Genesis 38:15-16 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, "Come now, let me sleep with you." "And what will you give me to sleep with you?" she asked.
There is so much to look at in these two verses that it is nothing short of miraculous.
Judah did not recognize his daughter-in-law on the street. How do you not recognize someone who was married to two of your sons and lived in your house - even if it had been several years? You think he would've at least found her familiar. The veil may have covered her face - but her voice? her mannerisms? . . . MIRACLE
Let's look at what didn't happen: Tamar is not "hiding" on the side of the road - she's openly pretending to be a prostitute - why is it that Judah is the only one to proposition her? Many people came to this event, and yet it does not tell us she had to turn away anyone . . . MIRACLE
What about the fact that Judah's supposed to be a man of God? Sleeping with prostitutes was not his habit. He had been married for a long time - it never mentions he was unfaithful and yet, shortly after the death of his wife - he boldly solicits sex . . . MIRACLE
Let's look at Tamar: I don't know about you, but if I had to talk to my father-in-law about sex, I might run from the room. But Tamar gathered up her courage and asks what he's willing to pay to sleep with her; and she didn't vomit . . . MIRACLE
Now I don't know if Tamar looked at this particular moment in time as miraculous. She probably saw it as a struggle or a last straw. What do we see during the struggles in our life? When we're down to our last straw? Are we able to see the MIRACLE behind it?
2 comments:
Dear Dorothy,
You brought the SCriptures to life again.
These issues with widows and family members marrying them or fathering their heirs is such a strain for us Americans.
Culture of Israel in that day was very different from our culture. I believe placed the correct emphasis that all of us can see clearly despite the culture differences. God made a way to fulfill what was His will miraculously.
When we are impossible places we must hold fast to the truth that God is still bringing His will on earth and He will move anything and anyone to bring His perfect will about.
Keep writing, we all need to live our faith and have His Word come to life in us. You open the Bible to us in vibrant reality.
Hi Dorothy!
Thanks for coming to my blog, I love meeting new friends!!
I always enjoy when there is a series of posts and this one looks awesome.
Oh I can't even imagine talking to Mr. Willie Joe about that subject. Oh no. Nooooo. Makes me cringe just thinking about it!
The last paragraph is a real thinker. I will be pondering that tongight. I was just talking to my friend today about all I've missed because I'm not looking for God in the struggle.
Thanks for encouraging me to "think". :)
Blessings,
Lelia
Post a Comment