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Joseph is treated unjustly

Yesterday, we read how Joseph did not give in to the invitation of his master’s wife to sleep with her. But that was not the end of the story. In her disappointment and frustration, this woman took revenge on Joseph by accusing him falsely. And, of course, her husband believed her over his slave. He was very angry with Joseph and put him in prison.

Joseph had been a righteous and honest man, but was treated as a criminal without getting the chance to defend himself. That was utterly unjust! But once again, we read that “the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love”.

Joseph is not the only one who has been treated unjustly despite of (or even because of!) his righteous behavior. Jesus warned his disciples that “the world” would hate them, just like Jesus Himself was rejected, ill-treated and ultimately crucified without ever having committed any sin. Peter tells his readers that their trials are nothing strange. He even says: “rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Apparently, the fact that “the Lord is with us” does not prevent us from being treated badly. But the reverse is also true: being treated badly does not mean that the Lord has forsaken us. That’s what Joseph experienced. This was one more step in God’s plan for his life, where Joseph learned to trust God despite his circumstances.

Have you ever been treated badly because you obeyed God’s will?