Date: Jul. 3, 2015
Genesis 38:1-30
Key Verse: Genesis 38:26
First, Judah's life among the Canaanites (1-11). This chapter is about 20 years in Judah's life. The fruit of his life was not good. Maybe out of a guilty conscience, Judah moved away from home and married a Canaanite woman. He had 3 sons: Er, Onan and Shelah. Er died for his wickedness, so Onan was told to marry his widow Tamar. Onan used Tamar for sex and died for his wickedness. Judah told Tamar to wait for Shelah to grow up.
Second, "She is more righteous than I" (12-30). When Judah's wife died, Tamar disguised herself as a roadside prostitute, and got him to sleep with her. When Judah learned she became pregnant by prostitution he said, "Burn her to death!" But she had his cord, seal and staff, which he recognized. He said, "She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn't give her Shelah." And he did not sleep with her again. Tamar bore twin sons to Judah: Perez and Zerah.
Prayer: Lord, I should have died for my wickedness but here I am by your grace. Let my life bear good fruit to you.
One Word: The good fruit of righteousness
Psalm 34:1-22
Key Verse: 34:12-14
What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
