Connecting Scriptures:  Deuteronomy 25:5-10, Matthew 1, Ephesian 2:13, Zechariah 6:15, Proverbs 16:4, Acts 2:23 

You want to know what sinful family betrayal will get you?  Genesis chapter 38.  With a father who was all but destroyed at home, and no prospects for change or hope, Judah takes his guilt in the matter and packs up to start over in a new place.  One that was away from his family of origin and away from all the trouble that had been grown there.  Who knows his mindset, but maybe he thought he could out run God’s judgement.  May be he thought he could be a different, better man on his own—away from the God of his father and the covenant promise that had shaped his whole life.  The Word does not give us a certain indicator his motives, but it does paint a clear picture of his heart.  It was far from God.  He had “turned” his life in a different direction.    

Judah lives an entire life away from Israel.  He takes a wife, has three sons and looks to be living a good life.  But, sins effects are close at hand as he watches two of his sons die because of their own wickedness.  Who isn’t wicked in these accounts here?  Judah is bearing the weight of horrible choices, raising sons who aren’t far from the tree.  Tamar, even as much as I want to cheer her on, uses evil means to redeem her situation.  The desperation in her choice to seduce her father-in-law is heartbreaking.  

My mind is cast to Jesus here—He is our only hope of redemption and salvation.  Not our efforts to cover up our past with a new life like Judah, or to make justice for ourselves as Tamar did.  Only Christ, coming to us and freeing us from this sin that is a chain of slavery.  I know we are deep in Old Testament land, Jesus’ incarnation is a while off, but his sacrifice on Calvary stretches to eternity future and past.  Judah’s ultimate help would come out of such ugly means.  Matthew 1 tells us about Jesus’ linage and right there in verse 3, we see the heaviness of Genesis 38 redeemed.  Jesus comes from Tamar’s conception of Perez. God takes the evil we do (because it is all we can really produce outside of Him) and makes use of it.  He makes use of us.  

These actions by brave and broken Tamar, and her holding up Judah’s sin to him, results in Judah’s repentance and turning back to home.  He takes her and the children she bears, and protects them.  The heart of God is to bring the outsider in, to bring the son home, and to keep all who are called according to His purposes.  I praise Him, with my whole being, because I was an outsider like Tamar.  I have been brought near to the throne of grace, and given a part in the story God is writing.  I am a part of the Salvation Story!  I am apart of God’s family because of Jesus.  

Questions for Reflection:

1.  Judah’s “side quest” (as well as how Joseph fairs) are the only in-depth accounts we get about Israels sons.  Why do you think that is?  

2.  If you have brought near into God’s family, how can you praise Him right now for that grace?  If you have not accepted the salvation of Jesus, what is keeping you from Him today?  Know that God’s heart is for all to be saved, and that you can make a decision right now that will change all your tomorrows.  Romans 10:13 tells us that “all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  This is very Good News!  I am praying for you, where ever you are, to know the Lord and his saving power today!