Joseph Going From Bad to Worse in Egypt

This meditation is based on a passage for February 25, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Genesis 39:1-23

Reflection and Question: The story of Joseph is one of the first Bible stories I learned in Sunday School as a child. But I was ignorant of the details until many years later, probably because they are more R rated than PG. In this passage, Joseph has risen to become the most trusted servant of a captain of the Egyptian guard — until the captain’s wife throws herself at Joseph, blames him to save herself, and thereby condemns Joseph to prison. Circumstances get worse and worse for Joseph; yet God is with him and the story continues. When has good come for you as things went from bad to worse?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, we know that You were with Joseph every step of his way into Egypt and in his rise to power there. May we see how You are with us every step of the way, as well, and give You thanks. Amen.