Faithful in a Foreign Land

Background Scripture: Genesis 39-41
Lesson Scripture: Genesis 39:1-6, 20-23

Introduction

To be faithful, one must have faith in something. Hebrews 11 tells us that faith is having a rational confidence in something not perceived with the physical senses. It is also a fundamental set of beliefs. As true Christians, we believe in “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Faith extends from the very core of our being and reaches into every aspect and area of our lives regardless of outside circumstances.

Key Verse

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne (Rev. 3:21).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Joseph and Daniel were both captives in a foreign land. Both, because of their faithfulness, had a great impact on the leadership of the country they were in. Despite being surrounded by pagan worship, they were able to give a clear witness of God’s authority and sovereignty over the many gods which these kingdoms worshipped. God provided for the Egyptians through the miraculous events that took place yet years later brought them to task for their false worship. Joseph likely encountered a multitude of gods and the Egyptians’ religious fervor. Herodotus, a historian who lived in the fifth century BC, wrote that the Egyptians “were religious to excess, far beyond any other race of men.” The Pharaoh of Egypt was considered to be the incarnation of Horus, an ancient Egyptian deity. Pharaoh was also said to be the son of Ra, god of the sun. Pharaoh represented Egypt to the gods, and he was their human deity. That is why the encounter between Moses and Pharaoh years later was such a pertinent confrontation. Moses was directly challenging all the gods of Egypt through Pharaoh. God told Moses before the tenth plague, “against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord’’ (Exod. 12:12).

Joseph was seventeen years old when he was sold into slavery, and he was thirty years old when he rose to second in command of all of Egypt. He was a slave for thirteen years, yet not once does the Scripture say that Joseph complained or grew discouraged. No doubt there were days when he wondered why he was there and what God’s plan was for his life. In this story we see the providence of God upon his faithful children. Surely Joseph had a personal commitment to God that was solid and unshakeable before ever leaving his home. The evidence of this unfolds in Egypt; his masters saw “that the Lord was with him.” His faith in God sustained him as he faced setbacks and disappointments.

Oftentimes, the disappointments of life come unexpectedly. We are not guaranteed that everything we go through will have a “happily-ever-after” ending. To simply place our lives in the hands of an all-knowing God is not easy. Our nature is to be independent and solve our own problems. It is encouraging to see our youth dedicate their lives to God at a young age and to witness young parents with vision training their children in the way they should go. Joseph patiently accepted life as it came, submitting to what he could not control. Sometimes we have to let go of the life that we have planned so as to accept the one that is waiting for us. When we accept responsibilities and setbacks in life and put our trust in God’s providential care, God will bless our lives. “In acceptance lieth peace” is a good adage to keep through all the fortunes of life.

As leadership responsibilities came, Joseph’s time in servitude gave him valuable insight in his station as steward for Pharaoh. The results of Joseph’s upright character only later become apparent while he served under different masters. He conscientiously carried out his responsibilities, and the Lord blessed his efforts.

Joseph allowed the beautiful flowers of acceptance and obedience to bloom in his life. Learning the lessons of obedience helps break our pride and false ego. Those two traits hinder our growth as Christians. Hebrews 5:8 tells us that even Jesus learned obedience through the things that He suffered. Joseph did not let the feelings of offense, anger, and hurt over being sold into slavery hinder him, and this was one key to his success. His behavior toward his masters remained exemplary.

Practical Truths for Today

How do we as Christians today find the courage to be faithful? Christ told the church at Smyrna to “be faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). To the church at Pergamos, He said, “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith” (Rev. 2:13). Our world is no less challenging than the environment Joseph or the churches of Asia found themselves in.

Our faith needs to be complete and undivided, firmly adhering to the doctrine of God’s Word. The Bible tells us that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). A sincere study of God’s Word is at the very heart of a faithful Christian life. Jonathan Edwards, a Puritan preacher, once said, “I have been sinking my bucket down into the well full often, but now my thirst after Jesus has become so insatiable that I long to put the well itself to my lips and drink right on!” Peter exhorts us to “sanctify the Lord God in [our] hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). The faithful Christian will have the reason of faith within himself, a logical defense for what he believes.

Because of the affluent times we live in, there is ample opportunity to pursue many interests and hobbies. Some may be perfectly acceptable in their own right but in the end cause leanness of soul due to the time and resources they require. Being faithful to any cause requires time and effort. Jesus says in Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” First love is the first fruits of our devotion. Contrary to worldly thinking, being called to be a pilgrim and stranger is a high and noble calling.

Today there has been a rebirth of paganism, and many profess no belief at all. It is imperative that the foundation for our faith be steadfast and sure. Our belief must be based upon God’s unchanging Word, where we find answers and direction for daily living. It is not always easy in the affluent culture and lifestyle of our day to remember that we are sojourners (tent dwellers) in a foreign land. Our tendency is to integrate with the world rather than separate. May God grant that we can be faithful while passing through this foreign land.

Questions

1. Are there other qualities of faithfulness not mentioned in the lesson?
2. Define who a “pilgrim and stranger” is.
3. What are some areas where we can become too involved in the “foreign land” around us? When does a hobby or interest become an inordinate passion?
4. Can the study of our forefathers’ writings help us to be more faithful?
5. Discuss: It is always easier to go forward financially than to voluntarily back up.
6. Unsubscribe

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).