Genesis 38:15-16, 24
“When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face.  Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, ‘Come now, let me sleep with you.’…About three months later Judah was told, ‘Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result she is now pregnant.’  Judah said, ‘Bring her out and have her burned to death!’”

Matthew 1:18-19
“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”

Zephaniah 3:19
“At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered.  I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame.”

Protective Father, you provide hope despite the tragedies of our stories.

You chose Joseph to redeem the actions of his forefather, Judah, who publicly shamed the woman carrying his child.  The faithful carpenter gave dignity to the woman whose child he had not fathered.

Be the lifter of our bowed down heads we pray.  Remove the stain of insults we have endured and rescue us from the one who would take advantage of our weak souls.

This we ask in the name of Tamar’s descendant Jesus Christ, who bore for us the shame of our sins that we might enjoy peace and protection in the household of God.

Listen to ‘Hail to the Lord’s Anointed’ by Sandra McCracken