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Three times in this chapter the LORD is with Joseph. This is the most important thing. Circumstances are not the measuring stick for success. The real question is whether or not the LORD is with you. Here’s a history of his presence:
- Call his name Emmanuel, God with us.
- Exodus 33:15
- Elijah’s showdown with the priests of Baal on Carmel. A god who wasn’t there. No ears to hear, no eyes to see, no mouth to speak and those that worship them are like unto them.
- John 1:1-4 in the beginning (John 1:14 made flesh and dwelt among us)
- Daniel 3 with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed Nego in the fiery furnace
- He is on your calendar. Artifacts of creation like time measured in weeks. Who determined 7 days then start over? It’s universal, but attributed to no one. It’s an artifact of the beginning – the creation.
- Matthew 28:20 – Jesus claims omnipresence, I am with you God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
- Christ in you, the hope of glory
- The Comforter is with His children in Spirit right now through His words. In the future he will be with His people in Spirit and in body.
In success (vss 1-6)
- Everything he does is successful.
- He’s trustworthy because he’s faithful.
Through false accusation (vss 7-20)
- Joseph does right. He flees youthful lusts. And now he’s in trouble.
- Paul lists many things that would make you and I think we have been abandoned by God
- Adversaries – Romans 8:31 If God be for us, who can be against us?
- Necessities – Romans 8:32
- Accusations – Romans 8:33 – Paul was falsely accused – Jesus was falsely accused. Paul says It is God that justifieth.
- Condemnations – Romans 8:34
- Trouble – He quiets the fear by bringing to mind the future.
- Physical, the last thing Paul describes is a physical separation that can way on a person’s mind and emotions
- All of these things are temporary, but God’s very present help in trouble is forever. Stay close to the LORD and you’ll find the adversity is only temporary, but the love of the LORD is forever.
In prison (vss 21-23)
- Productive in prison.
- The blessings of God are not bound to circumstances. The Spirit of God is not bound to a system. I think about this when considering God’s work and national government. The work of God has thrived under every form of government.
- Joseph is productive meaning he does such a good job in everyday things. He is an outstanding employee. And this was the blessing of God.
