When It’s a Bad Reflection on You
by Becky Dietz
We’ve all felt, at times, the impact of the choices others make is a reflection on us. It’s especially true if they’re our spouse, children, or parents. Interestingly, as I looked for a photo of a reflection, I was directed to “images.” That’s pretty profound! We want to maintain our good image—and are afraid the choices of those close to us may adversely affect us.
How does God handle how our choices affect Him? I found the answer in Genesis 38. A little background...Judah is Jacob’s fourth son by Leah. His name means “praise!” He was jealous of his younger half-brother, Joseph, and suggested to his other brothers that they sell him to the Ishmaelites...and they did.
Now Judah has a grown son who is married. His firstborn was “wicked in the eyes of the Lord,” so God killed him. It was customary for the next son to marry the widow and give her sons, so the second-born son married Tamar. He was also wicked and died. Judah promised the third son to Tamar after he grew up but never gave him out of fear he’d die also. Judah’s own wife dies and he goes to shear sheep—but on the way, he stops and hires a “prostitute.” It was actually Tamar posing as a prostitute—but she slept with him and kept his things to prove who was the father of her child. He was ready to have her killed when he learned she was pregnant—until she produced his signet, cord, and staff. His words were, “she has been more righteous than I...”
What a terrible story!! I think if I’d been God, I would have left that one out of the book. Instead, God prominently displays it. Tamar had twins by Judah: Perez & Zerah. In Matthew 1:3 it says, “And Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar and Perez begot Hezron...”. These verses are talking about the lineage of Christ.
How does God handle it when His kids behave badly and are a poor reflection of who He is? He tells the story. He redeems it. He embraces it. He uses it.
Jesus Christ, the lion of Judah!
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