January 17: Genesis 37-38

January 17: Genesis 37-38

As we've read, one common theme has been jumping out at me: God's unending mercy. So far, humans have not been on the planet for very long, but they have already caused some serious damage. Wickedness of every kind has already prompted God to destroy all people except for Noah's family. Murder, adultery, lying, cheating, violence, jealousy, pride, and anger have corrupted God's creation.

Every time we read about the wickedness of humankind, I am disgusted at how far we have fallen. If I were God, I would have given up on us a long time ago. Thankfully, I am not God! Every time we read about how God responds to our wickedness, I am amazed at the depth of His mercy, compassion, patients, and love. Today's reading is definitely no exception.

The sons of Jacob had an annoying little brother: Joseph. So what did they decide to do about it? Their first idea was to kill him. Fortunately, they decide to spare his life, but sold him into slavery instead (which was not much better).

Then we read about Judah, who slept with his own daughter-in-law, thinking she was a prostitute. When she because pregnant with twins, Judah (not yet knowing that he was the father) was the first one in line demanding she be put to death. He was just as guilty, but he still tried to pin all the punishment on her.

I am so amazed at how God takes our sin and wickedness and turns it around and uses it for His perfect plan. We will read in later chapters that because Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, Joseph then had the opportunity to save his entire family from a severe famine. When we get to the New Testament, we will find out that Jesus' linage goes right through Judah and Tamar. Their son Perez was an ancestor of Jesus the Messiah.

God, being just and holy, has every right to punish us to the fullest extent of His power because of our sin. But He doesn't. He continues to show us mercy by taking what we intend for evil and making something good. He can take wickedness and use it to save a whole nation or use it to bring His people one step closer to their Savior. I thank Him so much for His mercy and for never letting us go, despite our sinful nature.

Can you think of a time in your life when you witnessed God work despite your sinfulness?