Joseph in Egypt
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attained. God was glorified by the faithfulness of His servant. It
was His purpose that in purity and uprightness the believer in God
should appear in marked contrast to the worshipers of idols—that thus
the light of heavenly grace might shine forth amid the darkness of
heathenism.
Joseph’s gentleness and fidelity won the heart of the chief captain,
who came to regard him as a son rather than a slave. The youth was
brought in contact with men of rank and learning, and he acquired
a knowledge of science, of languages, and of affairs—an education
needful to the future prime minister of Egypt.
But Joseph’s faith and integrity were to be tested by fiery trials.
His master’s wife endeavored to entice the young man to transgress the
law of God. Heretofore he had remained untainted by the corruption
teeming in that heathen land; but this temptation, so sudden, so strong,
so seductive—how should it be met? Joseph knew well what would
be the consequence of resistance. On the one hand were concealment,
favor, and rewards; on the other, disgrace, imprisonment, perhaps
death. His whole future life depended upon the decision of the moment.
Would principle triumph? Would Joseph still be true to God? With
inexpressible anxiety, angels looked upon the scene.
Joseph’s answer reveals the power of religious principle. He would
not betray the confidence of his master on earth, and, whatever the
consequences, he would be true to his Master in heaven. Under the
inspecting eye of God and holy angels many take liberties of which they
would not be guilty in the presence of their fellow men, but Joseph’s
first thought was of God. “How ... can I do this great wickedness, and
sin against God?” he said.
If we were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees and
hears all that we do and say and keeps a faithful record of our words
and actions, and that we must meet it all, we would fear to sin. Let
the young ever remember that wherever they are, and whatever they
do, they are in the presence of God. No part of our conduct escapes
observation. We cannot hide our ways from the Most High. Human
laws, though sometimes severe, are often transgressed without detec-
tion, and hence with impunity. But not so with the law of God. The
deepest midnight is no cover for the guilty one. He may think himself
alone, but to every deed there is an unseen witness. The very motives
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of his heart are open to divine inspection. Every act, every word, every