Jenn Johnson, “Goodness of God”
Fort Perch Rock Prison, Merseyside, United Kingdom
Source: Wikipedia
The LORD was with Joseph…
Genesis 39:2 (NIV)
Note: Sunday worship at 10:15 AM
In-person worship and live stream
Dear Grace Family,
The song above is a great reminder of God’s consistent and persistent faithfulness. When I listen to it and sing along, I am encouraged to look back over my life with the eyes of faith and give thanks for God’s continued care over the years.
Below the song is a picture of a place all of us would like to avoid. If you look closely, you can see what 19th century prisoners had to use for a “toilet”.
As we return to Genesis, we pick up on the story of Joseph (for a helpful refresher about his life, go here). In the text we will be looking this week, there is a powerful reality that is woven throughout the chapter:
The LORD was with Joseph.
At the beginning of the chapter, the fact that God was with Joseph is somewhat easy to discern. After all, Joseph is experiencing great success in his work for Potiphar, a powerful member of the Egyptian ruling class. While working for Potiphar, Joseph rises to a position of great responsibility and authority. No doubt his job is interesting and inspiring.
By the end of the chapter, however, we find Joseph in a vastly different set of circumstances. Instead of eating at the best restaurants in town and tallying up his vested stock options in Egyptian companies, Joseph’s life has come crashing down around him. He is toiling away in an Egyptian prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Yet, we are told that even in the darkest dungeon, long forgotten by his former colleagues and presumed dead by his family, Joseph is buoyed by one very important fact:
…while Joseph was there in the prison,
the LORD was with him.
No matter the circumstances, God was present, loving, and active in Joseph’s life.
As bearers of the same promises as Joseph, this is true for us as well. So whether you’re on top of the highest mountain, waist-deep in the darkest valley, or somewhere in between—know that God is with you.
I hope to worship with you on Sunday.
This Sunday: Genesis 39 (NIV)
"The LORD was with Joseph”
Here is the Order of Worship.
Warmly in Christ,
John