Genesis 38:1-30

The Scriptures never hesitate to paint its characters with warts and all.  Judah is the son of Israel through whom Christ was born, yet we are given a glimpse into his life and character that make us wonder why in the world he was chosen for this honor.  I think the answer lies in the grace of God.  The truth is that nobody is worthy of God’s favor or it could never be called grace.  The flaws that we see in Judah should be to us a source of both warning and hope; warning because these same sins are embedded deep within our hearts; hope because if God can use a man like this He can use us too.
JUDAH’S FAMILY WAS STARTED IN DISOBEDIENCE: Perhaps the problems all started when Judah decided to marry a Canaanite woman.  Abraham and Isaac had both take precautions to make sure that their sons did not marry women from the land in which they lived.  It seems that Judah is overcome by passion for this girl and it appears that he has sexual relations with her and then takes her as his wife.  It does not appear that the families were involved in this process, so we have Judah getting married to the wrong girl in the wrong way.  This is no way to start a family.  As believers we must insist that our families start on the firm foundation of the principles of God’s Word.  Believers must marry believers and establish their families under the submission of God’s authority.  Couples must be committed to enter into marriage as a celebration of God’s grace and keep their bodies pure for one another.  Christian parents must strive to bring their children up in this manner and believing children must seek wisdom from their parents as they consider their marriage partners.  If our families cease to be established in this manner, the strength of the church is bound to become swallowed up in the practices of the world.
JUDAH’S FAMILY WAS PLAGUED BY DEATH: Judah’s marriage resulted in the birth of three children.  The first one was killed by God because he was displeasing to the Lord.  The second one was killed by God because he refused to father children in his brother’s name as was the custom of the day.  Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law had the right to expect that the third son would be her husband but apparently he was still too young for this to happen.  Judah seemed to think that the problem with his sons was with Tamar so he did not give his third son to her as a husband at the right time.  Finally Judah’s wife also died leaving him with only one son and a being widower.  He certainly faced a great deal of heartache.  Sin seems fun at the onset and because of this it looks very attractive to us.  The problem is that the consequences of sin are not at all enjoyable.  Judah’s rebellion at the start of his family was repeated by his own children to the point that God took their lives.  We must remember that the sins we tolerate in our own lives will only be magnified in the next generation.
JUDAH’S FAMILY WAS MARKED BY DISGRACE:  When Tamar saw that Judah was not giving his third son to her as a husband she took matters into her own hands.  She knew that Judah would be shearing his sheep and that would be a time where he would have reason to “celebrate” and so she set herself before his path disguised as a prostitute.  Judah fell into the trap and Tamar became pregnant.  Tamar had Judah’s staff, seal and ring as a pledge until he paid her the young goat as promised.  When she showed up pregnant Judah was relieved that he would not have to give his sin and ordered that she be burned as punishment for her unfaithfulness.  Only Tamar had proof that Judah himself was the father of the child.  This episode reveals the character of both Judah and Tamar.  The immorality and deceit that was in their hearts was profound.  But if we are honest, how many times do we go against what we know to be right because it will make things easier for us or because we convince ourselves that the end justifies the means.  God does not want us to act in this manner.  Judah should have trusted God and raised his sons to obey God.  Tamar should have confronted Judah directly.  Despite the sin in these lives, God still chose to use them as the family through whom Christ would come.  Tamar is mentioned in the genealogy of Christ.  It is a comfort to know that God’s grace is greater than our sin.  

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