Chapter 38 in the Old Testament book of Genesis records an incredible scandal between a father and his daughter-in-law. Behind this ugly story, there is a positive message: "Breakthrough." According to Genesis 37 and 38, Judah was a ruthless person who betrayed his younger brother. He ran away from problems, and he was deceitful and lustful. Judah had a relationship with Tamar, his daughter-in-law who pretended to be a prostitute, and Tamar became pregnant by him. Were this embarrassment to be made public, how would Judah face it? Would he continue his deceit and refuse to admit it or run away from the problem? At this juncture, Judah uttered life-changing words. He said, “She is more righteous than I ...” (38:26). Judah saw that Tamar had pure motives: according to the social customs of the Israelites at the time, Tamar was simply thinking about raising the next generation for her dead husband. Judah himself did not have such a heart, but took advantage of Tamar.
Judah' willingness to face the problem and admit his mistake became a turning point in his life. After Genesis 38, Judas was transformed into an affectionate, trustworthy, responsible person, with courage to face and solve his problems. He persuaded his father Jacob to let him take Benjamin to Egypt to get food, and he pledged his life to bring Benjamin back (43:9). When Joseph plotted to keep Benjamin behind and not let him return to his father, Judah stepped forward to intercede for Benjamin (44:18-33). Not only did Judah replace his older brother, Reuben, as the leader among the brothers, Judah also became King David’s forefather. Judah is also listed in the genealogy of Jesus. We can learn lessons not only from the breakthrough in Judah's life, but also from Tamar. An important message Tamar brings to us is to persevere in adversity and bravely overcome limitations. Tamar was a woman who suffered all kinds of misfortunes. Her husband died. She wanted children but was barren. Her uncle and father-in-law also treated her deceitfully, so that she could not have children and offer children for her deceased husband. Tamar was childless and was considered an outcast in the society at the time. Weak and helpless, Tamar seemed hopeless in a sinful and unrighteous society. Yet Tamar’s gritty character and perseverance helps her to overcome all the hardships and to experience a breakthrough in life. At the end of Genesis 38, the story of Tamar's twins, on one hand, explains the genealogy of the Messiah. On the other hand, it displays the "breakthrough" in the lives of Judah and Tamar. When Tamar gave birth, the midwife named the twin brother who came out first Perez, because he was "rushing to come.” "Rush out" in Hebrew means "breakthrough". The birth of Perez was not only his own breakthrough, but also a breakthrough in the lives of Judah and Tamar. The breakthrough in Judah' life was his willingness to face problems and admit his mistakes. Tamar's breakthrough lies in her perseverance even in the face of adversity, boldly challenging the injustice of her circumstance, and bravely "breaking through" the bondage imposed on her by others. Tamar became a famous woman in the Bible, and her story was recorded and recited. At the end of the book of Ruth, the elders used the example of Tamar to bless Ruth. Tamar also appears in Jesus' genealogy. In what areas of your life do you need a breakthrough today? Your relationship with God? In your personal life? In family relationships? In your church life? Where do you think your fellowship group needs a breakthrough? What breakthrough does FECC need? Ask God to help us to constantly break through and grow in our relationship with Him, in our personal life and our family relationships. We must be willing to face the problems we encounter and have the courage to admit when we are wrong. And in difficult situations, we shall persevere and be brave to break through limitations. Also pray that God will continue to lead our fellowship groups and our church to experience breakthroughs and growth. Comments are closed.
|
Archives
April 2024
Categories |