A Very Dark Chapter

 

I just read what I think is the darkest chapter of the Bible - Genesis 38.

Judah, the 4th son of Jacob, and Tamar, his daughter-in-law, are the main characters.

Life is messy, but sin makes it even messier. The record of Judah and Tamar is a complex narrative of failure, depravity and deceit, but, ultimately, redemption. Their story is of brokenness an ungodly behavior, yet, unknown to them, a part of a larger tapestry God was weaving. From Judah's deceitful union with Tamar, was born Perez, an ancestor of King David, and, later, our Savior, Jesus Christ!

It's part of that battle between good and evil that God prophesied to Eve, back in Genesis 3:15, when He told her one of her descendants would someday destroy Satan and all his evil works. (That's why Jesus came - see 1 John 3:8)

This messy story demonstrates that God can bring about His redemptive purpose, even through our flawed and sinful actions.  And it reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and redemption. This record is not an attempt to excuse sin, but a reason to trust in Him to bring salvation and His glory, in spite of our sin.

As Joseph said to his cruel brothers "you meant to harm me, but God turned it to good" (Genesis 50:20)

One of my professors, an atheist, read the Old Testament and considered it reliable history. Why/ Because our God didn't try to cover His peoples' wrong-doing, but painted them accurately, warts and all!

And there are a lot of warts in this story! (And lots in my story, too!)

Praise God none of us are out of reach of His grace!

And praise God He thought we were worth the price!