A Breaking Out!

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Friday, April 11, 2025

Today's Text: Genesis 38:27-30

Key Verse: Genesis 38:29 (ESV): "But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez."

The story of Judah and Tamar is nestled within the larger prophetic and topological narrative of the patriarchal history. A story mysteriously foreshadowing our deliverance against all odds and conspiracy. This story took place sometimes between the sale of Joseph into slavery in Genesis 37 and the reconciliation of Jacob and his sons just like we all were sold into the slavery of sin and God through Christ reconciles us to Himself. In this devotion, we shall see how the story forms a crucial part of a larger narrative that explores themes of family dynamics, morality, the complexities of human relationships and God's intervention. The story behind the twin sons born to Judah and Tamar contrast to the story of Joseph, and show us the difference between the righteous and the unrighteous.

On a first reading, one may be wondering what the significance of this passage might be. But this is one Scripture that help us see the complexities of human relationships and challenges of family dynamics. Struggles within the family and rivalries may be deeper than ordinary. More often than not, we take things on its face value and ignore the dynamics of the spiritual. But whatever happens here are invariably introducing us to the lineage and ancestry of King David and of our Lord Jesus Christ. It shows God's sovereignty and mercy in the ordinariness of our story.

The passage shows how God works in unexpected ways, even in the midst of human sin and failure. It is a foreshadow of greater revelation of Christ. Just as the birth of Perez and Zerah describes the unique and unexpected turn of events; and the name Perez, means "breaking out" or "bursting forth," out of our vanity and lostness, a salvation has broken forth God's sovereignty is at work in unexpected ways in bringing forth salvation for Judah and the rest of humanity through Jesus Christ. The breach or bridge we cannot make for ourselves, Jesus made for us, in and by His breaking forth and has midwifed a pathway for that breach to be upon us. God is pushing back every hand of negative heritage and cultural imposition upon us and bringing forth new birth and new life, shaping a new heritage, identity and purpose for us.

Action Steps: Take time to reflect on God's sovereignty in your life, considering how He has worked in unexpected ways.

Explore your heritage, considering how your experiences and lineage have shaped your identity and purpose.

Embrace and walk in the victory in which God has made you free in Christ Jesus.

Quote for the Day: "God's sovereignty, like a puzzle, brings unexpected pieces together to form beautiful pictures for God's chosen ones." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, reflecting on Your sovereignty in my life. Help me to see how You have worked in unexpected ways, shaping my experiences and lineage. Give me the courage to share my story with others, highlighting Your faithfulness and love. — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 45:9-10; and Romans 8:28-30.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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