I struggled with this one. There's too many unfamiliar names, and places. It makes it really hard to keep it straight in my head. Here's what I keep coming back to on this one. The line of Judah is where Jesus comes from. So, reading it in that mindset does shed a unique light on it.
This is a complete mess. Kim and I were walking last night, and she was lamenting over how families can bring drama. Its always an intertwined mess that families get themselves into. This reads just like that. Who is sleeping with who......prosititution.....deceit........disguises. Its CRAZY! It seems unbelievable that Jesus come from a family with this much underhandedness, and dishonest behavior. I read thru a couple of commentaries on this, just to make sure I was understanding the story correctly. Here's the jist of what I read
We have, in this chapter, I. Judah's marriage and issue, and the untimely death of his two eldest sons. II. Judah's incest with his daughter-in-law Tamar, without his knowing it. III. His confusion, when it was discovered. IV. The birth of his twin sons, in whom his family was built up. This family includes the Jesus Christ.
You can't make this stuff up.
So, what's my take on all of this as an application for my life?
God can use anybody, and any situation for his benefit. The comparatively small things that bring drama in my life should never bring me to the conclusion that God can't use me or my family. There is nothing beyond his power and grace.
peace
wow, I was very lost too and as I read the points you laid out I was still thinking so whats the punch line. I think your comments nailed the punch line, He can do anything through any situation or person. thanks for you comments there, I would have drawn nothing out of this without your thoughts which I think are right on the money!
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