Now when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your slave did to me,” his anger burned. So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail. But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it. The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper. Genesis 39:19-23 NASB
Some people just seem to rise to the top. Maybe they have natural leadership gifts or have developed skills to lead, manage and organize. Joseph seemed to be one of those guys. He was placed in charge of all in Potiphar’s house. Once in jail, the same thing happened, he rose in responsibility and authority, right to the top. One reason appears to be that God was with him and made him to prosper. Maybe that’s what it means to have ‘supernatural’ leadership gifts. Abraham Lincoln was asked about God’s involvement in the greatest challenge of his life and political career. His insight was “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” Perhaps that’s a lesson for all of us. Let’s be mostly concerned about being on God’s side of every issue and situation. It’s then, that win or lose, rise or fall, we will accomplish His will. Remember, Jesus has risen and overcome the world. In that I find hope and peace.
When I have been maligned, mistreated, and removed from a role in life- how do I respond? How long before I align with God and rise?!
God, the lessons from Joseph’s life are manifold. Thank you for Your great grace with which you forgive my many sins, heal the hurts in my life and allow me to reach out and serve within the kingdom of God. I know there are big opportunities and challenges ahead. I feel like I am humbly rising in the esteem of those who matter most, my lovely wife, brothers, kids, and grandchildren. Help me accomplish the tasks before me. Especially as I minister to families who have lost loved ones. Oh, I am grateful to be with You. Its time to rise!
