Genesis 37 ends with a cliffhanger. Joseph had been taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar. But when we turn the page and begin reading Genesis 38, we read of a shameful account of Judah. Why this interlude? Why tell us about Tamar tricking her father-in-law and having his child? Maybe because there is something we need to learn about Judah when he comes back into the story.

Remember, it was Judah who had suggested the brothers sell Joseph into slavery. It was an action of a man who didn’t appear to care much about anyone other than himself. Yet, look at how Judah responded when Tamar provided evidence showing he was the father of the child growing inside of her. He abandoned his call to put her to death and didn’t try to find a way to cover his sin, as he had done before with the rest of the brothers.  In this, we find a hint that God might have been at work in Judah, growing him, and changing him, just as He did with Joseph.

God was not focused solely on Joseph in Egypt. He was also at work in others, preparing them for their reunion a couple of decades later. We must remember this today. Yes, God is at work in us, but not only us. He is also changing others, for His glory and our good.

• Whom do you see God working in? How can you pray for that person?