“The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” · “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that ... slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.

Martin Luther, Neenah 27 June 2010

Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Pentecost 5, ILCW C

Is God’s way worth it?

Joseph was a gifted boy, smart, talented, had the good looks of his mother. He was always the

good one. Never did anything wrong. Ever! He was the favorite son, and his brothers resented him for

it. And they were determined to purge this nuisance from their lives. In the remote pasture lands, motive

met opportunity. Events were about to turn bloody when a group of merchant traders approached. So

they sold Joseph into slavery and out of their lives.

The merchants led Joseph south to Egypt. There one of Pharaoh’s officials, Potiphar, the captain

of the guard, purchased him. Even as a slave, “The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered.” Under

the Lord’s watchful care, everything Joseph touched blossomed. And it did not take long for Potiphar to

identify Joseph’s talents. “When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD

gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed

the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything

Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.”

In Egypt at this time, most servants and slaves were notorious for their dishonesty and theft. To

find a man like Joseph who not only had considerable talent but also embodied honesty and reliability was

a rare gift. Joseph’s work involved him in all the activities and business of master’s house. Such things

as agriculture, gardening, livestock, fishing. Joseph also would oversee all of the other workers and

slaves. And he was good at his job and the Lord blessed him and so he also blessed Potiphar. “With

Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

But Joseph also caught the attention of someone else, “Now Joseph was well-built and

handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph.” She made it very obvious that

her interest in Joseph went well beyond the dutiful servant, the polite young man, or the kind friend. She

wanted to “make sport of him,” use him as her personal plaything. He refused. Not to save his job. Not

because he wasn’t interested. Not just out of respect for his master. Listen to his explanation, “How

could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

Surrendering to her would be a sin against God first and foremost. Regardless of what his

conscience would feel, regardless of what his fellow slaves would say, regardless of what his master could

(and probably would) do if he were caught, above all else Joseph saw her offer as an affront to the

holiness of God. That is exactly what sin is, all sin, any sin! Joseph knew that and would not give in to it.

“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with

her.” But she kept on and kept on. Finally she cornered him but still Joseph sided with the Lord.

As he fled, she grabbed his cloak. If she could not have him, then he must be punished. She lied

to her husband who must have sensed some of the truth. But she had evidence, and Joseph could not

remain in the house. But rather than execute him, Potiphar sent Joseph to Pharaoh’s prison.

Joseph remained faithful to the Lord, so why did these terrible things keep happening to him?

Hadn’t the Lord promised to bless those who follow him? Hadn’t he always done so with his father Jacob

and grandfather Isaac and great-grandfather Abraham? Was God’s way worth it?

This question did not begin with Joseph, and he was certainly not the last one to dwell on it. We

are considering that same question today: Is God’s way worth it? That thought is also connected to the

words Jesus spoke in our Gospel: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up

his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Jesus is warning all who follow him to expect difficulty

and persecution. In Joseph’s case, the more right he did; the more persecution he faced. So, was God’s

way really worth it? Joseph must have wrestled with that question during his days in prison. Maybe he should have

abandoned God’s way rather than his cloak! Why not? He was surrounded by immoral people. They

would have advised him to abuse his position a long time ago. Everyone else there would have run into

her arms. Besides, Joseph had never seen any of God’s laws carved in stone. Maybe he could bend one

or two. Maybe he could plead ignorance. He had listened to what his father, Jacob, told him, but he was

so far away. No one would know what he did. And look how his brothers had followed God’s way! It

certainly wasn’t too important to them. And they are the ones still living the good life at home! How

frustrating it must have been for Joseph to watch his faithful service evaporate to nothing! Was God’s

way worth it?

We can sympathize with Joseph. We face temptation just like he did. We are surrounded by an

unbelieving world. We are influenced by those who do not care what the Lord says. We have not always

studied God’s Word as carefully as we should. So at times, when temptation assaults us, we feel

unprepared. How often the opportunity to sin corners us when we are alone, and says “No one will know.

No one will be hurt. The boss isn’t here. It’s just me and my boyfriend/girlfriend. As long as I’m behind

the computer screen, it doesn’t count because it’s not real and no one will find out.”

We also question at times, “Why does no one notice the good that I do? When I am faithful and

honest at work, why does the credit so often go to others? When I made a stand to remain pure, why did

the one I love leave me? When I refuse to join in with sin and wickedness, why do others make fun and

talk behind my back? When I follow God’s way and do what is right, why does he seem to penalize

rather than repay my loss? Is God’s way worth it?”

We also face trouble for our faith, but again isn’t that what Jesus told us to expect? God’s way is

the way of the cross. It was for Jesus, and it remains so for all who follow Jesus. But who wants that?

Why would I sign up for that? What makes such a way worthwhile?

These struggles under the cross do not earn salvation in any way whatsoever. They do not make

up for sin. They do not score points for eternity. They do not help us meet God’s demand of perfection.

Our only way to heaven is Jesus. Every time he was tempted, he perfectly followed his Father’s way.

Every time we fell to temptation, he erased with his cross. He scrubbed out every last one of our sins.

His cross removed sin, conquered death, and earned heaven. So why do we need to bear one too?

The struggles that we face for doing right, the denial of our sinful self, serve a very important

purpose. First, they serve as constant reminder that we are not in heaven yet. And so we have a constant

need for the Lord and his deliverance. Every day we must square off against the seductions of Satan and

a spiteful world and the selfishness of my sinful nature. The only victory we can achieve against these

enemies comes from a connection to our Savior and his Word. The only escape we can win from the

times we have fallen comes from losing ourselves in his cross. The only relief we can uncover under the

load of these constant temptations comes from the promise that “in all things God works for the good of

those who love him.” [Romans 8:28] The crosses we bear will bring eternal good to us or to others.

Look what the Lord brought about as a result of Joseph’s struggles. First, each hardship he faced

prepared him for a greater difficulty that was waiting for him in the future. As he met each one, his trust

in the Lord grew. We also know the rest of Joseph’s story. Why did the Lord allow him to be sold in

Egypt, forced into administrative service, and finally imprisoned with Pharaoh’s servants? The Lord was

preparing Joseph to be his instrument in saving many lives, including those of his own family. Soon the

Lord would elevate Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt. He would be the one to guide this great

nation through a severe famine. He would be the one to feed and protect the family of the Promise and so

preserve the promise of the Savior. All because the Lord equipped him for this important service through

the heavy crosses he bore.

What might the Lord bring about through your crosses? Is he preparing you to endure greater

things? Is he showing you how he is faithful to his promise in small things so that you will trust him in

times of greater adversity? Is he using you and your present struggles to help others? Is your trust or

patience inspiring a neighbor? Is he using your honesty to witness to a unbelieving coworker? Is he

using your confidence of his love and care in the face of disease or even death to encourage a family

member? He may be doing all of that and more.

Trust that the Lord will keep his promises to you. He kept his promises to Joseph. He kept his

promise to save you from sin, death, and hell. He will keep his promises here too. God’s way is worth it

as he uses even your hardship to draw you closer to himself and help others. Amen.