God’s word, the Holy Bible, does not “water down,” or “sugar coat” the history of the people of God.  God’s word is factual and true.

Genesis 38 is such a chapter.  It is the true story of turning from God’s people and joining the culture of godless people.

Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, left his brothers and turned to pagan Canaanites for friends, a wife and family.  His two oldest sons died… because God judged their evil.  Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, took her situation of being a widow with no children into her own hands.  She “played” the harlot with unsuspecting Judah.  She became pregnant by him.

Judah learned of her being pregnant and wanted her to be burned to death.  She proved to Judah that he was the father.  He admitted to being the one by whom she was pregnant.
Genesis 38

Many lessons can be learned from this real life story.

Judah chose to walk away from God’s people, one step at a time.
What steps are you taking today that are leading you away from the living God of the Holy Bible?  OR are your intentional choices leading you to God Himself?

Tamar chose to become pregnant outside of marriage.
What choices are you making which prove you are not trusting God?

The story of Judah and Tamar reveal the need, the very real need, of a Savior from their sins.
From your history, do you “see” your need of Jesus as your Savior from your sins?

Jesus’ lineage can be traced back through Judah and Tamar and the oldest twin to whom she gave birth. It is unusual for a woman to be in the Hebrew genealogies, but Tamar is listed in the genealogy of Jesus.  Matthew 1:2-3

Jesus was born into the lineage of sinful people.  Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  (NASB)

Yet Jesus was without sin.  He was born of a woman; He lived as a Man among sinful people.   He died with all sins on Him.  He took our sins as if they were His own.  He suffered the punishment for my sins and yours!  Accepting Him as Savior will free us from the punishment we deserve.

(NASB) 1 John 3:5 “You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.”

The name of Jesus means: “…He will save His people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21
He saves real people in their real circumstances ~ today.

~ Take it to heart ~

Savior, Redeemer, Life-giver – His name is Jesus!

‘I need You, Jesus: every day, in every circumstance.
Help me, Lord Jesus!’