GOD'S ECONOMY
We have already established that the concept of tithing was introduced by God before the law was given. Jacob had twelve sons, but God chose one, Joseph, for his own glory. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, and ends up in Egypt, at Potiphar's house. Potiphar saw the blessing on him and promoted him as overseer over his entire household. Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, but he refused and ran away. She told her husband that he tried to seduce her and Potiphar got angry and put him in prison. Nevertheless, we see the blessing was on him, even in the prison.
Ge 39:19-23 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. 20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. 21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
I find it interesting that he was not just placed in any old prison, but the prison where the king's prisoner's were bound. God was setting him up for his destiny. Many times we find ourselves in situations that appear to be unfavorable, but in actuality, God is positioning us for His favor. Many times we are seeking the promotion from man, but remember, promotion comes from God. If man promotes you, man can also demote you, but if God promotes you, no man can demote you. When the blessing is on you, you will be successful, no matter what you undertake. The Lord gave him favor with the keeper of the prison and he promoted Joseph over all the other prisoners, and whatever Joseph did, the Lord made it to prosper. I am reminded of two of my favorite scriptures:
Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Ps 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
