Right after we learn that Joseph was sold into slavery, the scripture says, “Now the Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of Potiphar, his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.” Genesis 39:2-7 I got to say - what an interesting way to define a blessing! Days earlier, Joseph was minding his own business when his father asked him to go check on his brothers. He was happy as a clam - prancing around, wearing his ornate coat specially made by Jacob, enjoying his dreams of his whole family bowing down to him. And now look at his situation. He was almost killed by his envious brothers; he was thrown into a cistern where he sat hot and hungry all day long; then he was sold to slave traders for just twenty silver coins. Joseph was now in bondage. His freedom was gone. He was taken prisoner - a Hebrew slave to an Egyptian master, thousands of miles from home - and his family did not know where he was. Joseph was lost - but not from God. The scripture says, “the Lord was with him and gave him success in everything he did.” The Lord’s blessing has absolutely nothing to do with our current circumstances. The Lord’s blessing has everything to do with where we stand with God. Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:3-12 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
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