March 18 - Tamar

Genesis 38 - Tamar

The part of this passage that speaks the most to me is Judah’s reaction near the end of the chapter (vv. 24-26). Judah, despite soliciting Tamar, rejects her act of prostitution and calls for her to be put to death. This internal contradiction is relatable. Judah is directly confronted with his conflict by Tamar’s reveal of Judah’s seal, cord and staff. His response, rather than continued anger and denial, is one of grace and accountability, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” 

Accountability can be uncomfortable. I don’t know that I respond as generously as Judah when I am called on my cognitive dissonance. Sometimes my response is to double down — acknowledging but not resolving the conflict — by telling myself that being human means living between the spaces of these contradictions. But more often, it might bring justice to take ownership of these internal contradictions when they lead to harm. Gracious God, help us to find grace and humility to admit wrongdoing and apologize as wholeheartedly as Judah. Allow it to pave the way for justice and fair resolution for those we have harmed. 

Link to Bible verses: Genesis 38