Trimming the Tree

“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac was the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar…” Matthew 1:1-3

Ah, the family tree. Often found on walls in offices and living rooms, it hangs as a noble tribute to the lives and legacies of relatives near and far. Let’s be honest – in most families some branches might be better sawn off or at least not climbed! But when Matthew framed the genealogy of Jesus at the beginning of his gospel, he didn’t cover up anything or anyone! Instead of cutting limbs away, he highlight the lowlights (or low lives) of our Savior’s kinfolk! Amazingly, the facts and feelings of those forefathers - and foremothers – reflect the deepest cries of our own hearts and echo our greatest needs. Their stories trim the family tree of Jesus as ornaments of grace hanging on a garland of Divine design.

“…whose mother was Tamar.” Tamar – the first “by the way” on the family tree. Abraham fathered Isaac. Isaac fathered Jacob. Jacob fathered Judah. Judah fathered Perez and Zerah, whose mother, by the way, was Tamar. Who was she? Why is she here? Call Geraldo! Her story seems better fitted for shock TV than a royal ancestry. Tamar was the mother of Judah’s children but she wasn’t his wife. She was actually his daughter-in-law. No, her husband wasn’t mad. He was dead. In fact, both of her husbands were dead. And the man who should have been her husband, wasn’t. That’s why she had her father-in-law’s babies. True story.

Tamar, filled with the hopes and desires of every young bride, had married Judah’s oldest son Er, but he was so wicked that “the Lord put him to death.” (Gen. 38:7) Judah instructed his next oldest son Onan to marry Tamar so Er’s family line would continue. (Yes, this was the lawful and legal.) Onan didn’t want any kid of his counting for his brother, so before he took care of things with Tamar, he took care of things on his own. God killed him too. Judah told Tamar to go back to Daddy, live as a lonely widow, and wait for his youngest son to grow up, but when little Shelah was big enough to marry, Tamar wasn’t the bride.

The pain of shattered dreams, unfulfilled expectations, and broken promises drove Tamar to a wild plan. She posed as a prostitute, accepted Judah’s proposition, and ended up pregnant. When her baby bump became too big to hide, Judah wanted her burned to death until she publicly proved his paternity by the items given for payment. He relented and repented and provided for her and the boys. Yes, the boys. God gave her twins, taking away her disgrace and filling up her arms and heart.

A wicked husband, a wimpy brother-in-law, a wily father-in-law. Disappointment. Anger. Hurt. The rugged realities of life displayed for all to see. Why? Why mention Tamar? Why include her story? Because it reminds us that God is the one who can bring purpose to our pain. He loves us no matter what. He understands more than we know. He can take it all – the happy and the hurtful – and shape it by His grace. And then hang it beautifully on His family tree.


Time for a Little R&R

RECOGNIZE
How have shattered dreams, unfulfilled expectations, and broken promises caused disappointment, anger, and hurt in your life?

RESPOND
Honestly bring all your pain to God. Ask Him to shape it by His grace for His purpose. Ask Him to replace the junk with joy and to make you beautiful for Him.