2024_05_03 Insight Post- Jenny Herzog
This week’s reading- Genesis 38:6-30, Ruth 4:12, 1 Chronicles 2:4, Matthew 1:3
Imagine living in a world where you have no voice, no rights, no value–oppressed and betrayed by your own family, and denied the only thing that gives you status in society. That was Tamar’s story. Her husband was evil; her brother-in-law deliberately made sure she wouldn’t become pregnant; and her father-in-law, Judah, broke his promise to give his son to her in marriage, ultimately banishing her. Judah denied Tamar the right to be married and have children, essentially sentencing her to a life of misery. Tamar courageously took matters into her own hands. It would be easy to judge her methods, but Tamar’s actions ended up preserving the family line, which eventually led to the Messiah. It was all part of God’s plan, even though it was messy.
How great is our God that He redeemed Tamar’s pain and established her as a pivotal woman in His plan for saving the world? God never wastes pain, and He uses faithful followers who may seem lowly in the eyes of the world to make a huge impact in His kingdom. In fact, Tamar was elevated when Matthew listed her in the genealogy of Jesus. Typically, only men were listed. It was countercultural that Matthew mentions four women in the lineage of Jesus: Tamar, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Rahab. (As part of the Bible Reading Plan, we have studied all of these brave women who found themselves in undesirable positions.) Matthew included these women to show that God works all things for good, even through messy people and situations. When I read the stories of these women, I am inspired by their courage and comforted to know that God highly regards every one of us.
In every generation and culture, there are marginalized and ostracized groups. In Tamar’s day, men were elevated above women. Men could even divorce their wives if they were tired of them. Women were generally treated as second-class citizens–neglected and oppressed. Although this was the culture at the time the Bible was written, it wasn’t God’s plan. Genesis tells us that God made women in His image. They are equal to men but unique. In the New Testament, Jesus treated women in a way that was revolutionary and countercultural. He frequently showed how much he valued and honored women and often elevated their status in society. He defended them and befriended them. Of course, it wasn’t just women…Jesus showed love and honor to every outcast. In God’s eyes, no one is insignificant. Every person is uniquely created to play a part in His plan.
Have you ever felt unimportant, invisible, or found yourself in unjust circumstances that are out of your control? Do you believe God can work through the mess and bring about good? I went through a rough period at my last job when new management was brought in, and they decided that my leadership was “stagnant” and no longer needed. It was frustrating and humbling to have my entire career demeaned by people who didn’t even know me. I had no voice and no options. It felt very unfair. All I could do was pray and trust God. And just like He did with Tamar, God has redeemed my pain and placed me on a new path that allows me to directly impact His kingdom.
If you are feeling oppressed, betrayed, or neglected, remember that God sees you (just like he saw Tamar). The Bible says that he counts every one of your tears! He is still on the throne even when the situation feels hopeless, and He has a greater purpose for your life. Never forget that He hears your prayers, He loves you, and He has the power to overcome injustice to give you “hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)
Jenny Herzog
New Hope Leadership Team Member & Elementary Classroom Leader