Shade Tree Wisdom 1/16/13

          Things were starting to look up. The young man had gotten a promotion to head steward.

          Life was wonderful. No clouds on the horizon. The future looked bright..

          But “sin lieth at the door”. The world he lives in is filled with all kinds of temptations, snake pits, unexpected and unwanted problems.

          The young man I am talking about it Joseph. Yes, That Joseph, who had been sold by his jealous brothers to traders passing through, and so he landed as a servant in the house of a public official in Egypt, Potiphar. Joseph had done so well his skills were recognized and hence the promotion.

          One day, busy about his work, he found himself alone in the house with his Master’s wife, who had her eye on this handsome young man and tried her best to seduce him. He left his outer garment, tore away, and escaped the house.

          For what she had in mind was sin, and Joseph did not trivialize or soft-pedal it, he said, “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against my God?” (Gen.39,9.)

          And he discovered what Christians always have, the world doesn’t recognize God’s values or Words. And, it was not wise to resist the blandishments of the boss’ wife

          So Joseph landed in a dungeon. But even there he served His God, helped the captors do their job, and finally was called to interpret  a dream that the king if Egypt had had. His success here in the court resulted in Joseph, erstwhile slave, landing as the second highest in command in the land. Only Pharaoh himself was more powerful.

          I tell the story to remind us that for every person “sin is ever lying at the door”, and temptation is always there. And so often, when things seem to be getting easier and better, the tests come harder than ever, and often from strange and unexpected directions.

          I plan to fill out that thought in one of the future Shade Tree Wisdom selections. Meanwhile, do enjoy, do enjoy this new year, fill it with useful labor, and grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

GPD 1/16/13