All of us come from somewhere. Even if the circumstances of our birth were not ideal, or we do not know our birth Mom and/or Dad, or our childhood was difficult, God saw fit for each of us to enter this world. Therefore, we should recognize that by our being born—we are significant! This lesson is taught in our Torah portion this week.
As you know, this week begins the last narrative in Genesis. We usually refer to it as the “story of Joseph.” In the text, however, this whole section from chapter 37–50 begins with these words: “These are the records of the generations of Jacob” (Gen. 37:2). The records of the sons of Jacob are told in story form surrounding the life of Joseph. As we know from earlier chapters, the twelve sons and one daughter of Jacob were born to four mothers. The circumstances of many of the births were unusual to say the least. Yet each child was a child of the promise. Joseph was despised by his brothers, yet God used him mightily.
In chapter 38, we read the story of Judah and Tamar. Many have wondered why this story is embedded inside the story of Joseph because it seems to have nothing to do with the trials and tribulations of Joseph. May I suggest that this chapter is here primarily to explain the births of Peretz and Zerah, two grandchildren of Jacob born in an illicit relationship between Judah and Tamar. According to Ruth 4:18–22, we learn that King David is a descendant of Peretz. In Matthew 1:3–6, we learn that Yeshua is also a descendant of Peretz. Therefore Peretz, the child of a sinful relationship, plays a significant role in the history of Israel and redemption! The circumstances of his birth were inconsequential to his purpose.
This is also true of Solomon. His mother was Bathsheba, with whom David should never have been in a relationship. May we realize that our primary identity is as a child of God—and that He loves us, redeems us, and invites us to become part of his redemptive work in the world! No matter how old we are or what our occupation may be, no matter if we live independently or in a nursing home, or are married or single . . . we are all significant to God and life has meaning.
Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.” May we pray that we will see that every day counts! How wonderful that you were born and are a Messiah follower! Your life is meaningful! Yeshua was born into this world in very humble circumstances. He is our model of servanthood, meaning, and significance.
Consider the following passages:
“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” (Psa. 139:14–16)
“For you have died and your life is hidden with Messiah in God. When Messiah, who is our life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Col. 3:3–4)
In Yeshua, God redeems us in order that we might be the people whom He created us to be. Our lives are hidden in Him. God has ordained our lives. Let us make the most of them!
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Howard
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