and faithfulness in our lives. May we go one step further and trust with a bold faith that God will bless our workplaces, schools, and other organizations because we belong to them, just as He blesses Potiphar’s household because of Joseph.