Genesis 39; Mark 9; Job 5; Romans 9

Joseph is such a mighty example of honor and holiness and fear of the Lord.

But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.  Genesis 39:12 ESV

Recently, I was speaking to a teenage son of mine and reminding him of this story about Joseph. I was telling him that in certain situations, the manliest thing he could choose- is to run. The fear of the Lord propelled Joseph out of Potiphar’s house, out of his wife’s literal clutches. I pray we always fear the Lord to such a degree. I pray we always know when to run!

Joseph honored the Lord. Joseph honored Potiphar. Ultimately, Joseph honored Potiphar’s wife by protecting her through his race away from wrongdoing. The Lord honored Joseph.

And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed. Genesis 39:23 ESV

As I was reading Mark 9, I was struck by the powerful passages about little ones. They are so precious to our Lord. I was struck by the demon that can only be removed by prayer. Prayer is powerful. It is effective. What is keeping me from powerful, consistent prayer in my everyday life? But… most of all, I was struck by the admonishment to flee sin. Struck by this just as I was gripped by Joseph’s literal flight in Genesis 39.

 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,^[g] it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. ⁴³ And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell,^[h] to the unquenchable fire.^[i] 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. ⁴⁷ And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ⁴⁸ ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ ⁴⁹ For everyone will be salted with fire.^[j] 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9: 42-50 ESV

Lord, only Your grace, only You, can open my eyes to see sin clearly. Help me to treasure the little ones in my life and never be a stumbling block. Help me to flee sin! Joseph allowed his garment to be literally ripped apart as he ran away. Help me to not be afraid to remove myself radically if need be… but O Lord, fill my life with Your grace and power. I can do nothing without You.

Romans 9

¹⁶ So then it depends not on human will or exertion,^[b] but on God, who has mercy. Romans 9:16 ESV

And:

What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; Romans 9:30 ESV

Lord, I am grateful, that somehow, You have created me for a vessel of and for mercy. Help me to be a pure vessel that brings honor and glory to You. Grant me favor like that of Joseph. Help me treasure little ones as You so tenderly demonstrate. Convict my heart and the hearts in my home of sin. Thank You, that in You – I am …hidden from the lash of the tongue,
 and shall not fear destruction when it comes. Job 5 ESV

Truly, the benefits of the Lord know no end.

Rebecca (offeringsbecca)

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