Genesis 39:10-12
10 And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. 11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, 12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.
When Potiphar's wife forces the issue, Joseph realizes that reasoning with her is useless, so he just flees. When first offered sin it is good to verbalize why we say no, but we may eventually have to just leave before crossing the boundary. Too often we linger around the boundaries, debating with ourselves and maybe enjoying the stimulation of the temptation. But the longer we linger the more likely we are to fall. Joseph fled despite being naked; purity was more important than pride, more important than what others would think.
Throughout Joseph's response there is no mention of his own desires, but instead is a focus on what God and others in authority over him (Potiphar) would want. This is the mark of a someone who has submitted his will to God. Joseph just does what is right, even when it lands him in prison, still trusting in God's benevolence.
Lord, thank you for Joseph's example of fleeing from sexual temptation. Help me to likewise flee and not stay in dangerous situations, and to trust in Your goodness.
10 And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. 11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, 12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.
When Potiphar's wife forces the issue, Joseph realizes that reasoning with her is useless, so he just flees. When first offered sin it is good to verbalize why we say no, but we may eventually have to just leave before crossing the boundary. Too often we linger around the boundaries, debating with ourselves and maybe enjoying the stimulation of the temptation. But the longer we linger the more likely we are to fall. Joseph fled despite being naked; purity was more important than pride, more important than what others would think.
Throughout Joseph's response there is no mention of his own desires, but instead is a focus on what God and others in authority over him (Potiphar) would want. This is the mark of a someone who has submitted his will to God. Joseph just does what is right, even when it lands him in prison, still trusting in God's benevolence.
Lord, thank you for Joseph's example of fleeing from sexual temptation. Help me to likewise flee and not stay in dangerous situations, and to trust in Your goodness.