Jan 25 [Gen 38-40] Jacob’s Sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah; Joseph.
Even though the Law has not been given at this point in history we know that the principle of which Paul spoke is also true: Rom 2: these who do not have the law are a law to themselves. That means that even apart from the Law we know what God requires and that is why Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God stands as our standard. One of the Ten Commandments is to honor your father and mother. In these chapters we see both the positive and negatives of that commandment in the lives of these sons.
Moses does not give us much detail about the first three sons. We know that Reuben dishonored Jacob by laying with Bilhah. We also know that Simeon and Levi were ruthless and murdered the Shechemites. But other than those brief accounts we have no other details. But now the fourth son, Judah has an entire chapter devoted to him. Why? God has a plan which must be completed for Judah as it will be through his line that Jesus will come. Judah’s greatest need is, as we said about Jacob, forgiveness and reconciliation. But, first we must understand for what he needs those precious gifts and so the Holy Spirit gives us a detailed account of his life.
Judah: Although not willing to stoop to murder, he callously orchestrates the sale of his brother Joseph to the Ishmaelites and also provides the plan to deceive Jacob. When his plan to become the new heir apparent fails and Jacob is inconsolable, Judah, unable to cope, runs away. Like Lot, Judah looks, sees, chooses, and settles away from his father and brothers. He thus dishonors his parent in his choices. Gen 38:1 At that time Judah left his brothers. Truth: We can run away from our sin but as Num 32:23 tells us “know that your sin will find you out.” As the story unfolds we find the consequences of sin continue to escalate. Judah intermarries with a Canaanite, raises three sons, two of whom are so evil God removes them, makes a promise knowing he will not keep it, and finally impregnates his daughter in law unknowingly. When confronted with his sin, he condemns himself with these words: Gen 38:26 ““She is more upright than I am, because I wouldn’t give her to Shelah my son.” Stay tuned to see how God will break Judah’s spirit.
Now the Holy Spirit turns our attention to the first one that Judah offended: Joseph. Sold into slavery, he rises to prominence only to be unjustly accused and thrown into prison. Joseph, unlike his brothers, has a God-ward focus. Listen to his words when tempted by sin: Gen 39:9 “how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?” In prison Gen 39:23 “the Lord was with him and whatever he was doing the Lord was making successful”. Enter two new prisoners who have dreams that Joseph interprets rightly. To the cupbearer Joseph pleads to be remembered to Pharaoh that he might be released. Gen 40:14 But remember me when it goes well for you, and show me kindness. Make mention of me to Pharaoh and bring me out of this prison, for I really was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews and I have done nothing wrong here for which they should put me in a dungeon.” But…..the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph – he forgot him.
What is our “take away” from today’s reading?
1. You may be like Judah, running away from your sin. You are in need of forgiveness and reconciliation. God continues to chip away at the hardness of your heart. Will you allow the Holy Spirit to pierce your heart and to release you from that bondage? Or you may know someone like Judah…will you be ready to forgive and reconcile when God is finished His work of the heart?
2. Joseph paints a picture for us of how to resist temptation: resist and flee which is what he did. If you are confronted with sin today, what will you do?
originally posted on https://www.facebook.com/bible.org
