Last Wednesday evening, we explored the story of Senor Perez in our Refuge of Nations’ community group. Our Hispanic friends were amused that a Hebrew man, mentioned in the Book of Ruth, possessed a common Mexican surname. The humor wasn’t lost on the Africans, Iraqis, Americans, and Nepalese present either.

After musing over this Mexican Hebrew, we were perplexed that Boaz’ friends invoked Perez’ name in blessing him (see Ruth 4:12). Why bring skeletons out of the closet on Boaz’ big day? Perez, after all, was the son of Judah and Tamar. He was the child conceived when a father-in-law’s lust intersected with a daughter- in- law’s desperation (see Genesis 38). Why would anyone wish that Boaz’ family resemble that of Perez?

The beauty of the blessing turns on Senor Perez’ name. Perez was given his name, which means “breaking out,” when he burst from Tamar’s womb before his twin. The name suggests both surprise and success just as our recognition of an athlete’s “breakout season” does. Perez’ clan did prosper, and one of his distant descendants, David, became King of Israel. Significantly, David named the site of one of his victories, Mount Perazim, because God “broke out” in that battle against his enemies (see I Chronicles 14:11).

The great good news is that God in Christ breaks out in the midst our families and our battles. Consider the following evidence of His breaking out in the Refuge of Nations’ community:

• Machismo husbands are preparing meals for their tired wives and children
•  Poor refugees are encouraging Americans to praise God for His goodness
•  Traumatized children are learning to trust others and to smile
• Latinas are warmly reaching out to Nepalese newcomers
• Muslim friends are blessing the students who have loved them so well

Praise God that Christ broke out from the tomb. Praise God that we can enjoy  Christ’s “breakout season” eternally. Praise God that He breaks out in families like that of Perez, yours, and mine.

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