How Old ?

The question periodically rattles around in my head as I read the Bible.  Because, I wonder what I would have done had I been there.  Was the character older or younger than me?


Remember our study about Judah vs Joseph the other day?  No?  Here's the link:  Post about Judah and Joseph.

Add a layer for yourself to the study.  How old do you suppose Judah was in that story?  There are several commentaries that will help you figure that out.  The basic idea is - he hadn't yet gone down to Egypt yet to get food or to move.  Which probably places the time frame shortly after he played his major role in selling Joseph into slavery.  Reverse reasoning - or working backwards from ages later stated - indicates Joseph was about 17 at the time of his sale to the Ishmaelites.  Judah - was probably in his mid-to-upper twenties.  Likely not yet 30.

Here's the thing - guy had kids old enough to marry and be killed by God for their wickedness.  So how old do you suppose they were?  Well - they were a whole lot younger than me.  Hmmm...

Seems to me the literal story reading lends itself to personal or societal dimensions of today.  Have some dysfunctional family?  In-laws?  Friends?  Know a young girl horribly mistreated?  Maybe a bunch of baby-mamas and a daddy nowhere to be seen?

My point?  Isn't it amazing how Jesus took that wretch Judah - who sold his little brother into slavery, who hypocritically was ready to burn a young woman for a crime he himself committed - and looked beyond the sin?  Didn't overlook the sin.  No.  Looked beyond the sin, and saw there was a kernel of longing in the soul.  And patiently, over time, drawing him with cords of love - transformed Judah into a man who had a heart after God, a man worthy of being considered the head of the family.  A man through whose lineage would come not only kings for hundreds of years, but most amazingly, through whom would come the Redeemer of the world!  Wow. 

We love Joseph.  That's a great story.  Not one sin ever recorded of Joseph.  But Judah?  He's so awful we nearly can't relate.  Or can we?

Dear Jesus - Open our eyes that we may see our wretchedness as it truly is - the sin that killed You.  We praise You that You don't leave us in our filthiness, but You gently call out.  Your perfection allows not one thing to happen to us that cannot be used to bring us into Your bountiful, healing, restorative Presence.  For that, though words fail us,  we thank You.