Text: Genesis 39:1-9
Memory Verse: “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Joseph became a slave in the house of Potiphar. Because of his close relationship with God, He gave him favour before Potiphar and prospered Potiphar’s house. Consequently, Potiphar made Joseph overseer of his
house, putting him in authority over all he had. In essence, he was the superintendent of Potiphar’s estate.
Joseph’s stature and good looks attracted him to Mrs. Potiphar, who consistently pestered him for sex. Joseph refused to do such wickedness primarily because he feared God and wanted to honour Him. But he also
understood the limit of his authority. He knew that, despite his greatness, his authority over Potiphar’s house excluded access to his wife. He was not power drunk and wished to operate within the confines of his legitimate powers.
Though he suffered imprisonment for honouring God, He honoured and elevated him, eventually.Contrast this with King Jeroboam who overstepped his authority by burning incense before the altar at Bethel, and attempting to arrest the young prophet who prophesied against that altar. The hand he stretched out towards the prophet in that attempt withered. It took the prophet’s entreaty to God to restore the hand (1 Kings 13:6). God requires leaders at home, religious or political sphere to understand and operate within the limits of their legitimate authority. When they fail to do so, the entire society suffers. Do you understand and operate within the limit of your legitimate authority in your sphere of influence?
Prayer Points:
1. Father, help me understand the limits of my authority, and forgive me for every way in which I have overstepped it and caused harm in my home, the church or the society.
2. Lord, from now on, I choose to and ask for grace to operate within the limits of my legitimate authority.