Why is Genesis 38 and the account about Judah inserted in the narrative about Joseph, which began in Genesis 37 and goes until Genesis 50? These two accounts don’t seem to fit together? Yet, when you look deeper you will see their connection.

 

Judah pays a prostitute to have relations while Joseph flees from his temptation. The two stories are juxtaposed (placed side-by-side) to show the contrast between Judah and his perverted sons (Er and Onan in Gen. 38:1-4) and Joseph. Joseph was placed into a difficult situation. As a slave he could not avoid being tempted by Potiphar’s wife.

 

If possible, the best way to avoid allurements is not to place yourself in compromising settings. Paul’s advice, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Joseph didn’t have that luxury. The handsome Joseph had regular advances made at him by this seductress.

 

Now, when I’m about to run on the treadmill I always get my iPod to play my Christian tunes, my $30 headphones that sometimes give me stereo (music in both ears), but mostly monotones (music only in my right ear), and I lace up my Nike running shoes. Joseph didn’t have time for all of that. Gen. 39:40 reports, “But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.”

 

Our lesson today is that we shouldn’t put ourselves in an environment where we might yield to sin, but if we find ourselves being tempted, then run! I pray that you both learn to run from temptation and bolt toward those who will keep you accountable. Once again, Paul’s advice, “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace WITH THOSE who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22).