As a former long-distance runner, I understand that dangers that a cross country runner may encounter. Holes, roots, and rocks are the most common hazards. However, when you throw in rain and wet leaves, a competitor is one wrong step away from twisting, turning and or spraining an ankle. Yet, in the passage below, Moses is referring to spiritual running to escape temptation.
Then after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, See here, with me in the house my master has concern about nothing; he has put all that he has in my care. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am; nor has he kept anything from me except you, for you are his wife. How then can I do this great evil and sin against God? – Genesis 39:7-9
It’s not every day that an attractive woman flirts with a single guy. When that woman is your bosses’ wife and she attempts to make a pass at you day after day, running away from temptation is exactly what Joseph did. Although Moses jumps ahead in this story, Potiphar’s wife likely wore less and less clothing in Joseph’s presence so that he would finally give in and sleep with her.
She spoke to Joseph day after day, but he did not listen to her, to lie with her or to be with her. 11 Then it happened about this time that Joseph went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the men of the house were indoors. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me! But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out [of the house]. 13 And when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled away, Genesis 39:10-13.
The apostle Paul builds upon the concept of running away from temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13. Whenever a Christian or anyone else is confronted with a tempting situation, Paul urges first century believers to look for a way out. Unfortunately, those who give into temptation are led astray by a second glance, 1 John 2:15-17. This glance is what the earthly brother of Jesus writes about in James 1:13-15. When temptation comes your way, avoid lusting by running away.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 