Ruth 3 - A Strange Proposal

Naomi now takes the initiative in finding a husband for Ruth. Now this goes right against our culture, but it was normal in those days, and given the state of relationships in Western society we should be a little wary of claiming that our way is better (I hasten to add that I neither am I promoting arranged marriages! Just saying we have limited grounds for feeling superior!). 

Naomi tells Ruth to prepare herself and go and sleep at the feet of Boaz. She was in effect saying that she wanted to marry Boaz. Again we find these actions strange, and possible strange that such things could happen without any sexual activity occurring. This again is a comment on the state of our society.

Boaz, as always, acts honourably. He is touched by Ruth's actions, but knows that there is another family member who has prior claim. So he will consult with this other relative before taking further action.

So we see patience being  put into action as well. Even if we are convinced that something is God's plan, we should still follow proper procedures and not cut corners. If it is indeed God's will, then things will work out.

Ruth 2 - Meeting Boaz

Under the Law people were allowed to pick up the gleanings from crops (Leviticus 23:22). We also read of Jesus' disciples doing this (Matthew 12:2), though that caused problems because it was on the Sabbath. As an aside, this is a warning against trying to be super-efficient. We should certainly seek to do things well, but it is a mistake to try and squeeze out every last ounce of efficiency.

The field belonged to Boaz, a relative of Naomi. He was an honourable man. He noticed Ruth and made arrangements so that she was properly cared for and protected. Family relationships are vital to the strength of a society and enable people to overcome all sorts of difficulties.

Ruth was surprised at Boaz's kindness. It should always be the case that when people come into the kingdom they are surprised by the kindness that they receive from people, for many people who come in will have been deeply wounded.

Boaz had also heard about what Ruth had done for her mother-in-law, Naomi. So there is a two-way process here. The outcome of this tale depended upon both Boaz and Ruth displaying the fruit of the Spirit.

Ruth 1 - Exile

This was the time of the judges, meaning it was a time when the nation had no sense of direction and was neglecting God's ways. There was a famine in the land, so a man and his wife, Naomi, left Bethlehem to go to Moab, along with their two sons. While in Moab the two sons married Moabite women. The Moabites were descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:36-38). Now notice that Israelites were not meant to marry Moabite women, but no criticism is voiced here. Sometimes things happen in life that really should not happen, but not everything spells disaster, and God works through all sorts of situations.

Orpah and Ruth were the two women. In time Naomi's husband and her two sons died.

The time of famine came to an end, and Naomi decided to head back home. Naomi cared for her daughters-in-law, and released them to return to their home and fine new husbands there. Initially both refused to leave, but eventually Orpah did leave. Ruth, however, insisted on staying with Naomi, making the declaration that "your people will be my people, and your God my God". This is a model for Gentiles coming into the kingdom.

So Naomi and Ruth returned home. Not surprisingly Naomi was deeply affected by all that had happened to her, all her losses. So she said call me Mara (meaning bitter), not Naomi (pleasant). This did not mean that God could not work through her. We are affected by the events of life, and we don't always get "healed" immediately. Sometimes we remain wounded for a considerable time, but this does not mean that the Lord cannot work in our lives.

Ruth - Introduction

The events outlined in this little book took place in the time of the Judges, a time when Israel had no real direction and was not following God. While it is a short book, dealing with superficially inconsequential people (there are no kings, prophets or warriors), it reveals many vital lessons, and is theologically rich.
First it shows that despite the moral degeneracy of the nation as a whole God was still at work. Whatever the circumstances it is always worth us following God's ways. Naomi, Ruth and Boaz are people who act righteously, despite the spirit of the age.
Secondly it introduces the concept of the "kinsman-redeemer". Boaz redeems Ruth, rescuing her from widowhood. In the same way Christ rescues us.
Thirdly Ruth is a Moabite, so it gives us a picture of God's salvation going out to the Gentiles. Moreover, Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt 1:5), a remarkable thing if you think about it.
Fourthly, it shows how Gentiles are saved. Ruth committed herself whole heartedly to the God of Israel. When we get saved we commit ourselves to the God of Israel.

Psalm 119:161-176 - Love is Word

Even authorities persecuted the psalmist without cause, yet his heart trembled at God's word. We live in a time when our society is increasingly anti-Christian, but we need to ensure that it is God's word that we fear. As Jesus said, we should fear Him who can destroy the soul, not those who can only destroy the body.

We need to rejoice all the more in God's word, for that is where true riches are found. 

We need to shun and detest all falsehood, but find great delight in God's word. His word will give us peace and joy, and bring strength to us. Following God's precepts is to be our way.

This majestic psalm closes with David calling for God to give him understanding. The whole Psalm gives a picture of us seeking, longing for, and delighting in God's word, and God, in turn, proving that all His words and promises are true.

Psalm 119:153-160 - In the midst of trials

"Look on my suffering ...". When God met Moses in the burning bush He said that He had heard the cry of His people. David here calls on God to defend and redeem him. He calls on God to save him because he has not forgotten God's law, and according to God's promise.

Has God forgotten His promises? Of course not, yet we all go through times when it seems as though He has. So why does God put us through these times? Well I don't have any any all-encompassing answer, but one of the purposes is to deepen our faith. See here that the effect on David is to make him cling all the more tightly to God's word and promises. It is the word of God that brings life. Yet having rebelled against God we held on to all sorts of other things, trusting in various things. We need to be weaned off these things, and difficult times are one of the ways that God does this in our lives. So if we are going through a trial at the moment we need to cling all the more to God's word, to depend even more on Him.

As we sense that our soul is turning more and more to God then we should rejoice. For God's word is eternal, outlasting everything.

Psalm 119:145-152 - Seeking the Lord

David again is in trouble. So he calls upon the Lord to answer him, and he calls with all his heart. If the Lord answers him he will obey the Lord. This is not a form of blackmail, but a simple statement of fact. We cannot serve the Lord purely in our own strength. We need His salvation in order to enable us to serve Him properly.

What David does do is seek the Lord with all his heart and all his strength. Sometimes God lets things happen in our life so that we will turn to Him with increasing fervour. David puts his hope in God's word and meditates on His promises. There is a lot of talk about God's promises in this Psalm. We need to spend more time meditating on God' promises, for these are things that are bound to happen.

David calls on God to treat him according to His love and His Laws.

As in most of the stanzas there is mention of the wicked who devise plans against him. David responds by continuing to trust in God's word.