Authentic Manhoodنموونە

The Bullfighter

One of the toughest “manly” jobs is the bullfighter. Those guys are next level as they jump in the way of an angry bull, take the hit, and save the cowboy.

I have zero desire to do that, but that doesn't mean I’ll never fight a bull.

In Genesis 38, we have a unique chapter that tells of a dark time in Judah’s life. He has already sold his own brother into slavery and is now making poor decisions as a father. In other words, he is not a good man. And it’s these decisions that lead him to an unexpected moment with himself.

After he crosses the line with his daughter-in-law Tamar (read the full chapter for context), he has the audacity to condemn her and call for her punishment because, after all, he is a tough man’s man, right? Talk about judge, jury, and executioner. Instead of facing the bull to save Tamar, this man wants to stand by and watch it run her over.

But in the pinnacle crisis moment, Tamar produces evidence of Judah’s guilt so overwhelming that he is caught red-handed and can’t deny his own sins. It’s like Tamar had a mirror, and she showed Judah who he truly was.

Judah had just come face to face with his own bull: himself.

And what does he do? He looks at her and simply says, “She is more righteous than I…” (Genesis 38:26 NIV).

One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is to look at myself, acknowledge who I am and how I have behaved, and change myself with God’s help to be a better man. I am far from perfect in this and have a long way to go.

But isn’t that what God asks when He calls us to authentic manhood? That we look into our character and admit our own sins so that He can work on our souls and make us better men?

In the end, the hardest bull to fight is ourselves, but if we can do it, like Judah, who saw the eternal fruit in his own family line, we too can see God’s goodness in unexpected ways.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for knowing me and still loving me. Help me to have the courage and strength to examine my character, acknowledge my sins, and take steps toward change. Amen.

Reflection: What is one thing in your life that you need to change or admit to? Acknowledge it to yourself, to God, and to someone who can pray with you through it.