“Joseph’s Harassment & Integrity”

July 13, 2014 Genesis 39(1-6,12-23)   Play AUDIO (32 kbps mp3)

THE HEINOUSNESS OF HARASSMENT

•    sad history of abuse of minors - Nova Scotia orphanage
•    Pope regarding abusive RC clergy: camouflaged complicity, sacrilegious cult

RESPONSE TO RESPONSIBILITY: WHEN GOD JUST KEEPS ON BLESSING...

•    taken down from privileged position
•    God’s blessing:
•    presence
•    favour
•    responsibility
•    stewardship
•    success

FRAMED!

•    “Was that auto accident REALLY an accident?!”
•    swoop & squat; side swipe; panic stop; drive down
•    rebuffing Potiphar’s wife’s come-on
•    ingredients of integrity: self-control, content with one’s limits
•    respect - for his master, and marriage in general
•    ethics - “such a wicked thing”
•    faith - “How could I sin against God?”
•    Mrs.P.: lusting, latching on, lying, lambasting
•    contrast Joseph: self-control, leaves, tells truth, accepts responsibility

REPEAT THE REFRAIN: GOD’S ONGOING CARE

•    back into the slammer for Mr. Innocent
•    did Potiphar ever regret his hasty reaction?
•    God’s renewed blessing for Joseph: presence, favour, responsibility, stewardship, success