Scripture to Read: Genesis 38:27-30
As we finish Genesis 38, it can be disheartening to see how pervasive sin is in the family of Judah. From the wickedness of sin to the blindness of sin, it is bad news all around. But, we find hope in Genesis 38:27-29, “When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb. And when she was in labor, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, ‘This one came out first.’ But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, ‘What a breach you have made for yourself!’ Therefore his name was called Perez.” God gives us more than just a detail about an abnormal delivery. God is highlighting something about Perez. As God first introduces us to Perez here in Genesis 38, God again highlights the importance of who Perez is in Matthew 1. God details in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ. What God shows us in the family line of our Lord Jesus Christ is this: “and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by the Tamar” (Matthew 1:2-3). In the hopelessness of sin, our God was sovereignly working to bring about the birth of Jesus Christ. Our good news is found in Jesus Christ. As we had to admit the bad news that we were sinners, we found our good news through our Savior, Christ Jesus. He continues to work through our messy lives to grow us to become more like Him.
Challenge & Application
1. How does God use Genesis 38 to point us toward the hope of His gospel in these accounts filled with sin?
2. How do you see our LORD working in your messy life to point you to Jesus?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!