Category: Encouragement

A Nearing Salvation

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11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. – Romans 13:11

Sleeping?

Is anything easier than giving in to complacency?  Let’s be honest; after we’ve been around the block a few times we are more than familiar with the route.  Why not relax and let the cruise control take over.  We’ve “been there” and “done that” so many times we can do it in our sleep.  Or so we think.

But there is no checking out in the spiritual realm.  Slumber is not an option.  We don’t have the luxury of closing our eyes and coasting to the finish line.  As Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, there is too much at stake.

Sacrifice

When it comes to the sinful nature of mankind and our need for a savior, Paul’s letter to the Romans is without equal.  Thankfully, Paul doesn’t just point out our sin problem, he also points us to the Savior.  Through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we experience the first component of salvation which we refer to as justification.  Despite the fact that we are sinners, God is willing to declare us as righteous because of the blood of Christ.  When we place our faith in Christ alone, God no longer sees our sins but rather the righteousness of Jesus who although sinless, bore the punishment for our sins on the cross.

But justification is just one part of God’s plan of salvation.  God not only justifies us, but He also sanctifies us.  He makes us holy.  He sets us apart.  In other words, He conforms us into the image of our Savior, Jesus Christ Himself.  Through the process of sanctification, God removes the “world” from us and replaces it with the “divine”.  Our sin is replaced with His Son.  Our flesh is replaced with His Spirit.  Our propensity to feed our pride is replaced with a desire to see Christ glorified.  God doesn’t just save us from, He saves us for.  Salvation isn’t a sinner’s insurance policy, it is a saint’s marching orders.

After covering a lot of doctrine in the first eleven chapters of this letter, Paul begins chapter twelve by urging us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God as a form of worship.  We are no longer to be conformed to the pattern of this world but rather we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  Paul goes on to tell us that we are to humbly use our gifts in service to the body of Christ.  Service to be done in love and humility.

Signs

After encouraging us to serve, Paul then gives us some signs of a true Christian.  Our love is to be sincere.  We are to abhor evil and cling to what is good.  As Christians, we are to have a special love for one another and honor one another.  Rather than being slothful in zeal, we are to be fervent in spirit as we serve the Lord.  We are to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer.  We are to contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

If the above is too easy, Paul continues.  Instead of cursing those who persecute us we are to bless them.  We are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.  We are to live in harmony with one another.  Instead of making distinctions, we are to associate with all Believers.  We are not to be wise in our own sight.  Instead of repaying evil with evil, we are supposed to give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  As far as it is possible, we are to live peaceably with everyone.  Instead of avenging ourselves, we are to leave vengeance to God.  Instead of revenge, we are to care for our enemies.  Instead of being overcome by evil, we are to overcome evil with good.

Further, recognizing that government is from God, we are supposed to submit ourselves to our governing authorities.  God has given them the authority to reward and punish.  We are not to impede their God-ordained responsibilities.  Whether taxes, revenue, respect or honor, we are to pay those in authority what we owe them.

The only outstanding debt we are to have perpetually, is to love our fellow man.  Love not only covers a multitude of sins, it also fulfills the law.  If we truly love our neighbors, we will not wrong them.

And you thought you could go on Christian cruise control.  Not at all.

After all of these exhortations, Paul says you are aware of the time.  A new day is dawning.

WAKE UP!!!!

Now is no time for sleep, for salvation is nearer now than when you first believed.  In other words, Jesus is coming soon!!  When He returns, justification and sanctification will meet glorification.  At that time we will be completely rid of sin and conformed to the image of Christ.

Because the return of Christ is imminent there is no excuse for complacency.  Nor is there room for apathy.  We are to be working out our salvation in fear and trembling.  Take a look at Paul’s exhortations and ask yourself, are you sleepwalking in any of these areas?

Are you offering the members of your body as a living sacrifice?  Are you being transformed by the renewing of your mind or conformed by the world?  How are you doing in the area of serving in the body of Christ with your spiritual gifts?   Are you marked by a sincere love?  Do you abhor evil and are you clinging to what is good?  Would you better be described as slothful or fervent?  Are you rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation and constant in prayer?  Are you contributing to the needs of the saints and seeking to show hospitality?

Are you holding any grudges, or are you showing Christ-like love to your neighbors and enemies alike?  In sincerity do you weep with the sorrowful and rejoice with the joyous?  Are you able to live in harmony and associate with everyone or is it easier to make prejudices?  Are you wise in your own sight or seeking the wisdom from above?  Do you strive to live at peace with everyone?  Would you rather take revenge on your enemies or extend to them the love of Christ?

How is your attitude towards those in authority?  Do you recognize the fact that they are God’s agents or merely see them as your servants?  Are you more concerned with your monetary debts or with the love you “owe” your fellow man?

As I said earlier, God has saved us for a purpose.  Salvation implies a totally new way of living.  We have been given a new set of values and a new power to live them out.  Each day brings us one day closer to the return of our Savior in whose image we are being conformed.  It has been said, “Christians are not only to become what we are; we are also to become what we one day will be.”

May the nearing of our salvation motivate you and shake you from your spiritual complacency.

2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. – Revelation 3:2-3

Continuing In Grace

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43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. – Acts 13:43

A Word of Encouragement

From time to time we are exposed to a new thought or idea that piques our curiosity.  The taste on our mental palate leaves us craving for more so if opportunity avails we go back to the well for another drink.  Such was the case at Antioch when Paul and Barnabas were asked to share a word of encouragement in the Synagogue.

After leaving Perga, Paul and Barnabas made their way to Antioch in Pisidia, and as was their custom went to the Synagogue on the Sabbath.  After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the Synagogue asked Paul and Barnabas if they had any words of encouragement for the people.  My guess is you would not have to pose that question twice to Paul!  With Moses and one of the Prophets having been read from, the table was set for Paul to deliver the main course.  Grace.

God’s Grace

Paul promptly stood, motioned with his hand, and commanded his audience to listen.  Beginning with the Pentateuch, from which the rulers had just read, Paul began to paint a verbal picture of Grace.  God chose our fathers.  He made the people prosper in Egypt.  With a mighty power, God led them out of Egypt and He endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert.  God then overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to His people as their inheritance.

After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.  When the people asked for a king, God gave them Saul.  After removing Saul, God gave them David as a king because he was a man after God’s own heart and would do everything God wanted him to do.  And from his descendants, God brought forth the Savior Jesus as He had promised.  Before the coming of Jesus, John the Baptist prepared the way with a baptism of repentance.  So from the calling of Abraham to John the Baptist, the grace of God has been evident.  But it hasn’t always been recognized.

Paul then reminded his audience that the message of salvation was sent to them, the children of Abraham and the God-fearing Gentiles!!  However, the people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus and they condemned Him.  Thus fulfilling the words of the Prophets from whom they read every Sabbath.  And although they had no legal grounds to warrant it, they asked Pilate to have Jesus executed.  After the prophecies were fulfilled, they took Jesus down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb.  But Grace cannot remain buried.

Our Hope

Men may have laid Jesus in a tomb, but God raised Him from the dead.  For many days He was seen by those who had traveled with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem.  They served as His witnesses.  The words of the Psalms were fulfilled.  The Son of God would never see decay.  Instead, He is exalted.  Death was the conquered not the conqueror.  Grace lifts up the Son of God.

Paul now comes to his final stroke in the masterpiece of grace.

38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

41 “‘Look, you scoffers,
    be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
    a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”  – Acts 13:38-41

Needy Wretches

Although he never used the word grace in his message, Paul vividly depicted mans utter dependency upon God.  While Paul continually pointed out what God has done on behalf of men, his depiction of men wasn’t so favorable.  Although God was constantly giving, Paul tells us that men asked for a king.  Although the message of salvation came to the children of Israel, their rulers did not recognize Jesus as Savior, but rather condemned Him.  Then after having Jesus executed, men laid Him in a tomb.  Not very flattering for men, but in His grace, God doesn’t give up on us.

Sabbath after Sabbath, the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks would meet at the Synagogue and hear a reading from the Pentateuch and the Prophets.  Week after week they would come back with their thirst unquenched.  Until Paul and Barnabas showed up and were asked if they had any words of encouragement, and introduced them to grace.

When the meeting commenced, some of the audience followed Paul and Barnabas.  They wanted more water from Grace’s well.  Knowing man’s pride and propensity to lean on his own works, Paul and Barnabas persuaded with the people to continue in the grace of God.  We are saved and kept by grace.  To continue in the grace of God is simply to continue in Jesus.  As Paul warned the Galatians, our efforts can never add to the work of the cross.

The words of Paul and Barnabas will always be relevant.  We must always remind ourselves that our salvation is by grace from start to finish.  He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it without any assistance from our works or efforts.  Forget idolizing works.  Forget busying yourself with religious activities.  Rather, show your appreciation for everything God has done for you in Christ and praise Him for His amazing grace.  Grace that will lead us home.

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

Life and Peace

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6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  – Romans 8:6

Two Classes

In Romans chapter eight, Paul makes a distinction between the only two classes of people that ultimately matters.  Those who set their mind on the flesh and those who set their mind on the Spirit.  The distinction couldn’t be more vivid.  One is marked by despair, the other by assurance.

Paul begins this great chapter by telling us that there is no longer any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Yes, the wages of sin is death.  Yes, sin demands a penalty.  Yes, sin is a terrible master.  But in Christ, condemnation has been replaced by justification and sanctification.  Those in Christ will not only escape the penalty of sin but also experience freedom from sin’s enslaving power.

Setting the Mind

Paul expands this teaching by furthering his distinction between the flesh and the Spirit.  He tells us that the law of the Spirit of life has set us free in Christ from the law of sin and death.  Although the Law condemned us, it was unable to save us.  Since mankind was helpless and the requirements of the law had to be fulfilled, God sent His Son to become flesh and die in our place.  On the cross of Cavalry Jesus bore the punishment for the sins of mankind.  The wrath of God was satisfied.  To this day and forever, the cross separates humanity into two groups; those in the flesh and those in the Spirit.

Paul tells us in verse five that, “those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”  He is talking about domination and control.  A person doesn’t “decide” to live according the the Spirit one day and the flesh the next.  Paul’s purpose is not to encourage us to make a choice between the two, rather it is to show us the great contrast between them and the end result of each.

Flesh

Those who live in the flesh live in the realm of death.  They live their lives separated from God.  Their estrangement from God is illustrated well by the words of the Prophet Isaiah.

2 but your iniquities have made a separation
    between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
    so that he does not hear. – Isaiah 59:2

Those in the realm of the flesh are marking time.  They are nothing more than dead people walking in the dark.  As Paul goes on to say they are hostile to God.  They do not and cannot submit to His law.  Controlled by their sinful nature they are incapable of pleasing God.  Their lives are best summarized by the theological terms total depravity and total inability.  Paul reminds us that this is what the grace of God saved us from.

2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:2-10

Spirit

By the grace of God, we have been transferred from the realm of the flesh to that of the Spirit.  Instead of death and despair, our lives are marked by life and peace.  Whereas before we were dead to God, now we have live.  Eternal life.  The ability to know and fellowship with the Trinity (John 17:3).  Instead of being at enmity with God, we now have peace with Him.  The life and peace Paul is speaking of here is not subjective but objective.  He is assuring us of our position in Christ.  He is talking about our salvation obtained and secured by the finished work of Christ.

Paul proceeds to tell us that as His redeemed, the Spirit of God now lives in us.  Further, with Christ in us our spirits are alive because of righteousness.  In His mercy, God has imputed the righteousness of Christ to us.  While our bodies are dead to sin, the Spirit is our guarantee that someday we will be raised in glorified bodies.  Mortality will completely put on immortality.  The presence and effects of sin will be no more.

Mortification

Until we are home, Paul tells us our position in Christ entails an obligation (verse 12).  Specifically, Paul tells us that we must practice what is referred to as the mortification of the flesh.  A topic he covered in his letter to the Colossians.

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. – Colossians 3:5-10

It is only because of our new position in the Spirit that we are able to “put to death the misdeeds of the body” (verse 13).  When we were merely dead people walking in the darkness of sin marking time, God saved us from the flesh and indwelt us with His Spirit.  He delivered us from the realm of death into life and peace.  May we not yield to the pull of the world or succumb to the temptations of our old master.

Those of us who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (verse 14).  We are not indwelt with a spirit of fear but rather a Spirit of Sonship by whom we are able to cry “Abba, Father” (verse 15).  Further, the Spirit testifies with our spirits that we are God’s children (verse 16) and heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (verse 17).  This is what it means to be in the Spirit.  This is what it means to have assurance.  This is what it means to have life and peace.  Where once we were separated from God, now we never can or will be.

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

Living, Moving, and Being

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28 for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’;

as even some of your own poets have said,

“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ – Acts 17:28

Atheists & Deists

As you are well aware, we live in an age that is rapidly becoming more intolerant of the claims of Christianity.  More and more, people are wearing the mantle of atheist or deist.  And if they are not so bold to do so in word; many will make their allegiance in practice.  While the ardent atheist is all too willing to yell from the rooftop that there is no god, the practical atheist proclaims so with his actions.  The deist, by way of contrast, believes in god, but one that is limited.  Their god set things in motion and then stepped out of the way.  Whether in word or in deed, the deist makes no allowance for an intimate and supernatural god.  In his quest to be accountable to no one the atheist reveals his foolishness.  In his attempt to confine God to the realm of the rational alone, the deist reveals his ignorance.  Our “living, moving, and being” refutes them both.

Paul & Truth

In Acts chapter seventeen we see how differently people respond to the Truth of the Gospel.  The chapter begins with Paul in the city of Thessalonica.  While there Paul preached in the Synagogue for three consecutive Sabbath days.  During this time Paul shared with them the necessity of the Messiah’s suffering and the hope of His resurrection.  The preaching of the Gospel was blessed as quite a few Greeks believed.  But the belief of the Greeks was immediately met by the envy of the Jews.  Envy that birthed a mob that chased Paul to Berea.

In Berea, Paul followed his custom and went to the Jewish synagogue where he again preached the Good News to his audience.  The Berean Jews are credited with being more open-minded than the Thessalonians, and many of them, after examining the scriptures, believed, as did a number of Greeks.  But once again, the light of belief caused envy to take flight from the shadows.  The jealous Jews of Thessalonica brought their disturbance to Berea, again causing Paul to depart.

Intelligence & Ignorance

From Berea, Paul was carried away to Athens.  Although past it’s “political” prime, Athens was still a cultural “giant”, boasting such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, and Zeno.  But the city boasted not only great minds but talented hands as well, being filled with the skillful works of great architects as evidenced in the plentiful temples and numerous sculptures.  But unfortunately, Athens’ great minds and gifted hands led her down a path of ignorance and idolatry as evidenced by her famous altar(s) to the unknown god.  An altar Paul decided to use as a platform to introduce the True God.

Although Paul’s argument was directed at the Epicureans and Stoics of the day, his message is relevant for all doubters today.  Paul wanted to make the unknown known.  He wanted to see the “religious” enter into a relationship with the Divine.  He wanted his audience to realize they were the created not the creators.  He wanted them to find the One for whom they were “feeling their way toward”.  In the midst of a city known for its philosophers and debaters, the humble Paul is able to share what he knows from experience and revelation.  Paul was intimately acquainted with a supernatural God!!  Sorry, atheists and deists.

God & Creation

With all eyes on him, Paul begins by telling his audience that the true God, is a God of creation.  Creating not only the heavens and the earth but mankind as well.  As His creation, we are dependent upon God and not vice versa.  Paul tells his audience that, “God gives to everyone life, breath, and all things.”  From one person, God has populated the world.  But God did not restrict Himself “merely” to creating, not at all.  God also rules His creation.  It is God who has set the boundaries of the nations and set their appointed times.  While we divulge so much of our time and energy to the realm of the theoretical, God determines the epochs of history.  But God is not defined only by His power and His providence.  On the contrary, God is also a God of intimacy.

While creation points to the awesome power of God; His rule over the nations of the world and the epochs of history give us a glimpse of His magnitude.  But the divine “spark” He has placed within us reveals His love.  When God created us, His purpose was that we might worship Him.  Paul tells us in verse 27 that the reason God created man was so that man would seek God.  And contrary to what the deists claim, God is not far removed.  To the contrary, Paul specifically states that He is not far from us.  No.  Rather, Paul assures us that, “In him we live and move and have our being”.

God & Life

Have you ever stopped to consider your complete dependence on the Great I Am?  No disrespect to the great minds and gifted hands of the world, but they are no match for God.  While we can enjoy the writings of a gifted author, the paintings of a gifted artist, and the speeches of a great speaker, none of these have given us “life, breath, and all things.”  While their talents may add a level of enjoyment to our earthly existence, we do not “live and move and have our being” in them.  I do not look to Dickens for meaning in life.  I do not turn to Rembrandt when I am suffering.  And I have never looked to Lincoln for the salvation of my soul.  Like the rest of us, these men were created by God.  Their lives and their breath were gifts from God.  Everything they accomplished was because of the mercy of God.  In Him, they lived and moved and had their beings, same as you and I.  And the same as the Apostle Paul.

Despite his brilliant mind and natural leadership abilities, Paul recognized the utter meaninglessness of any of his talents or possessions once he met the resurrected Christ.  After his famous conversion, Paul has no delusions regarding his autonomy.  He recognized his utter dependency on his Savior and proclaimed to know nothing except “Christ crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2).  The perfect response to the Truth of the Gospel.

God & You

As Paul concluded his delivery to his audience in Athens, he warned them of the necessity to repent.  And soon.  God can only overlook ignorance for a season.  Just as God populated the world from one person, He will judge the world through a Man whom He has appointed.  One whom He has raised from the dead.  The One in whom we live, move and have our being is ultimately our final judge.  Which brings us back to the Gospel.

The verse we are looking at today is a quote from the Cretan poet Epimenides, written about the Greek god Zeus.  Much like he did with the altar to an unknown god, Paul used this familiar phrase as a platform from which to present the Gospel.  After all, Zeus was no god.  Zeus never conquered death.  He never had offspring.  He never gave life to anyone or anything because he never had life to give.  The Greeks may have had great philosophers, but Paul had what they needed.  Truth.  And he shared it with them.

What is your response to the Gospel?  Despite your profession of faith, do you wear the mantle of a practical atheist or deist?  Carefully consider your spiritual “life and health”.

We are God’s offspring.  He has given us life, breath, and all things.  In Him, and in Him alone do we live, and move, and have our being.  And we will for all of eternity.  That is the Good news of the Gospel.  That is what we should be telling the world.  In words and in deeds.  Those robed in righteousness should wear no other mantle.

Unveiled Faces

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18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18

Masks

I think if we are honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that in varying degrees, all of us are guilty of hiding behind masks.  We only let people get so close to us.  We don’t want to be known, “warts and all”, so we try to hide our blemishes behind a mask.  In our desire to be accepted we may even put on different masks around different groups.  Perhaps we have a church mask, a work mask, and even a going out on the town mask.  But how long can we keep up the charades?  Wouldn’t it be more liberating to put down the masks and let people see us as we really are?  When it comes to our relationships, God desires transparency, not hypocrisy.  No one wants to see us liberated more than God.

The masks we hide behind may “cover” our faces, but they expose our hearts.  They expose our pride, the real blemish of our souls.  Unfortunately, we have seen throughout the pages of scriptures that often times, man will prefer to cover his face than purify his heart.  So it was with the Israelites, so it was with the Pharisees.  Fortunately, our God is a God of freedom and not barriers.

Glory Reflected

In the passage we are looking at from 2 Corinthians chapter 3, Paul is discussing the events originally recorded in Exodus chapter thirty-four.  In this account, Moses was commanded by God to once again ascend Mount Sinai.  It was time to replace the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments since Moses broke the originals when he saw his fellow Israelites defile themselves with the golden calf.  Upon descending Mount Sinai with the second set of tablets, Moses is not consumed with anger as he was the first time, but unbeknownst to him, his face was shining.  Moses was on Mount Sinai with God for forty days and forty nights.  During that time Moses neither ate or drink.  His only sustenance was the fellowship of his Covenant Keeping God.  It was more than sufficient.  Moses came down the mountain with the Law of God in his arms and the glory of God reflecting from his face.  Unfortunately, his fellow Israelites weren’t ready for either.

When Aaron and the others saw the shining face of Moses they were greatly frightened.  They were not caught red-handed with another golden calf, however, they were still not able to behold the glory of God.  There is a quantum leap between the absence of a physical idol and the possession of a single-minded heart.  Moses held in his arms the commandments of God on stone tablets, the people needed them written on their hearts.  But their hearts were spiritually veiled during the age of the law.  The people were rebellious and subject to idolatry.  They had ears but could not hear and eyes but could not see.  Because of their veiled hearts, it was necessary for Moses to cover his face with a veil.  Although the reflected glory was fading from the face of Moses, it was too much for the proud hearts of the Israelites.  The face of Moses would be veiled until the glory had faded away.  But reflecting the glory of God wasn’t the responsibility of Moses alone, nor were the Israelites the only people to suffer from “veiled” hearts.

Exposed

It is no secret that when Jesus walked the earth, He was constantly at odds with the religious leaders of the day.  These men who were supposed to be nurturing the children of God for the glory of God were instead promoting themselves and shutting the kingdom of heaven in peoples faces.  In Matthew chapter twenty-three we have the very condemning rebuke of Jesus against the Pharisees.  As He pronounces seven woes against them, Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites.  It was a term from the theater.  Literally, they were “actors under an assumed character” (Zodhiates Word Study).  In other words, these men who were responsible for promoting the glory of God were protecting their pride behind masks.  Once again, the masks they were hiding behind revealed the blemish of their souls.  They were more interested in their own glory than the glory of God.  Jesus would have no part of it.  Always concerned about His Father’s glory, Jesus had no choice but to expose them and strip away their masks.  Those whitewashed tombs were hiding dead people’s bones.  The game is a difficult one to play forever.  It is very difficult to cover a heart full of hypocrisy and lawlessness with a mask of righteousness.  In fact, God knows it is impossible.

Unveiled Faces

As His adopted children, God has given us hearts of flesh.  He has written the law on our hearts.  He has filled us with the Holy Spirit.  When Christ cried, “It is finished”, the curtain was torn in the temple and the veil was removed from our hearts.  As Paul encourages us in today’s passage, ours is the privilege of beholding the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces.  The grace that descended from the cross of Cavalry far exceeds the law that Moses descended with down Mount Sinai.  The glory of the law was fading, the glory of grace never will.  With unveiled faces, we are not only able to behold this eternal glory but more amazingly we are being transformed by it.  Just as Moses reflected the glory of God after having fellowship with Him, ours is the privilege of reflecting the glory of our Lord as we are conformed into His image.  But do we truly understand what it means to behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces?

While Moses was in the presence of God for a limited time, Christ is always with us.  With the aid of the indwelling Spirit, our view of Christ is not obscured by a veil over our hearts.  We can approach God’s throne with confidence and intimacy calling God Abba Father.  We have the mind of Christ and we fellowship with the Trinity.  The blood of Christ has removed the blemish of our hearts and opened our spiritual eyes.

God’s Glory

To have His glory known is God’s greatest desire and man’s greatest need.  Accordingly, God cannot separate Himself from His glory.  When we spend time in His presence we will behold it and we will reflect it.  How clearly others will see it in part will be determined by the masks we choose to hide behind.  Which is why we need to learn from the Israelites and the Pharisees, and most importantly from Jesus.  Our faces reflect the condition of our hearts.

God has unveiled our faces so we can boldly and confidently reflect the glory of Christ.  With such a beautiful Savior to reflect, why would we ever consider hiding behind masks?  It is time to be honest with ourselves and others.  It is past time to give up the charades.  God despises hypocrisy and blesses transparency.  I think we will all find that putting down the masks is both liberating and life-changing.  Not only for us but for those who will more clearly be able to see the Savior’s reflection in us.

To God be the Glory.

16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. – 2 Corinthians 3:16-17

A Light in Darkness

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8 Rejoice not over me, O my enemy;
    when I fall, I shall rise;
when I sit in darkness,
    the Lord will be a light to me. – Micah 7:8

A Ground View

The mettle of a man is often tested when he has been knocked down.  Will he remain on the ground and admit defeat, or will he lift himself back up and stand against his enemy?  When we are young and full of energy and often full of overconfidence, we tend to get up rather quickly before we properly size up our enemy.  As we get older and have been planted on our backside a few more times…  Well, perhaps the view from the ground isn’t so bad after all.

The Enemy Within

But what happens when our enemy isn’t really the one who planted us on our backside?  What happens when we realize we are really our own worse enemy and the bully is really nothing more than a pawn in God’s hands?  Oh it hurts when we are on our backs and the perceived enemy is standing over us gloating.  Nobody enjoys that.  But the consequences of sin have never been enjoyable.  Not at all.  But the darkness sin engulfs us in has always been intended to make us look to the Lord.  Our light in the midst of darkness.

Sitting In Darkness

When Micah penned these Words, Israel was knocked down.  Israel was sitting in darkness.  Israel wasn’t merely an innocent victim.  Not by a long stretch.  Despite multiple warnings, Israel consistently rebelled against God.  And while they were down, Edom was gloating.  But Israel wasn’t finished.  Save your taunts enemies of God, when His children are down, they will rise again.  When they are sitting in darkness, the Lord will be a light to them.  Bank on it.

I don’t need to remind you that we live in a dark world.  The things that society does to our children and elderly are well documented.  It doesn’t matter where you live, drugs, abortions and human trafficking are in your back yard or just around the corner.  As Christians we are not immune to these things or their consequences.  We can adamantly oppose them and fight them with the Gospel, but the world keeps “knocking” us down and gloating over us.  “God is dead and if Jesus hasn’t returned yet He never will!!”  Don’t bank on it.  As long as there is darkness in this world, the Lord will be a light.  But before we look up, let’s look back.

Denying Death

We all know that sin entered into the world because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden.  When it did, death was ushered in.  After Cain kills Abel in Genesis chapter four, Genesis chapter five gives us the account of Adam’s line.  In the midst of all of the “he lived so long and died” accounts, we read of Enoch,  “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24).  Enoch was “raptured” by God.  Not all of Adam’s descendants would taste death.  What does that mean to us?  There is Light in darkness.

Floating in the Flood

In Genesis chapter six God looks down and sees the total evil and corruption of His highest creation.  Man.  Made in His image but now completely rebelling against their Creator.  For forty days and forty nights the skies open and flood the entire earth.  As we scan the horizon, we see nothing but water and death.  Not a living thing has survived (marine life excluded) the wrath of God, except the contents of that ark floating in the distance.  Inside is faithful Noah and his family and seed for a new beginning.  Who knew that a man and his “boat” that the enemies of God mocked were in actuality a light in darkness?  God.

Mercies in Mourning

Fast forward to the Book of Lamentations.  Jeremiah the weeping Prophet is pouring out his heart over the moral condition of his nation.  Jerusalem is in ruins and so is the Temple.  Along with many of his countrymen Jeremiah is in exile, forcefully removed from his native land.  Difficult enough for a faithful Jew, almost unbearable for a faithful prophet with a sensitive disposition.  But in the midst of his tears, Jeremiah writes,

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24

Perhaps you are currently on your back and you feel like the enemy is “rejoicing” over you and your situation.  Perhaps you are sitting in darkness enveloped by a sense of despair and helplessness unlike any you have ever experienced.  Whether your current situation is the result of your individual sins or sin in general, never forget, sin doesn’t have to have the final word.  Always remember, repentance isn’t just a turning from, but also a turning to.  Hold onto your Faith.  Look to your Savior.  Even as Believers we may fall, but even more surely WE WILL RISE!!

Jesus, Our Light In Darkness

For three hours while Jesus was hanging on the cross for our sins, there was complete darkness.  In His purity, the Father couldn’t bear to see our Savior bear our sins.  But the Father would smile on His Son again and light would repel the darkness.

For three days after the stone was rolled over the entrance, the grave of Jesus was dark.  But Jesus wasn’t in the dark.  And He wasn’t down.  Not at all.  After the cross and the grave, Jesus arose!  His enemies may have rejoiced, but it was short lived.

While you are down, it may be wise to size up your enemy, but it is even wiser to look the Savior.  Ultimately it is not your mettle that matters, but your Messiah.  Darkness has never defeated light, and it is not going to start with you and your situation.  You may fall, and you may sit in darkness, but the Lord will always be your light and He will always lift you up.  If you don’t believe Enoch, Noah and Jeremiah, look to the cross of Cavalry and the empty tomb.  If that doesn’t convince you I don’t know what will.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:1-5

Boaz And The Wings Of God

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11 But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. 12 The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” – Ruth 2:11-12

Ruth’s Dilemma

Ruth was in a difficult position.  She was a young widow living in a foreign land.  She was more than just an outsider, she was an “enemy”.  Naomi’s son Mahlon may have gone against his religion and his culture when he married Ruth in Moab, but the likelihood of finding a man in Israel to marry her would have been marginal at best.  Naomi implied as much when she told Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab and not accompany her to Bethlehem.  She referred to her age and her inability to have any more sons.  And besides, even if she could, her widowed daughters-in-law would not want to wait around for them to reach “marrying” age.  In other words, my sons are dead and I won’t be having any more and no one else in Bethlehem will stoop to marrying you.  So stay in Moab with your own people.  But, as we have already seen, Ruth was committed to Naomi, and Naomi’s people were now her people as well.

Ruth’s Encounter

As previously mentioned, among the people of Naomi, Ruth encounters Boaz.  Aware of the sacrifices Ruth has made for Naomi, Boaz asks that Yahweh, under whose wings Ruth has come to take refuge, will bless her for her kindness towards Naomi.  When he does so, Boaz explicitly states what the text has so far only implied, Ruth is a woman of great faith.  Faith not placed in the idols of Moab, but rather Yahweh, the living God.  The great I Am.  The only source of true refuge.  When he spoke these kind words to Ruth, could Boaz have had any inclination the extent to which Yahweh was going to provide and protect Naomi and Ruth through him?  Regardless, the illustration of the wings of God wasn’t lost on Ruth.

Ruth’s Boldness

Later in the text, we find Ruth at the feet of Boaz.  Per Naomi’s request Ruth has broken all protocol and gone to the threshing floor by herself in the dark of night to seek the aid of Boaz.  At midnight Boaz is alarmed to find a woman at his feet and asks her to identify herself, to which Ruth responds, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer” (Ruth 3:9b).

Look closely again at the way Ruth answers Boaz.  Startled, Boaz simply asked, “Who are you?”.  In her brief answer, Ruth succinctly summarizes the position of humanity.  I am Ruth.  I am your servant.  I am desperate.  I humbly come to your feet because you are a redeemer.  Therefore, “spread your wings over your servant.”

Ruth’s Redeemer

Ruth not only identified herself, she also identified Boaz.  As impressive a person as Ruth was, there was only so much she could do for Naomi and herself.  While she was hardworking and resourceful, she had her limitations and she recognized such.  She needed a redeemer and Naomi pointed her to him.  Being the wise person that she was, Ruth wasted no time in seeking him out.  When she came to him, she asked him to answer his own prayer.

Out of love for Naomi and Ruth, Boaz spread his wings over his servant.  As the next day dawned, Boaz promptly went to the city gate, and surrounded by witnesses, redeemed Naomi and Ruth.  Before he did however, he had to give first option to a redeemer that was nearer (i.e. a closer relative).  The exchange between Boaz and this other relative is interesting to follow.  The relative is interested in playing the role of the redeemer until Boaz mentions that Ruth, the Moabite, is part of the deal.  If you want to redeem the land of Elimilech, you also agree to redeem this widowed Moabite, “in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance” (Ruth 4:5b).

The text is silent as to why Ruth is a deal breaker for the closer relative, but it is interesting in light of Naomi’s earlier concerns of finding a man in Bethlehem to marry Ruth, that Boaz emphasizes her Moabite heritage.  While the closer relative walks away, Boaz is able to finally fulfill the role of kinsman redeemer.  His love is not blind.  Like Ruth, he practices hesed.  Like God, he spread out his wings over Ruth because his love was greater than any prejudice.

The Wings of God

Once, when Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem He lamented their stubbornness and rebellion and with a broken heart testified that He wanted to gather her children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wing.  Sadly, instead of taking refuge in Christ, the people of Jerusalem killed Him just as they did the prophets.

In many ways, Boaz represents Christ.  Christ was sent to be our redeemer.

Like Ruth, we are desperate.  We are living in a foreign land.  Despite our talents and work ethic we are limited.  More than we want to admit.  We can never redeem ourselves.  Like Ruth, we need to come to the feet of our Redeemer.  We need to admit that we are “in bondage” and only Christ can redeem us.  We know He is willing.  We know He is capable.  We know His love does not discriminate.  Regardless of our heritage, He is willing to make us His bride.  In fact, He died so He could. Our only refuge is “under His wings”.

It may be humbling, but there is no better place to be.

10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” – Ruth 2:10

Ruth & Hesed

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16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” – Ruth 1:16-18

Ruth

I am not sure what Ruth looked like, but there is something about her that has attracted people since the book that bears her name was written.  We admire her loyalty and self sacrifice.  We admire her tenderness and obedience.  We respect her commitment and resolve.  In addition to these character traits she is also brave.  But I think the thing that most attracts us to Ruth can be described by the Hebrew term hesed.

Hesed

Hesed is one of the richest words in the Old Testament yet it’s definition can be somewhat elusive.  Many define it simply as loyal love.  The word hesed is used three times in the Book of Ruth (1:8, 2:20, & 3:10).  Each time the ESV translates the word as “kindness”.  But hesed is not simply an act.  It is a lifestyle.  Hesed is how God relates to us, and how He wants us to relate to Him (Micah 6:8).  Unfortunately it is so rare to see lived out.  Hence our attraction to Ruth.

Ruth & Hesed

As we have already looked at, Ruth was a Moabite.  A people with a shameful heritage.  A people steeped in idolatry.  A people often bitterly opposed to Israel.  Yet here is a Moabite woman living out one of the richest Hebrew words.  What a privilege we have in observing her.  Her life teaches us the meaning of hesed better than any theologians definition ever could.

After the loss of her husband and both of her sons Naomi was ready to go back to her homeland of Bethlehem.  Although it would mean she would be alone, she recommends her widowed daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, to return to their homes and perhaps “start over”.  We don’t know how old Ruth was when she married Naomi’s son, but we do know she was married for ten years before her husband died.  Ruth and Orpah are each probably in their twenties and can possibly re-marry and settle down among their own people.  A noble suggestion on Naomi’s part.

Orpah, responds to Naomi’s suggestion by returning home, Ruth on the other hand makes the famous statement quoted above.  In a very beautiful way she affirms Naomi that she will be with her until death separates them.  Nice words right?  But with Ruth there is action behind the words.  There is hesed.

Orpah & Us

Let’s be honest.  You and I would have taken the Orpah option.  We would have gone back to the comforts of our own homes and stayed among our own people and worshiped the god(s) of our childhood.  Orpah’s decision is “natural”.  She does what Naomi requests of her.  She isn’t criticized for her decision.  She does what is “expected”.  She does what is “ordinary”.  But not Ruth.

Ruth says she is not going to go back and rejoin her Moabite family, remarry and live out her life like her contemporaries.  No.  Ruth does the extraordinary.  She does the unexpected.   Naomi, I am committed to you and your God.  Don’t try to change my mind.  We are going to live together.  I am going to assimilate into your culture.  I am going to embrace your God.  We will be buried together.  God is my witness, and judge, nothing but death will separate us!!

Hesed.  Away to Bethlehem goes Naomi.  And Ruth.  Orpah parted from Naomi with a kiss.  Ruth clung to Naomi.  Ordinary takes care of self.  Extraordinary sacrifices self.

The Lifestyle of Hesed

Once in Bethlehem, Naomi must be provided for.  With no husband or son to care for her, Ruth shows initiative.  In loyalty to her mother-in-law Ruth goes out and gleans in the barley fields.  She doesn’t worry about the physical labor.  She doesn’t worry about the abuse she may take.  She doesn’t even worry about her own safety.  Such is the character of Ruth.  Such is the lifestyle of hesed.  Her toil in the barley fields was more than an act of love, it was a form of worship to the God of Naomi she pledged commitment to.  How sacred must have been the sweat on her brows?

Hesed & Faith

In the providence of God, Ruth was gleaning in the fields of a man named Boaz, a relative of Naomi.  Being a near relative, Naomi sees an opportunity for Boaz to fulfill the role of kinsman redeemer.  As such Boaz would not only protect and provide for Naomi and Ruth, but perhaps most importantly to Naomi, he and Ruth might perpetuate Naomi’s family.  Accordingly, Naomi asks Ruth to “propose” to Boaz.

Once again, we see hesed lived out in the life of Ruth.  If Ruth entertained any plans or hopes of another marriage on her terms, it appears that she sacrifices them for the benefit of Naomi.  Despite all of the risks involved and the awkward position she must have been placed in, Ruth agrees to have a nighttime meeting with Boaz at the threshing floor.  Not knowing how Boaz would respond, Ruth steps out in love.  And Faith.

Hesed & Sacrifice

It appears from the text that Boaz was definitely more of a contemporary of Naomi than Ruth herself.  It is possible that Boaz was at least twice the age of Ruth.  When Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, even he comments on her willingness to forgo young men.  As a matter of fact, Boaz specifically uses the word hesed.  Boaz understands the sacrifices Ruth has made and certainly the sacrifice she is now proposing.

Hesed & Blessing

Boaz agrees to marry Ruth.

As we have already seen, Boaz and Ruth were blessed with a child.  A child that not only carried on the family name but also was of the lineage of King David and later Jesus.  The hesed of Ruth was blessed by God.

A lifestyle of hesed is not easy.  It does not come naturally.  It assumes risks.  It often entails misunderstandings.  It may be met with ostracism or persecution.  But it is what God expects.  And it is a lifestyle God wants to bless.  Unfortunately, it is too rare.

I believe, that if  we know one or two “Ruth” in our lifetime we are blessed.  We live in an Orpah world.  It is so much easier to kiss Naomi on the cheek and move on with our own lives.  But the heart of God is moved when we cling to Naomi and die to self.

I challenge you to a lifestyle of hesed.  I dare you to be a Ruth.  As I mentioned earlier, hesed is deemed to be one of the richest words in the Old Testament, but it is most beautiful when lived out in life.  Why settle for ordinary?

Naomi & Yahweh

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19 So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” 20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” Ruth 1:19-21

Naomi

Naomi left Bethlehem with her husband and two sons, she returned a widow with a widowed daughter-in-law.  Her family of four has been reduced to two.  Her husband and two sons were buried in Moab along with her hopes and dreams.  Ten years have passed since she left Bethlehem with her family in search for sustenance during the famine.  During her time away her sons each married a Moabite woman.  Fittingly enough, neither of her daughters-in-law gave her a grandchild before they were widowed.  In many respects, Naomi was a female version of Job.

Poor Naomi.

Mara

When the people of Bethlehem greeted Naomi on her return, she asked them to call her by a different name.  Mara.  A name more appropriate for her altered disposition.  Whereas Naomi means pleasant; Mara means bitter.  Naomi came home a different person.  She could not change her circumstances so she wanted to change her name to reflect her circumstances.  She tells the people that Shaddai, the Almighty, has dealt bitterly with her.  Naomi laments that she went away full but has returned empty.

Poor Mara.

Circumstances

How sad it is when we think our circumstances define us.  What a lie from the pits of hell.  One can’t blame Naomi for being sad about her loss.  We all know the reality of the pain of separation caused by death.  But bitterness?  That is a dangerous emotion.  One that belongs on the altar.

Naomi.  Don’t be so quick to change your name.  Take a look around you.  Take your eyes off of yourself for a minute.  Don’t miss the big picture.  You left your land and your people to save yourself.  Your son’s married women from a people of idol worshipers.  No mention is ever made of you consulting God or looking for His blessing.  Yet you blame Him for your loss?

Poor Naomi.

Faith?

Where is your faith?  The people you left don’t need your complaints, they need your encouragement.  They don’t need an accusatory finger blaming God, they need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness.  While you are lamenting the loss of your children, God’s children are living in apostasy.  As such, you’re not helping the “Kingdom”.

Nevertheless, God is not blind to your troubles.  Neither is He blind to the needs of His people.  You went to Moab looking for food.  God went with you to give you Ruth.  You didn’t leave Bethlehem full.  Nor did you return to Bethlehem empty.

Poor Naomi.

Blessings

God has greatly blessed you and you are missing it.  You went away to save yourself.  God has safely brought you and Ruth home to deliver His people.  In His timing.  You might blame Shaddai for your troubles, but Yahweh is about to reveal Himself to you.

God is not going to interrogate you the way He did Job, but He has other means of bringing His children around.  Again; open your eyes and look around.  Look for the hand of God working “behind the scenes”.

Blessed Naomi.

Hope

Look at the barley fields ready to be harvested.  You left Bethlehem during a famine, you return to fields ready to be harvested.  The fields represent a hope you did not have when you and your sons left.  Your basket was empty then.  It is soon to be overflowing.

You left with your husband whose name meant, My God is King.  You have returned with Ruth who exemplifies total commitment to your God.  I don’t know the character of your lost sons but I don’t know how they could have shown you a more sacrificial love than Ruth.

Blessed Naomi.

Provision

Look at the measures of barley in your home. Ruth has gleaned and been gifted more barley than you can consume.  Yahweh has providentially placed her under the protection of your relative Boaz.  Not only is Ruth assured successful gleaning, she is also under the protection of Boaz.  But Boaz is more than just a provider and protector, he is a redeemer.

Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion are buried in Moab.  They can no longer provide for you and protect you.  But while you lament their loss, Yahweh has guided you and Ruth to your kinsmen redeemer.  A relative who can deliver you from your troubles.

Blessed Naomi.

Progeny

Look at that child in your lap.  Boaz has agreed to marry Ruth and ensure your legacy.  After ten years in Moab, your sons did not provide you with grandchildren.  But now Ruth has.  Obed.  Your first grandson.  How fitting his name means servant.

That grandson in your lap will one day have a grandson of his own.  He also will come from Bethlehem.  He will be a man after God’s own heart.  He will be a mighty King.  Yes Naomi, as you look into the eyes of Obed you are beholding the grandfather of King David.  And you thought you came back to Bethlem empty?

Providence

God’s timing is not ours.  His ways are far above ours.  He sees the entire picture while we tend to concentrate on the here and now.  If only Naomi could see what the future beholds, she would see another King from Bethlehem.  The Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Her descendant.

Naomi; meet Yahweh.  The Great I Am.  He will never change His name because He will never change.  His name reflects His character; there is no need to worry about your circumstances.

You said you were bitter because of the judgement of the Almighty who brought you calamity.  The world considers you blessed because of the providence of Yahweh.  Because of the grace of Yahweh, a world in need of a Redeemer will be blessed by your offspring for all of eternity.

Enjoy your grandson Naomi and don’t forget to praise God for His faithfulness.

5 Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him. – Psalm 126:5-6

A Man From Bethlehem

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 1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. – Ruth 1:1-2

Trying Times

How is verse one for an introduction to a book?  “In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land.”  We know that when the judges ruled everyone did that which was right in their own eyes.  Which is another way of saying they did wrong.  Joshua may have led the children of Israel into the Promised Land, but after his death there was a great void.  We know from the book of Judges that the time period between Joshua’s death and the crowning of King Saul (1200-1020 BC) was marked by great social and religious chaos.  There are battles and invasions, religious apostasy, inner fighting between the tribes, etc.  Judges chapter 19 begins with the statement, “In those days Israel had no king”, and proceeds to give the account of of a Levite who cuts up his concubine into twelve parts (presumably one for each tribe) and sends them into all the areas of Israel.  His concubine had been violently raped and killed by men belonging to the tribe of Benjamin.  A civil war ensues and the tribe of Benjamin is nearly wiped out.  This shocking ending to the Book of Judges reminds us of Dostoevsky’s famous quote, “If there is no God, everything is permitted.” 

But there is a God.

As if these days weren’t chaotic enough, we are further told that there was a famine in the land.  We are not told the cause of the famine but we do know that it added further problems for the Children of Israel.  And difficult time require difficult decisions.  In this period of uncertainty we are introduced to a man from Bethlehem.  A man by the name of Elimelech.  A name which ironically means “God is King”.

Fleeing Bethlehem

Other than the fact that Elimelech was from Bethlehem,  the only other fact we are told about him is that he has a wife and two sons, and they were Eprathites.  Ephrath was the wife of Caleb whose descendants settled in Bethlehem.  Accordingly, Elimelech’s family would have been distinguished.  But being of a “noble” lineage isn’t of much value when there is no food to be had.  In fact, it might only make the impending decisions more difficult and the potential tragedies more humiliating.  Right or wrong, with starvation staring him in the face, Elimelech decides to pack up his belongings and leave Bethlehem.  Bethlehem, “the house of bread”, famous for its abundance of wheat, barley, olive, almonds, and grapes wasn’t able to satisfy the needs of Elimelech and his family, so to Moab they headed to live as resident aliens.

While the Ephrathites had a “noble” heritage, the Moabites did not.  In fact, the Moabites were descended from Lot’s son by his incest relationship with his eldest daughter (Genesis 19:37).  The Moabites were often bitter enemies of the Israelites.  Accordingly, to seek refuge in Moab would have been both dangerous and shameful.  Especially for a man from Bethlehem and his Ephrathite family.  Apparently the fertile plateaus of Moab were enough to make Elimelech swallow his pride.  As the author tells us, “they went into the country and remained there.”  The last part of that sentence is an understatement.  The body of Elimelech remained there forever.

Death

Verse three succinctly tells us that Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died.  No details.  No emotions.  As matter as fact as can be, Elimelech is simply gone.  A mam from Bethlehem who went to Moab looking for a means of survival ends up dead.  Now Naomi is left with her two sons in a foreign and potentially hostile land.  In three brief verses a desperate situation becomes even more desperate.  But little could Naomi know how much more desperate things would get.

Elimelech left Bethlehem for Moab in search for food.  He uprooted his family from the promised land looking for something better.  Unfortunately, they were met with a worse fate.  When things go from bad to worse, where do we turn?  Naomi’s life was full of the chaos of the times, now the times were even more confusing.  She was away from her native land and now her partner was taken from her.  What hope did she have?

Bethlehem’s Ruler

Naomi could no longer hold onto her husband, but she could cling to his name.  Eli (my God), melech (king).  A good reminder for all of us.

During the time of the judges, when chaos ruled the day, there was a famine in the land.  In the midst of this setting we are introduced to a small Jewish family of noble origin.  As we watch the events of their lives, and deaths, unfold, we will see the hand of God at work.  Behind the scenes, God is working through the daily activities of our lives to carry out His sovereign plan, just as He did through the man from Bethlehem and his family.

We will be taking a look at some of the other characters of the Book of Ruth.  For now it is good to keep in mind that during the time of Ruth, there was a great moral and political “vacuum”.  The Israelites were familiar with the Covenants God had made with the Patriarchs and the promises He had made to the Children of Israel, but it appeared to them they were forgotten.  We can rest assured that will never happen.  Even in the bleakest of times keep your eyes open and cling to the promises.

After all, Elimelech isn’t the only man from Bethlehem.

2  But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days. – Micah 5:2