GENESIS 38 WHERE IS INTEGRITY? In this tribal journey, I saw two sons of Jacob. One was committed to righteousness and integrity, though he was far away from all who knew him. The other with lack of integrity acted immorally by going into a woman to satisfy his own lust. Judah's lack of integrity led to strife in the family and deception. Joseph's integrity, even though he was rejected by his own family, led to blessing for them all. To live before God in every aspect of our life and in every place is the essence of integrity. The things that are accepted by an immoral society do not make that action acceptable. There are placed within every person, laws of common decency and righteous living. These are put there by God when He made man in His own image. It is our choice and responsibility to live according to the laws written on the heart as well as the written laws imposed by men.
Stepping outside the bounds of integrity opened Judah to blame from those around him. The childless widow would have no real respect for the father of her twin sons conceived when he went in to her. Those of her family would have cause to question his integrity when he demanded her to be burned. The community around would know of Judah's faithlessness and lack of honor and self-discipline. He himself would always be reminded of his lack of integrity and righteousness. The two sons would have to live with the story of their conception being known by all who lived there. The written history of incest will be known world-wide because of a self-centered man who was only thinking of himself and the ungodly craving of his nature.
There are lessons to be learned by all who read this account of a dark, immoral time. Sin cannot be hidden forever. Consequences follow actions of whatever kind they may be. There is a price to be paid for sin that cannot be settled by wishful thinking. There are on-going results that go from one generation to the next when one acts without integrity. By God's grace, the nations of earth have been blessed when Christ came, born of the tribe of Judah and known as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
I was thoughtful as I turned from that scene in the history of Israel, and I wondered at the consequences yet to come because of some act I might have done. And I prayed for my children and grandchildren - that they would be people of integrity no matter what others may do or what might be acceptable in the society in which they live.
To some it may not seem so bad because others all around will do it. The accepted practices of an ungodly society, doesn't mean I shouldn't eschew it. God's intentions are made quite clear, they are written on tables of the heart.
The person of integrity lives before God, even when they are far apart.
A young man of seventeen, has committed himself to live his life for God. He governs his actions and his thoughts by what he knows will please his Lord. His name is honored, his memory is revered, his life has been a blessing to others. Because of the integrity of his choices, he was able to bless his father and brothers.
Another in the same family made a choice too, but his was for self-satisfaction. All that he thought of was himself, he never considered the consequences of his action. But payday always comes and what we sow we will always reap. Because of the lack of integrity of one, many others will be caused to weep.
That is why we teach children when they are young; there is a standard to life. When that course is followed, all who are involved will be kept from serious trouble and strife. To do what is right when others do wrong, is a test of integrity. The consequences may be difficult at this time, but will pay off in eternity.
If one chooses to ignore what they have been taught is right, And they turn to do things the world's way and what is pleasing in their sight. Then they can expect in a time to come, their sin will catch up to them. And they will find unmistakably, there are bad consequences that follow sin.
A lesson to learn that will stand you in good stead is live with integrity. It won't always be an easy road to travel when God is the only One that sees What it costs to do what is right when everyone else around does what is wrong. But you will know that in spite of your weakness, God is able to make you strong.
"Father, there are temptations that abound around my grandchildren. I fear that some of them may way too attracted to what they know is wrong and will try to justify their actions. Preserve them, O God, from themselves and from others who live without integrity in this ungodly age. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."
GENESIS 38:1, 16. “And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah.” TURNED IN. Judah, don’t you see – one wrong thing leads to another. You “went down” and ended up with a Canaanite. Think man! Remember the lessons passed on to you from the older ones. It won’t work! Mark my words – it won’t work!
You were born with high expectations. Your “looked down on” mother – wanting acceptance – Named you, “PRAISE” (Judah) - with joy in her heart. What great hope she had, “Now I will praise the Lord!”
You took a big step down when you suggested selling Joseph. Perhaps you wanted to spare his life, but why not send him home? You own brother for twenty pieces of silver -!? Surely there is no way you can justify that.
Your sons were certainly no credit to you. Remember – the Lord God is concerned about families – And – sons are looking to their own father for a model. I know, yours wasn’t all that great – but he’s changed.
But Judah, you dummy! Don’t you have better sense!? You have grown up, haven’t you? Looking for a harlot? What were you thinking? You are not stupid! Feelings aren’t gravity. You can deal with feelings by God’s strength – and common sense.
Now you are in a real pickle – your sons’ wife!! Sheesh!! You will be known for ever for introducing incest into the biblical record. I am thankful I know “The rest of the story.” David, Solomon, the Lord Jesus Christ – from your line in spite of you.
“Holy God, warnings like this is always a reminder of how close a downfall can be. Often it happens when least expected. Different situations in life bring different kinds of stumbling stones. I pray I will always have the light of Thy truth in my heart and hand to keep me from falling. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”