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Genesis 39:9
9He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?"
Joseph had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Egypt's Captain of the Guard, Potiphar, had purchased Joseph and found that he could be trusted. Everything Joseph did was blessed by God, so Potiphar made him the manager of his household.
The wife of Potiphar lusted after Joseph. He was a young, handsome man in his prime. She tried to lure him into having relations with her. Joseph answered with our verse for today. He respected the honor and trust given him by Potiphar, and that was reason enough to resist her invitation. But the greatest reason to resist was that to take another man's wife would be a great wickedness and a sin against God.
Why is adultery considered such a wicked thing in the Bible? It is because marriage is a picture of our relationship with God. Idolatry is compared to adultery in Scripture. God loves us and wants us to be His. After all He has done for us in giving us life, provision, faith, and all good things, how can we turn to some worthless thing and give ourselves to it? Adultery also violates the covenant commitment a couple has made with one another. It separates what God has joined.
Joseph forsook momentary pleasure because he valued the things that last. He had a fear of the righteous judgments of God. He valued the honor given him by Potiphar, but even more, he valued the blessing of God on his life.
Prayer: Lord, keep my heart devoted to You. When temptation comes, help me to see it for the lie that it is. Keep my heart grateful for Your blessings in my life. May my love for You dominate my desires.
