Meant for GoodSample

A BLINDING SELFISHNESS

Read: Genesis 38:1-11

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As Joseph is sold into slavery, the story shifts focus to an unlikely character: Judah. He departs from his brothers and marries a Canaanite woman named Shua. She bears three sons with Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah. The wickedness of Er and Onan lead to their deaths, while the selfishness of Judah deprives his daughter-in-law of an heir.

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Admittedly, this story seems a little out of place. What do Judah's family troubles have to do with Joseph's life? In a word, everything. Remember, the story of Joseph is really the story of Jacob, Judah, and Joseph. In the previous chapter, Judah is depicted as selfish and greedy, suggesting his brothers sell Joseph into slavery instead of letting him die in the pit (Genesis 37:26-28). As Genesis 38 zooms in on the story of Judah and his family, we see Judah’s sons are no better than their father.

Judah’s firstborn son is killed because of his wickedness, leaving his widowed wife Tamar. As was custom in Levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), Tamar has the option to conceive a son by Onan, Judah’s second-born son. This would ensure there is a male heir for Er and someone to provide support for Tamar. However, Onan greedily wants Er’s firstborn inheritance for himself, so he refuses to help Tamar conceive. Like his brother before him, Onan’s sinfulness leads to his death. Only Shelah, Judah’s youngest son, is left for Tamar. Instead of seeing the wickedness of his own sons, however, Judah blames Tamar for their deaths and withholds Shelah from her. Judah’s selfishness does not just deprive Er of a male heir, it also deprives Tamar of any future husband or son to take care of her.

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Selfishness is not ultimately rooted in what we may think, say, or do, but in what motivates our thoughts, words, and actions. Judah’s selfishness drives him towards a blind greed that costs Joseph his freedom, Er and Onan their lives, and Tamar any sense of future provision or security. Instead of esteeming others as more significant than himself, Judah’s love turns inward and blinds him to the devastation of his own actions. Are your thoughts and actions motivated by your love for others, or has your love turned inward to serve yourself?

Like Judah towards his sons, maybe you have a family member or friend who is deep in sin, but you refuse to address it because you are more concerned about yourself than their well-being. Like Judah towards Tamar, maybe your selfishness has deadened your heart to the plight of others, and you refuse to take responsibility where God has called you. Friend, take some time today to be completely honest about what motivates you. Ask your spouse, a trusted leader, or a friend to give you feedback on your thoughts and actions. Next, plead with the Holy Spirit to give you motivation driven by love and concern for others.