Prayer Journal

Sunday, January 18, 2004

When Judah approached a veiled woman, he assumed she was a prostitute and wanted her. It turns out it was his widow daughter-in-law, Tamar behind that veil. She was looking for him probably to ask him why he had not fulfilled a promise to her. But, on this day Judah would lay with Tamar and go home thinking everything was fine. God, however was taking care of Tamar and didn't see the need to tell Judah what he was doing.

A little history here: Judah chose Tamar for his oldest son by Shua, a Canaanite woman. His son's name was Er and all we know about him is that God killed him because he was wicked. Judah then asked Er's younger brother Onan to lay with Tamar, but Onan withheld his sperm from Tamar and God killed him for refusing his family obligation.

Two down, one to go. His last son was named Shelah and Judah promised Tamar he would marry her when he came of age. But Judah was lying because he was afraid that his last son would also be killed. He sent Tamar away knowing he didn't intend on keeping his promise to her.

When Shua died, Judah went to the town where he sent Tamar years earlier. Now you see Tamar approaching Judah because Shelah was of age but it was obvious that he was not coming to marry her. We'll never know what she was thinking but Tamar was very resourceful. After becoming pregnant by her father-in-law, she had twins and named them Perez and Zerah. Interestingly, Perez, the first born is in the bloodline of Christ mentioned as Judah's son in Matthew 1:3.

Yes - Judah failed his promise to Tamar, but God took care of her in spite ot him. Years later, Solomon would write, "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." Judah withheld, but God gave what was promised. In fact, he gave Tamar better than what she expected.

Do you see things around you that need attention and is it in you power to act? I wonder how many times I've walked past an opportunity to do something God desired, just for him to come behind me and take care of it through someone coming behind me? Sad to say, another blessing was missed. But finders keepers - losers weepers; one person's loss is another's gain, I guess.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Gn. 37 - 38 Mt. 12:22-45 Ps. 16 Pr. 3:27-32 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2004 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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