Finding Meaning in Otherwise Random Events (Part 2)

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:
1 Peter 1	1 Peter 2	1 Peter 3	Genesis 39	Genesis 40	Psalms 17

In part 1 of Finding Meaning in Otherwise Random Events, we followed events in the life of Joseph, son of Israel, through chapters 37 & 38 of Genesis. The jealousy of his brothers toward him led them to sell him to traders on their way to Egypt. In turn, the traders sold him to a man in Egypt by the name of Potiphar who was captain of Pharoah's guard. This was bad enough, but it was only the first two in a series of supposedly random events in Joseph's life that led him to God's purpose. Chapters 39 & 40 reveal more events in this journey.

As Potiphar's household slave, Joseph was very responsible and God gave him favor with Potiphar so that Joseph was placed in charge Potiphar's entire household. But then Potiphar's wife took an interest in him and tried to seduce him. Joseph refused her advances repeatedly until one day when she had him alone and she pressed him into a position which left him no choice but to run and get away from her. In doing so, however, he left behind his outer garment of which she had taken hold. She accused Joseph of trying to take advantage of her which angered her husband and Joseph landed in prison.

Anyone who has read this account knows where it is going, plus there are the editorial comments by the writer of Genesis who adds that "the LORD made everything he did successful." And, "the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him." (Gen 39:3, 21) These are advantages we have that Joseph did not have. Though he may have had an inner sense that the Lord was with him in these events, he was still experiencing one setback after another, though referring to them as setbacks is putting them mildly. They would have been devastating to most any of us.

Joseph's stint in prison lasted over 2 years and during that time he encountered further disappointments. It wasn't like he saw a speedy resolution to his situation providing him a quick indication of God's hand in these events to assure him of a good outcome. We don't know how long he served in Potiphar's household, but several years passed from the time he entered Egypt as a slave until he was delivered from these circumstances.

We should note throughout them that Joseph handled them honorably, always being cooperative and doing his best in all things so that he was given positions of responsibility. If we only take note of God's leading through these circumstances and fail to take note of Joseph's attitude and response to them, we miss an important lesson. Joseph was not a puppet in God's hands any more than are we. He made choices that enabled the outcome toward which God was directing him. His choices could have thwarted God's purpose instead, and he could have found himself remaining in prison instead of second in command to Pharoah. But Joseph chose to accept what might appear to most of us as random events as coming from God and having a purpose, and in turn, he responded to them positively.