Judah and Tamar

Scripture: Genesis 38:27, 29b "Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in [Tamar's] womb. ... [the first-born child] was called Perez."

Observation: This story about Judah and Tamar brings almost nothing but questions to mind. There are still a few things to note.
1. Judah was the one that had the bright idea to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites so that his blood wouldn't be on their hands. After all "what profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?" he said. Better to sell him and gain some real profit.

2. Judah continues here to boldly proclaim his lack of morality. The only two "good" things he does is to attempt to bring an heir to his first-born son and then later confess his sinfulness (which is indeed an awesome thing to do). We might think this a selfish thing to do, but in their culture a woman's prize and joy came greatly (if not primarily) from being blessed with children.

3. Through this event God does two things of note:
     A. He demonstrates (again) His love for and valuation of women. Tamar was a widow and was being treated unjustly. It is no little wonder that God would give her twins! He is a good God.
     B. He again worked through the unrighteousness acts of men to bring about His plan to save people from the consequences of those same sinful acts. Tamar's child Perez is in the ancestral line of Jesus.

Application:
1. God will accomplish His purposes and they cannot be thwarted.

2. God will always act on behalf of the outcast, poor, widowed, fatherless, and humbled. And He, in His time, will judge and bring wrath on sinful man for their rebellion and sinful acts.

(Psalm 18:27 "For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks.")

Prayer: I will follow You and trust in Your ways and means even though I do not understand them always. You alone are The Lord. And this is eternal life, that people may know You, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Father, please use me to spread those truths in a country and military that adamantly and forcefully is shutting their ears to You and driving all reminders of You out. We need You. Amen.