Read: Genesis 38-40
Focus Verse: “Judah recognized them and said, ‘She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.’ And he did not sleep with her again.” (Genesis 38:26).
Devotion: Are the wicked and righteous paid out equally? Yes, and no. The story of Joseph is interrupted in Ch 38 with the story of Judah his brother. This story initially feels out of place because it breaks up the narrative which centers on Joseph. However, I think it serves as a contrast of Judah and Joseph. Judah is also the brother who has the idea to ‘save’ Joseph’s life by selling him into slavery. As Joseph is being carted off to Egypt the narrative is I trusted with this story about Judah’s life which climaxes in him doing very wrong with a prostitute and ignoring his widowed daughter-in-law. We’re not told anything bad happens to Judah, no negative consequences, but the very next story in Ch 39 is about a similar situation Joseph was in and how he handled it. When Joseph refused Potiphar’s wife’s advances she framed him, lied about sexual misconduct, and even though he did what was right and good in the LORD’s eyes, Joseph is now in prison. What!? Are you kidding me, Judah gets off clean and Joseph is in Jail!? The world won’t always treat our conduct equally, but there is hope! “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” (39:21) The world is not often fair, but our hope rests in our heavenly Father! While Joseph was unjustly punished by the standards of this world, he was blessed and cared for by God.
Pray: LORD this world is messed up and broken. Good people suffer, and bad people don’t. Help me to stay focused on You and your presence when I’m in the midst of chaos. Help me center on you and grant me your peace in the middle of my chaos. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” (Psalm 28:7)