The Morality of Consent By Rev. Mark Buetow
E H I G H E R T H I N G S __
ven though Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, the Lord blessed him in the house of his master, Potiphar, the Egyptian captain of the guard. Joseph pretty much ran the whole household: He was responsible for the finances and groceries and maintenance and the other slaves. When Mrs. Potiphar comes to try and seduce him— “Lie with me!”—well, why not? She’s an adult. He’s an adult. What would be the harm in it if they are both willing? But Joseph refuses. “How can I do this thing and sin against God?” He also is concerned for his master. Mrs. Potiphar was Potiphar’s wife, and Joseph had no right to do that with her. What’s ironic is that when Joseph chooses to do the godly thing, he still gets in trouble. She turns him in and he gets thrown into prison. But notice something here: Joseph trusts in the Lord’s care, and he refuses to do something wrong even when he knows could get away with it.
8 istockphoto - Jorisvo
