Genesis 39:1-3 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.

Potiphar means “one devoted to the sun.” Potiphar was devoted to an Egyptian sun god – possibly Horus or Ra. We have a contrast set up here … we have the household of one devoted to the sun … a pagan who seems to be living it up … he’s got the good job, he knows the right people. Then there is Joseph … devoted to the one true God (you might say Joseph was devoted to the Son). Joseph was despised by his family, assumed dead, sold into slavery, taken to a foreign land and left poor. Yet, the Pagan, we will see, realizes that Joseph is the truly prosperous one … not just prosperous by chance, but prosperity seems to follow him.

If you ever start to look at the success of those who don’t know God and compare it to your own life, think about Joseph. Maybe go to Psalm 73 and let God correct you. Think about how blessed you are … God is so good.

Psalm 73:2–3 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:16–17 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.

Psalm 73:27–28 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.