A Living Sacrifice
This week, we entered Chapter 39 of Genesis in our study of Joseph’s life. If this happens to be your first pass at this section of the Bible, you may be wondering how much more chaotic the story can get.
We learned of all the messiness in the lives of Joseph’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, which brought the narrative to this point. We saw how poorly Joseph was treated by his brothers, selling him into slavery and lying about his death to their father. In the most recent chapter, we took a (relevant) sidebar into Joseph’s brother, Judah, being tricked into impregnating his daughter in-law with twins. Surely, this is all headed for redemption, right?
Well, not yet. The story moves back to Joseph (39:1) as he is taken to Egypt. After being tasked with serving Pharaoh's captain of the guard, Potipher, Joseph finds himself in another dangerous situation. Potipher’s wife begins making advances on Joseph and, after many failed attempts to seduce him, frames him for pursuing her. Joseph is thrown into prison. As faithful as Joseph was to the Lord, he surely hadn’t had any of this in mind for his life’s journey.
This is a theme we see all over the Bible. And, for that matter, all over our own lives. Daniel likely did not consider his life’s ministry would take place between multiple murder attempts in Nebuchadnezzar's courts, or Jonah preaching to unbelievers in Nineveh after resisting God’s initial call and being swallowed by a whale. It calls to mind an important truth about living for God: devoting yourself to Him means submitting yourself to the means by which He intends to bring about His will and His work through your life. Yes, sovereignty is complicated.
This adds a whole new dimension to the discipline of submission. It’s a submission that does not merely say, “God, you are Lord over the lifestyle, relationships, and work I have chosen.” Rather, it is a submission that turns the entirety of one’s life and purpose over to God’s will, accepting however He may choose to use it. It’s a submission that requires unwavering trust despite not knowing the outcome. It’s a submission that is the mark of true faith. Of a surrendered heart.
As we continue through the back half of Genesis, we’ll see how Joseph, who faithfully served and revealed God’s power in Potipher’s household, would eventually do the same in prison. We’ll see how his mindset was not changed by his circumstances. His life was devoted to the Lord and the work He had assigned to him, no matter where it took him. Like Daniel and Jonah, Joseph had no idea how the Lord would bless his faithfulness - not just in his lifetime, but in many generations to follow. Everyone who puts their faith in God is a contributor to His story, which He has perfectly written, casted, and directed.
Maybe you find yourself in a life circumstance that feels bleak. You’re wondering what God is up to and why He is allowing or withholding a particular thing. You’re mourning a reality far from what you had envisioned. Trust me, I’ve been there too.
Perhaps that trial will lead you to people you are able to minister to. Or you meet someone later in life who will hear your testimony and will go on to share the faith with others as a result. When we step back from our own circumstances and consider the ways in which God works, we begin to see our earthly lives how they were always meant to be: living sacrifices for God and His purposes (Romans 12:1). And knowing that the world around us is fleeting, we look to the greater hope of being resurrected in eternity.
The Lord is faithful, all-knowing, trustworthy, loving and compassionate. Are you willing to truly give everything to God? Do you consider His will greater than yours? Are you prepared to yield to whatever He may choose to do in and through your life to accomplish His purpose?
Are you all in?
~ Jared Grenfell and his wife Grace have have been active members of the LIFE Fellowship community for several years. Jared has served in various roles on the LIFE Worship team including Music Director.