David and Joseph are key characters from the Old Testament of the Bible. Each of these men played a major role in advancing the kingdom of Israel and continuing the lineage of the Messiah. For one of these leaders, however, a moral lapse threatened to hinder God’s plan of redemption.
One day, David caught a glimpse of a beautiful woman bathing. A glimpse turned into a gaze. And a gaze turned into lustful action. Although David discovered that the woman was married, he pursued an intimate relationship with her. David tried to hide the affair and the resulting pregnancy by having her husband killed.
Joseph faced a similar situation, although in his case, he was the one being pursued, being invited into an inappropriate relationship with the wife of Potiphar. When the married woman tried to seduce Joseph, he fled the room and the temptation.
We can learn a lot about resisting temptation from the examples of David and Joseph. David chose to feed his temptation, watching Bathsheba bathe and then pursuing her as if she were his own. Joseph decided to flee his temptation, literally running away from a potential affair with Potiphar’s wife.
Ultimately, our best example comes, not from David or Joseph, but from Jesus. As the writer of Hebrews states, Jesus was “…tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15, NIV). Jesus leads us by his example and, more importantly, he forgives us when we fail.
Chuck Kralik, Author 
Yes, Chuck. There’s such a balance between obedience (and following Jesus’ example) and grace (accepting his forgiveness and moving forward).
Accepting God’s grace is my goal for 2020, especially when it comes to writing. You may enjoy my post about it here: https://saralivingfree.com/2019/12/27/new-years-less-condemnation-more-grace/
Take care. 🙂
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Thank you, Sara! I will check it out!
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Both Joseph and David were wonderful examples Pastor Chuck, each in their own way. Jesus, however, He was the model that we must follow. Sadly, I’ve been more David than Joseph or Jesus in my life, but our gracious God continues to love and guide me. A key difference, in my simple mind anyway, as to how Joseph and Jesus differed was that Joseph fled, while Jesus faced the temptation head on, using His word to overcome Satan’s attempts. There’s a lesson to be learned there I think. God’s blessing sir.
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Thank you, J.D., for reading and responding! I appreciate your thoughts!
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God tells us in His Word that we will not be tempted beyond what we can bear because He will provide a way out… And Jesus tells us “I am the way.” Thank you for this reminder of Joseph’s example!
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Thanks so much, Erin, for reading and responding! Blessings!
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Excellent reminder that temptation is near to all of us.
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Thanks so much, Jeanne, for reading and responding! Blessings!
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You shared great examples for us to follow, especially that of Jesus. What powerful truth you included, Pastor Chuck.
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Thank you so much, Jeannie! I appreciate your encouragement!
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Perfect comparison of falling into sin or running away from it. But Jesus is our greatest example to follow and oh how He forgives when we fall. This is a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks so much, Deborah, for reading and responding! I appreciate your thoughts and encouragement!
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Amen, Pastor – truth in a power packed post in just a few words. Thank you.
Yes, we follow our gaze, which is why it’s crucial we watch what we watch – It matters! Best to fix our gaze on Jesus, our deliverer and defender, the director, and author and finisher of our faith.
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Thank you so much, Rachael for reading and responding! I appreciate the encouragement!
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The longer we gaze, the easier it is to sin. We must be like Joseph and immediately flee the temptation. What a good reminder, Chuck. Joseph is a great example for us of fleeing temptation, David is a great example of admitting when we do sin and repenting. God used both men in incredible ways!
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Thank you for the comment, Josie! I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond to my devotion!
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It’s interesting. Joseph shows us how to say no to temptation. David shows us what to do once we’ve said yes. Psalm 51 is a moving psalm.
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I agree, Katy! Thanks so much for reading my devotion and responding with your thoughts!
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