Slave

Gen 39:1 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.

God often does His work in stages, steps and processes. This is why we must trust Him fully – for we may not know at which stage or section of the process we are in. But we know that we can trust Him. Joseph is now in Egypt and he is initiated into a luxury, culture and beauty that must have completely stunned the Jew who only knew the tents of his fathers. The grandeur of ancient Egypt is unparalleled not only in beauty but in its advancements in medical and scientific feats. But the most seductive aspect of Egypt is its culture or what we call civilization.

The eyes of Joseph are opened to a completely different world with a different set of rules and traditions. He was purchased to be a slave of the Egyptian and so a slave of the Egyptian culture. But He also knew that he could not serve two masters. The God of His family that sold him out and the God of Pharaoh were irreconcilable. Their cultures were completely apart. Like Daniel, he purposed from day one not to defile himself … not to partake in the delicacies that the culture offered. Egypt has a lot to offer. Some that looks very harmless and a lot that is quite toxic and obviously undesirable.

There are little victories we must win before we will be permitted to fight the major bouts. If Joseph cannot survive in keeping himself as a slave, how will he cope if he becomes the Prime Minister. I pray that with this devotional God will help you to stay apart for the greater things He wants to do in your future. In the new culture, every day is a test. What we will say, not say. Do or not do. Egypt is a journey down but you do not have to come down … you can use it as Joseph did, an opportunity to grow even spiritually and come up even higher. Even in Egypt, you can excel.

Today reflect on men like Daniel who were able to shine in a very different culture. There is a Rock that is higher than I. O then to the Rock I fly.

You can decide today and make a quality decision to cling to the Rock and be unaffected by the culture.

Song.

O sometimes the shadows are deep, and rough seems the path to the goal,

and sorrows, sometimes how they sweep Like tempests down over my soul.

O then to the Rock, let me fly … To the Rock that is higher than I.

Words: Erastus Johnson, 1871

Prayer: O Lord, hold me in the confusion of the culture. Help me to be fastened to the Rock which cannot move. Amen.

 

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory.  We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious  because God works His marvellous agenda.   Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily.   Edited by  Bolade Apampa