The story of Judah and Tamar is an enigma to many. Not that the story is hard to follow, but the reason for it is not obvious to the casual reader. Whilst some think it is a story that simply portrays the ugliness of sin or a story that highlights the impeccability of Joseph, it is best understood to be a story that shows “Scandalous Mess. Amazing Grace. ” The God of the Bible is a specialist at turning our mess into glory by grace. He turns our ashes into beauty. He changes our mess into His message. He does not do good to man because man is good (we are, frankly, all a mess!), but because He alone is good. That’s the story of Adam & Eve, of the Patriarchs, of Israel, of David, of Peter, and of all our lives. So, do not despair even if you have messed up in sin. This is not to say that you should be emboldened to sin! But you do not need to languish, to wilt, or to despair in sin. Confess, repent, and rejoice in the Lord and His grace to forgive. Then walk in newness of life and serve Him. Heaven will be filled with people who were all messed up! (but who have been mended up by His grace)