Read Genesis 38:1-30.

Tamar is a Canaanite who marries into Judah’s family. When her husband dies, she marries the brother, as custom dictates, to “carry on the line.” This was known as a levirate marriage. Children born into this union are considered part of the dead brother’s family line. But Onan’s selfishness netted him a death sentence.

Tamar was trapped: an isolated, childless widow far from her own clan. Technically betrothed to Shelah, she cannot marry anyone else. She has been used and is now useless. So, disguised as a prostitute, she gained children through her father-in-law Judah. His seal and staff, the username and password of the ancient world, were proof as his identity as the father of her children.

This is the tale of a woman trapped into subservience and slavery. Lied to and betrayed by the men around her, the only option opened for Tamar was prostitution. The morality of this tale may be murky, but Tamar’s courage and ingenuity were praised in the story. Tamar knows her duty and does it.

Tamar is the forerunner of so many women and girls who are the victims of lies and broken promises. Yet she triumphs. This lonely, desperate woman became part of the family line of the Messiah (Matthew 1.2–6a).

Reflect

How does Tamar’s situation help you understand the plight of many women in other countries? Have you ever been tempted to judge someone in Tamar’s situation without understanding her side of the story? Why or why not? Consider how Judah finally owned up to his part.

Live it

Be a good role model and advocate for healthy relationships, demonstrating your value of human life and respect for others. Consider donating to a home for abused women or a ministry that works to rescue women caught in the sex trade in other countries.

Pray:

Lord, people who abuse others behave as if you wear a blindfold. They rely on fear to prevent their victims from crying out for justice. Give your people boldness to expose the wickedness of abusers, and compassion to defend and support the helpless. Use your powerful arm, Lord God, to help those in need.

Next: Day 37 of 40.

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Leprosy was the most feared disease of the ancient world. Lepers were considered ritually unclean and were often even prevented from entering Jerusalem for fear of tainting the Holy City. By law they had to wear torn clothes, cover their faces and cry out “I’m unclean! I’m unclean!” (Leviticus 13.45,46). Some even considered lepers to be morally inadequate, the victims of divine judgment.

Consider the plight of the person with leprosy. He or she had to avoid contact with people. Jesus was never afraid to express compassion, nor did he let ritual stand in the way of healing. Instead of simply pronouncing a word of healing, he touched the man with leprosy.

Today, leprosy has been joined by diseases such as AIDS and pandemic viruses. As lepers experienced in biblical times, AIDS sufferers are often viewed as having brought their misery on themselves. “They must have done something wrong.”

But even if that is sometimes true, there are millions of men, women and children who have simply been infected by others. And either way, Jesus still reaches out to them. We, too, need to share with them, not shun them, and restore their self-respect. We too should reach out to them, not pretend they don’t exist.

Reflect

Read Mark 1:40-45. Why do you think Jesus touched the man instead of merely pronouncing him clean? What does his action say about the value of human touch?

Is there anyone you know or have heard of through the news who seems “untouchable” because of a disease, a sullied reputation, or other issues? What can you do to reach out to that person?

Pray:

Lord, there are people today who know what it is to be isolated because of illness. They lie on their beds, unable to move. Savior, please move to their aid and inspire those who are healthy to take action on their behalf.

Next: Day 36 of 40.

www.EasterRestart.com