God's Exceptional Choice
The Septor Given to Judah
Jacob Called Israel
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
Genesis 38:12-19 The Message12 Time passed. Judah’s wife, Shua’s daughter, died. When the time of mourning was over, Judah with his friend Hirah of Adullam went to Timnah for the sheep shearing. 13-14 Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law has gone to Timnah to shear his sheep.” She took off her widow’s clothes, put on a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim which is on the road to Timnah. She realized by now that even though Shelah was grown up, she wasn’t going to be married to him. 15 Judah saw her and assumed she was a prostitute since she had veiled her face. He left the road and went over to her. He said, “Let me sleep with you.” He had no idea that she was his daughter-in-law. 16 She said, “What will you pay me?” 17 “I’ll send you,” he said, “a kid goat from the flock.” She said, “Not unless you give me a pledge until you send it.” 18 “So what would you want in the way of a pledge?” She said, “Your personal seal-and-cord and the staff you carry.” He handed them over to her and slept with her. And she got pregnant. 19 She then left and went home. She removed her veil and put her widow’s clothes back on.
For Reflection
The Bible is filled with stories of action – ungodly actions – taken out of desperation. Tamar is desperate to be accepted. So she turns to prostitution, deception, incest, and bribery. Judah's immorality was the key to her inclusion. Yet, this is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. Can any of us be a part of the family of God despite what has happened? Yes! Jesus doesn’t cover up the realities nor does He wish they would go away. Despite immoral actions taken out of desperation, God is still willing to include us in His family line. PrayPray for all people who take questionable desperate action. Pray to the living God and a less desperate action will appear. Pray and trust in God.
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