Scripture to Read: Genesis 38:11-26
Yesterday, we witnessed how sin resulted in the death of Judah's sons. Today, we'll see the blindness that sin brings. Judah had a third son and as was custom, Judah was to give Shelah, his son, to Tamar as a wife. Yet Judah feared losing another son to death and told Tamar to wait until Shelah grew up. But, as time passed and Shelah grew up, Judah did not give Shelah to Tamar. Then, the scandal of sexual sin shows its ugly face again. As Judah mourned the loss of his wife, he went to find comfort in a prostitute. What Judah got was his daughter-in-law, Tamar. Tamar set aside her widow's garments, covered her face, and played the part of a prostitute. Tamar did this because she had not received Judah's youngest son in marriage. In return for Tamar's relations with Judah, Judah offered her a young goat for payment. The pledge Tamar received from Judah was his signet, cord, and staff. When Judah returned home, he prepared to send the young goat, only to find that the woman was gone. A report later surfaced that Tamar was pregnant. Judah was ready to put her to death, but Judah's eyes were opened to the truth of his sin. Tamar's words, "By the man to whom these belong I am pregnant" (Genesis 38:25) pierced Judah's heart when he saw the signet, cord, and staff. He no longer condemned Tamar but saw himself as the sinner. No doubt, sin blinds our hearts and minds. We must choose a life of obedience to our Lord to stay away from sin.
Challenge & Application
1. How did God show you how sin can blind you to your own faults while condemning others?
2. Read Ephesians 1:18-19 and ask the Lord to open your eyes to see Him for who He is and to see you for who you are in Him.
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!