S) "26 Judah recognized them, and said, 'She is more righteous than I, inasmuch as I did not give her to my son Shelah.' And he did not have relations with her again."
Genesis 38:26 (NASB)
O) First of all, this is a prime example that not everything in the Bible should be repeated. Context is everything, because the actions of both Tamar and Judah are not right. When Judah said that Tamar was more righteous than him, it's still by way of comparison. Judah already had his first two sons die for their wickedness, and Tamar was the widow of his first son. When he failed to give her to his third son, she got desperate, and tricked him into sleeping with her. The ploy worked, and she bore twins to Judah. When I read the first six of Judah's words above, I wasn't even considering his broken promise. I immediately thought of the double-standard that was so painfully obvious in v.24, when Judah was ready to burn Tamar for playing the harlot, while he was in fact guilty of harlotry.
A) There are tons of ways to downplay this turn of events, based on the time period, but there is no excuse for hypocrisy. Jesus was very clear about that, throughout the gospels. So, what really made an impression on me, from this story of Judah and Tamar, was the complete lack of grace that Judah had for her. Knowing his own failings, in the fact that he had admittedly gone to a prostitute (even employing his friend to find her and pay her), he was so brazen about that fact, and yet it was Tamar he was ready to put to the brazier. God calls us to a higher level of grace and mercy. I am fully aware of my own shortcomings - to be clear, I know my own sins. In light of the mercy I have received, I can only ever offer mercy and grace to those who have sinned against me.
P) Father, the grace and mercy You offer are for more than just me. It is a foolish and arrogant heart, if I ever cease to have mercy and grace for others. Keep me from such a despicable state of being, Lord. I celebrate with thanksgiving, the new life You have given me. Let me also celebrate with thanksgiving, whenever another person repents of their sins, even against me, because they are receiving that same new life from You. Soften my heart to be compassionate and empathetic toward those who have sinned against me. Please forgive me, just as I forgive those who have sinned against me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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