Even as I glance at the headings in my bible for chapters 38 and 39 of Genesis, I am amazed by grace.  My headings are: Judah and Tamar (ch. 38) and Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (ch. 39).

Without going into much detail, one is extreme failure (Judah sleeping with his daughter who he thinks is a prostitute) and the other is extreme obedience (Joseph fleeing extreme temptation).

But, as I read these passages, because I know the end of the story, I am amazed by grace.  Salvation ultimately doesn’t come through Joseph and his upright behavior and character.  Now, a temporary deliverance comes through Joseph as God raises him up to save his family.  But, the rescue is only temporary.  THE Rescuer doesn’t come from Joseph.  The Rescuer comes through Judah’s affair with his daughter – through the baby born to them (Perez).

Because I am a performer who doesn’t ultimately grasp grace, I want the rescuer to come through Joseph – he deserves it.  Plus, if He came through Joseph, it is one less scar on the reputation of the King of all Kings (no one likes having in his genealogy incest of the grossest kind – much less if you are King).

But, while I wish it were otherwise, I need the savior to come through Judah’s immorality.  I need to know that anyone (and I mean ANYONE) can be related to the Rescuing King.  It is not those that can stand up against temptation who need a savior, it is those who most miserably fail.

What Judah didn’t realize was that the vile sin that resulted in the impregnating of his daughter, would be cleansed by the offspring of that son.  And, what I don’t realize is that my vile sin is cleansed by that same Offspring.

Thank God for Judah…a portrait of grace.  And, thank God for the Rescuer…that He’s not ashamed to be related to me.