47 Days of Justice 2024 - Day 31: Even when on the receiving end of injustice, you can bring glory to God.

“From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat! Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man,”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭39:5-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Many people are familiar with the biblical story of Naaman, the leper. What we generally take away from that story is the fact that Naaman didn’t want to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times as the prophet Elisha instructed. But upon doing so, he was miraculously healed.

A part of Naaman’s story easily lost to the reader, is how he had come to hear about Elisha.

“The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy. At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭5:1-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You see, it was a little servant girl who suggested that Naaman go see Elisha for healing. Yes, a servant girl, taken as spoils of war, actually cared about her master’s disease. As a result of her caring for her master enough to suggest that he seek out the prophet, Naaman came to know the God of Israel in a great and mighty way.

Now, you know as well as I do that having been taken from your way of life, and given as a “gift” to someone, it would be easy to be bitter and actually want bad things to happen to your master. But this servant girl did care about Naaman, and as such, brought glory to God.

Along those lines, have you ever read the story of Saint Patrick? He was taken from Britain as a slave when he was only 16 years old and brought to Ireland where he worked as a slave for six years before escaping. Then, after having been reunited with his family, he later received a call from the Lord to go back to Ireland and minister to those who had been his captors.

As a result of Patrick’s obedience to God, many souls were saved, and God was glorified, all because of a slave turned savior for his former enemies.

Jesus spoke of the fact that we are to behave differently than the world does when we face persecution.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:43-48‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It seems to be a bitter pill to swallow to pray for your persecutors. But our Lord put His life where His instruction was by asking forgiveness for those who crucified Him.

“When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In our opening scripture we see that although Joseph is a slave, he is bringing great success to the house of his master. Indeed, the Lord is blessing the house of Potiphar for Joseph’s sake!

Remember, sometimes it is the very injustice that could torment you, that is actually placing you on a stand from which your good works can be seen, bringing great glory to your Father in heaven!

“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

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