One of the things I am becoming more and more convinced of, is the fact that the Old Testament points to Christ. Mark Harpt says this, "One of the most enlightening events of a Christian's life is the moment he or she discovers that Jesus Christ is interwoven into the entire Old Testament. It is said that Jesus can be found on every page of the Old Testament."
Consider how often Jesus refers to the Old Testament or the "Scriptures" in light of Himself, His ministry, and His fulfillment of them. He spoke of Himself from the Old Testament (the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms) to the two on the road to Emmaus. He told the spiritual leaders of the day that they were missing the boat, for they studied the scripture, yet failed to see Christ in them.
Remember the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch? This man was reading from the book of Isaiah, and Acts 8 says, Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."
My challenge to myself and to you is this: Look for Christ in the Old Testament. Become familiar with the prophecies about Him. Consider his character in the lives of the Old Testament "heroes." Remember that Jesus took the Old Testament literally. He spoke of Abraham, Moses, David, Naaman, Elijah, Elisha, Noah, etc.
In regard to the book of Ruth, consider that Boaz displays Christ as our Redeemer. He is our kinsman, as the Word become flesh. With His blood, not the blood of bulls and goats, He purchased our redemption, God reconcilling us to Himself through Christ.
Let me finish by quoting this old adage: "The New [Testament] is in the Old [Testament] contained, and the Old is by the New explained."
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
First Public Message on Ruth
Yesterday I had the privilege of giving my first message on the book of Ruth. Pastor Stonehouse had asked if I would share something from my study at Sunday School. So, after much prayer and re-reading of my notes, I got something together. I called the message "Hast Thou Considered My Servant Ruth?" It was an encouragement to all to press on with Bible study and a personal testimony and lesson from the book of Ruth that the Lord had shown me.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Kindness to Whom?
Of the many interesting statements in Ruth, one that is particularly so occurs in chapter three.
"And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich." (Ruth 3:10)
Here, Boaz is commending Ruth. As one reads this, it may appear at first glance to be referring to kindness shown to Boaz. The popular interpretation of this story is that of a romantic love interest between the two. With this in view, it would seem that Boaz is flattered at Ruth's attention and request, and is expressing his wish that the Lord would bless her for it.
Is this really the case? Is this a proper interpretation of this passage? It is beyond the intended scope of this entry to do a thorough and in depth study to give a definitive answer. However, let us briefly bring up another option which may bring another idea to light.
As we examine Ruth's life, we see a lady who was devoted with all her heart to her mother-in-law and to the Lord. She is continually acting in a way that will benefit her mother-in-law. She asks permission to go to glean. She saves some of what Boaz provides for her, and takes it back to her mother-in-law. When her mother-in-law tells her what she should do in regard to Boaz, it is recorded that she "went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her."
Let me suggest that Ruth went to the threshingfloor primarily in submission to Naomi's request. Let me also suggest that Ruth's kindness was that she considered Naomi and Naomi's family and family name, over and above her own desires. Boaz himself recognizes the unusual nature that Ruth had displayed "inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
So, I put this out for consideration: was Ruth commended for actions to an infatuated Boaz, or was he commending her for the selfless life he had made previous mention of in his barley fields? There is the question. The answer may color the way we view the entire book of Ruth. What do you think?
"And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich." (Ruth 3:10)
Here, Boaz is commending Ruth. As one reads this, it may appear at first glance to be referring to kindness shown to Boaz. The popular interpretation of this story is that of a romantic love interest between the two. With this in view, it would seem that Boaz is flattered at Ruth's attention and request, and is expressing his wish that the Lord would bless her for it.
Is this really the case? Is this a proper interpretation of this passage? It is beyond the intended scope of this entry to do a thorough and in depth study to give a definitive answer. However, let us briefly bring up another option which may bring another idea to light.
As we examine Ruth's life, we see a lady who was devoted with all her heart to her mother-in-law and to the Lord. She is continually acting in a way that will benefit her mother-in-law. She asks permission to go to glean. She saves some of what Boaz provides for her, and takes it back to her mother-in-law. When her mother-in-law tells her what she should do in regard to Boaz, it is recorded that she "went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her."
Let me suggest that Ruth went to the threshingfloor primarily in submission to Naomi's request. Let me also suggest that Ruth's kindness was that she considered Naomi and Naomi's family and family name, over and above her own desires. Boaz himself recognizes the unusual nature that Ruth had displayed "inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
So, I put this out for consideration: was Ruth commended for actions to an infatuated Boaz, or was he commending her for the selfless life he had made previous mention of in his barley fields? There is the question. The answer may color the way we view the entire book of Ruth. What do you think?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
From the Archives - March 28, 2006
• Naomi asks her daughters-in-law to return three times (Orpah leaves on the second). Why?
• Naomi indicates her belief in God's personal judgement (1:13) (1:20)
• Naomi's heart is revealed (1:6). It was not the elimination of an authority structure that prompted Naomi to return. Instead, she had heard there was food. She didn't return when her husband died. She didn't return when her sons died.
• Naomi was reverse-evangelizing. Three times she entreats them to return...why?
• Naomi knows God's judgement is right, just and true. Yet she is sorry that her mistakes have affected others.
Ruth's Confession:
• She did not follow Naomi because of potential gain down the road. Naomi would not have more children, she was a widow and childless.
• Ruth had also suffered under the Lord's hand of judgement
• 'Where you go, I will go'
The word "go" is the word for walk, to move, to conduct one's self, a way of life
• 'Where you lodge, I will lodge'
• 'Your people shall be my people'
The new Christian adopts/is adopted by a whole new family (people)
• 'And your God, my God'
Turning to Christ means forsaking all other gods, as long as you both shall live. It is no longer the things I worship, the things I choose, the things I want. We have a "new" Master. (death to self) (no longer our own, bought with a price)
• 'Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried'
A commitment to Christ is fatal. We are His through the point of death and beyond. This was not a "try before you buy" kind of deal!
• Ruth's confession and their journey took place about the time of year that Passover was celebrated.
• In His sacrifice, Christ made Himself a "people" who were not "His people"
"As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God." (Rom 9:25-26)
• The Moabites were descendants of Lot
• Naomi indicates her belief in God's personal judgement (1:13) (1:20)
• Naomi's heart is revealed (1:6). It was not the elimination of an authority structure that prompted Naomi to return. Instead, she had heard there was food. She didn't return when her husband died. She didn't return when her sons died.
• Naomi was reverse-evangelizing. Three times she entreats them to return...why?
• Naomi knows God's judgement is right, just and true. Yet she is sorry that her mistakes have affected others.
Ruth's Confession:
• She did not follow Naomi because of potential gain down the road. Naomi would not have more children, she was a widow and childless.
• Ruth had also suffered under the Lord's hand of judgement
• 'Where you go, I will go'
The word "go" is the word for walk, to move, to conduct one's self, a way of life
• 'Where you lodge, I will lodge'
• 'Your people shall be my people'
The new Christian adopts/is adopted by a whole new family (people)
• 'And your God, my God'
Turning to Christ means forsaking all other gods, as long as you both shall live. It is no longer the things I worship, the things I choose, the things I want. We have a "new" Master. (death to self) (no longer our own, bought with a price)
• 'Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried'
A commitment to Christ is fatal. We are His through the point of death and beyond. This was not a "try before you buy" kind of deal!
• Ruth's confession and their journey took place about the time of year that Passover was celebrated.
• In His sacrifice, Christ made Himself a "people" who were not "His people"
"As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God." (Rom 9:25-26)
• The Moabites were descendants of Lot
From the Archives - March 27, 2006
Going to Moab was a fatal mistake. Elimelech took his family there, and died there. The plan was to sojourn or just stay temporarily. Then he died. His compromise did not end with him. His sons took a further step and married daughters of the Moabites. They didn't just sojourn there, they dwelled/abode/"sat down" in Moab.
This reminds me of Lot's progression towards Sodom. First he pitched his tent near Sodom (Gen 13:12). Then he dwelt in Sodom (Gen 14:12). Finally, we find him in the gate of the city (Gen 19:1)...(also compare Ps 1)
This reminds me of Lot's progression towards Sodom. First he pitched his tent near Sodom (Gen 13:12). Then he dwelt in Sodom (Gen 14:12). Finally, we find him in the gate of the city (Gen 19:1)...(also compare Ps 1)
Monday, January 29, 2007
From the Archives - March 26, 2006
• Elimelech: "my God is King"
• A man who was named after God. A man whose name signified a recognition of the God of the universe.
• So is a Christian. A "Christ-one". This man did not live up to his name. His actions did not reflect the kingship of God in his life.
• A Christian is not a Christian if found in name only.
• A Christian is not simply one who professes to be. Many claim that title but not all are truly Christians.
• Elimelech was not a "Christian" because he was raised in Judah, or Israel. Neither may we claim a relationship with Christ simply because we were brought up in church or raised in a Christian family...anymore than we can claim ourselves to be cars simply because we spend time in the garage.
• Consider these verses:
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matt 7:21-23)
"And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:26)
• Do our actions reflect the Lordship of Christ? Do our words and responses say "Christian"?
• Elimelech ignored God's call to repentance:
"And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits." (Lev 26:18-20)
"And then the LORD's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you." (Deut 11:17)
"And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed." (Deut 28:23-34)
"Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it. Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them. Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast his fruit. Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity. All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume." (Deut 28:38-42)
"When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillars; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers." (2 Chron 6:26-31)
"If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;" (2 Chron 7:13)
"And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD." (Amos 4:6)
• Famine was a judgement of God on Israel
• Elimelech tried to avoid or solve his "problems" by turning to the world
• Moabites were not to be wed by the sons of Israel:
"But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon cleaved unto these in love." (1 Kings 11:1-2)
• A man who was named after God. A man whose name signified a recognition of the God of the universe.
• So is a Christian. A "Christ-one". This man did not live up to his name. His actions did not reflect the kingship of God in his life.
• A Christian is not a Christian if found in name only.
• A Christian is not simply one who professes to be. Many claim that title but not all are truly Christians.
• Elimelech was not a "Christian" because he was raised in Judah, or Israel. Neither may we claim a relationship with Christ simply because we were brought up in church or raised in a Christian family...anymore than we can claim ourselves to be cars simply because we spend time in the garage.
• Consider these verses:
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matt 7:21-23)
"And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:26)
• Do our actions reflect the Lordship of Christ? Do our words and responses say "Christian"?
• Elimelech ignored God's call to repentance:
"And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits." (Lev 26:18-20)
"And then the LORD's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you." (Deut 11:17)
"And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed." (Deut 28:23-34)
"Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it. Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them. Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast his fruit. Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity. All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume." (Deut 28:38-42)
"When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillars; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers." (2 Chron 6:26-31)
"If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;" (2 Chron 7:13)
"And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD." (Amos 4:6)
• Famine was a judgement of God on Israel
• Elimelech tried to avoid or solve his "problems" by turning to the world
• Moabites were not to be wed by the sons of Israel:
"But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon cleaved unto these in love." (1 Kings 11:1-2)
From the Archives
Since last March, I have been taking notes on the book of Ruth. Over the past few days, I have been reading over those notes, and thought it would be good to type up the content for the blog. I am transcribing them pretty much as they are written, so sentence structure, grammer, etc is typical of notations.
One other thing I want to mention is that I wrote these ideas as they came to me. Not all of them are necessarily my opinion now, nor are they necessarily even right. I just documented things as they came to mind. So, take what you read with a grain of salt. These are just ideas, thoughts, lessons or possible analogies or correlations to other parts of scripture.
I hope these encourage you to "study to show thyself approved..." be it in Ruth or in any other book of the Bible.
One other thing I want to mention is that I wrote these ideas as they came to me. Not all of them are necessarily my opinion now, nor are they necessarily even right. I just documented things as they came to mind. So, take what you read with a grain of salt. These are just ideas, thoughts, lessons or possible analogies or correlations to other parts of scripture.
I hope these encourage you to "study to show thyself approved..." be it in Ruth or in any other book of the Bible.
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