Contemplative Bible Reading

Genesis 39:3 (New Living Translation)

Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.

This is a simple sentence that sets the stage in the (hi)story of Joseph in Egypt. Joseph is a slave. No rights; no anything. Potiphar owns Joseph. Take that in: he OWNS Joseph.

Potiphar noticed that this slave from Canaan succeeded in everything he did. Slaves don’t succeed, and owners don’t notice. That, however, is what happened here.

AND, Potiphar realized that Jehovah God the Creator was with Joseph. Potiphar, an Egyptian who owned stolen persons, knew about Jehovah the God who created all. Potiphar also noticed that this all-powerful God was with Joseph. This happened hundreds of years before the Ten Commandment and there was any sense that relatives of this slave would be a nation that caused other nations to tremble.

People in the world who don’t have a close relationship with God notice people who do. These “other” people know about God the creator, even these “others” who deny God’s existence. These “other” people can put two-and-two together. They do so more often than they admit.

Me? I need to realize this and act like I know it. Please God, help me everyday as I walk to and fro.