Ruth 4
Open My Eyes
Who is David? Most children will be able to answer this question. But who is the father of David and his grandfather? The bible gave then answer as Jesse and Obed. But who is the father of Obed? Again the bible gave the answer as Boaz, the husband of Ruth. v21 Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.
But exactly, and according to v10 Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place.
Obed was rightfully the son of Mahlon, the son of Elimelech, the husband of Naomi.
This was v6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
BUT this was not what Boaz saw.
Beyond material wealth
The kinsman redeemer nearest to Naomi and Elimelech, did not mind to inherit the land, probably he find it a good investment, as Elimelech's son were dead. And so after the take over, the land is rightfully his and there will be no man in Elimelech family to challenge. But when the mentioned of Ruth, the redeemer gave up.
Towards kingdom inheritance
Boaz did what he promised Ruth. He did not see "burden" of giving Elimelech or Mahlon a continuation of the family line or inheritance. My take is that Boaz saw that as a law, the law that was given by God for the provision of the dead. He saw this as his responsibility and act accordingly to the commands of God.
The Application
Many of my decisions was based on short term gain, or what I can see not beyond this life or at most beyond the next generation. Open my eyes to see God. Let me see things beyond the material wealth or what the world see it as gain or lost. Open my eyes to gain the inheritance of the kingdom that is long lasting. Obed was mentioned as the son of Boaz and through this line came David and Jesus.
Open my eyes that I may see and make decisions for my family, even for II that seem not wise in the eyes of man, but pleasing to God. Amen.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
20 June 2011; Ruth 3
Ruth 3
The Approaches
The laws concerning levirate marriage or kinsman redeemer is a provision that God gives to ensure that the dead man continues its family line. The first born son will be named after the dead man.
Ruth came to Judah without knowing these law or concept, and even if she did, the kinsman might reject the redemption. Ruth had in v10, you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. If she was such a woman, she would have remain in Moab.
There was something Ruth saw about Naomi and the God that Naomi worshipped. Ruth did not prepared for the best but it just happened to be gleaning in the field of Boaz and Boaz happened to be a kinsman redeemer.
Ruth obeyed Naomi to acts of boldness in approaching Boaz. Boaz would have rejected her and Ruth wold have put to shame.
What permit the boldness that Ruth to approach Boaz?
The God who cares
God who v9 Spread His wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.
Wings in this context is protection, just like the way a mother hen protects her chicks. Likewise my children approach me as a father because they knew I have the best for them. When they are afraid, they can run to me.
The God who kept Promises
Boaz promises Ruth that he will redeem Ruth. He gave Ruth a v17, a six measures of barley as an oath that he will surely take actions. How well do we then take and claim this promises. How much do we desire God to fulfil His promises for us or do we really wants that promises.
The application
That I will soar with Him on wings like eagle... This time the wings is above protection, it is about soaring. This is a promises I will want to see God fulfilment in my life. How then should I approach God?
Like Ruth I will approach Boaz with boldness, knowing that my God will do what he will promises and has the ability to carry out that promises.
So it is not about God, but the way I will approach God and want to approach Him. Like Ruth who approach God, reject the other young and rich, v7 Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. I will check my heart that with the same aitltude I will apparoach my God. Amen
The Approaches
The laws concerning levirate marriage or kinsman redeemer is a provision that God gives to ensure that the dead man continues its family line. The first born son will be named after the dead man.
Ruth came to Judah without knowing these law or concept, and even if she did, the kinsman might reject the redemption. Ruth had in v10, you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. If she was such a woman, she would have remain in Moab.
There was something Ruth saw about Naomi and the God that Naomi worshipped. Ruth did not prepared for the best but it just happened to be gleaning in the field of Boaz and Boaz happened to be a kinsman redeemer.
Ruth obeyed Naomi to acts of boldness in approaching Boaz. Boaz would have rejected her and Ruth wold have put to shame.
What permit the boldness that Ruth to approach Boaz?
The God who cares
God who v9 Spread His wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.
Wings in this context is protection, just like the way a mother hen protects her chicks. Likewise my children approach me as a father because they knew I have the best for them. When they are afraid, they can run to me.
The God who kept Promises
Boaz promises Ruth that he will redeem Ruth. He gave Ruth a v17, a six measures of barley as an oath that he will surely take actions. How well do we then take and claim this promises. How much do we desire God to fulfil His promises for us or do we really wants that promises.
The application
That I will soar with Him on wings like eagle... This time the wings is above protection, it is about soaring. This is a promises I will want to see God fulfilment in my life. How then should I approach God?
Like Ruth I will approach Boaz with boldness, knowing that my God will do what he will promises and has the ability to carry out that promises.
So it is not about God, but the way I will approach God and want to approach Him. Like Ruth who approach God, reject the other young and rich, v7 Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. I will check my heart that with the same aitltude I will apparoach my God. Amen
Thursday, June 16, 2011
16 Jun 2011; Ruth 2
Ruth 2
What do we invest in?
The company GIC (Government of Singapore Investment Corporation) make investment using the surplus of the country reserves. What then do we invest our time, our wealth, our knowledge .. in the kingdom of God.
reading Ruth 2 give me 3 points G(lean), I(nteraction) and C(ommunity), even as I give thoughts for what to do for II.
G lean
The concept of gleaning is about God's provision. During harvest, the harvester will leave the borders or some corners of the field unharvest or left some remnant harvest fall to the ground unpick. The intent is for the widows and orpahans to pick them up.
We are bless with plenty. Often the way to opening an investment of a soul for the kingdom of God is about starting a small blessing on others. It can be it our wealth, our time and our small acts of love.
It just happened, that Ruth glean in the field of Boaz. v3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.
I nteraction
8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women.
Boaz has the opportunity to speak to Ruth and interact with her. Boaz must have done his homework about Ruth. Ruth on the other hand was hardworking and Boaz took notice of that. Ruth probably knew that the field belong to Boaz, but who is Boaz to her and what is kinsman redemeer concept to Ruth who is a Moab? It was later v20 Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”
Our interaction allow us to break ice and thus build a confidence trust with the non-believer. Because of Boaz, Ruth with Noami encouragment dare to approach Boaz later.
C ommunity
Boaz don't work alone. v15 Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her.
If we have 24hrs, there is a limit in the amount of work we can do. Jesus did the right things about discipleship. It is about grooming yourself and cloning yourself on others. Imagine Boaz servant did not think like Boaz and act in a different way Boaz had instructed, Ruth may be turned away.
The Application
Lord use the gifts, the wealth, the abilities, the time that you have bless my hands, for your kingdom.
Let me build relationship with people and allow me to get into their lifes and theirs into mine. God's business is in the heart and soul of man.
Let me build a community in alignment and for the extension of your kingdom. Bless my family. Amen
What do we invest in?
The company GIC (Government of Singapore Investment Corporation) make investment using the surplus of the country reserves. What then do we invest our time, our wealth, our knowledge .. in the kingdom of God.
reading Ruth 2 give me 3 points G(lean), I(nteraction) and C(ommunity), even as I give thoughts for what to do for II.
G lean
The concept of gleaning is about God's provision. During harvest, the harvester will leave the borders or some corners of the field unharvest or left some remnant harvest fall to the ground unpick. The intent is for the widows and orpahans to pick them up.
We are bless with plenty. Often the way to opening an investment of a soul for the kingdom of God is about starting a small blessing on others. It can be it our wealth, our time and our small acts of love.
It just happened, that Ruth glean in the field of Boaz. v3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.
I nteraction
8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women.
Boaz has the opportunity to speak to Ruth and interact with her. Boaz must have done his homework about Ruth. Ruth on the other hand was hardworking and Boaz took notice of that. Ruth probably knew that the field belong to Boaz, but who is Boaz to her and what is kinsman redemeer concept to Ruth who is a Moab? It was later v20 Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”
Our interaction allow us to break ice and thus build a confidence trust with the non-believer. Because of Boaz, Ruth with Noami encouragment dare to approach Boaz later.
C ommunity
Boaz don't work alone. v15 Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her.
If we have 24hrs, there is a limit in the amount of work we can do. Jesus did the right things about discipleship. It is about grooming yourself and cloning yourself on others. Imagine Boaz servant did not think like Boaz and act in a different way Boaz had instructed, Ruth may be turned away.
The Application
Lord use the gifts, the wealth, the abilities, the time that you have bless my hands, for your kingdom.
Let me build relationship with people and allow me to get into their lifes and theirs into mine. God's business is in the heart and soul of man.
Let me build a community in alignment and for the extension of your kingdom. Bless my family. Amen
Monday, June 13, 2011
13 June 2011; Ruth 1
Ruth 1
When things fall apart
The book of Ruth began not with Ruth, but with Elimelech , the husband of Naomi. As the leader of the household, he had to make a decision when famine came to the land of Judah. He brought his family, his wife and 2 sons to the land of Moab. A bad decision - not really, but probably there is food there. The famine must be severe in Judah because the stay in Moab was 10 years. Elimelech has no intention to stay there so long, in verse 1, he went to sojourn in the country of Moab.
But probably, the long stay led to a settlement, when his sons married the locals - Moab. The Moab were the descendant of Lot and his daughters. They were definitely not part of the inheritance line.
Things did not always turn out well the way we plan. Elimelech died, his sons died. This leave Naomi and her 2 Moabite daughter-in-laws.
The God we put our Hope.
What do we based our hope on or on what object is our hope depends on? Our plan, the people we know, or the materials wealth, health... Hope brought about the future intent, for without hope, life is just like floating from day to day - aimless. People build their on on their capabilities, their know how, their strength, the people they know and crave out a career, an business empire... for themselves or for their on ambition.
To me nothing wrong with that, but when things fall apart, when the people they depend on for success and their plan is gone, their hope is gone. When business fell, they get dejected. They hope are dashed.
v6-13. In Naomi case, the husband who lead her and the family died. She is just a sojourner. Her sons died, and that without any grandchildren means that she has no economic ability to feed herself. She has no land, no inheritance. Her 2 daughters-in-laws being woman, being Moab (will be mock and consider outcast by the Jews) won't be able to help much. Even if they are to be married, Naomi has no part of that in the daughter-in-law new family. No hope. Naomi had no choice but to return to Judah.
v20 “Do not call me Naomi; [1] call me Mara, [2] 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?”
Naomi is bitter with God. But the Lord has provided. In chapter 2, the provision of field gleaning is the way the Lord provide for widow and orphan, the redeeming process is another way the Lord provides. That provision as compare to the stay in Moab provide the hope for Naomi and Naomi has all the compelling reason to return, despite the knowing that the woman mocked her on her return in v20 And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”
The God we can Trust.
What do Naomi have to offer Ruth and Orpah? Nothing.
But the difference is in the God we can trust. When the things of our senses fail us, what we do, what we see... Then what we cannot see is the believe in this God, whom we can trust. Naomi knew this God and Ruth probably heard about this God.
15 And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 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.
In this 2 verses, the contrast is in god and God. There must be something about this God that Naomi knew. Ruth was convinced. Yes, there is no hope, is she going back to the gods of Moab that she will want to put her trust on or on the God of Naomi?
What is so special about the God that Naomi knew that Ruth is so willing to place her bet?
v6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food.
The timing was right, the Lord visited Judah and given them food.
The Application
I will based my hope, the purpose that will drive by life on God. Yes things may happen nicely, just like when Elimelech first went to Moab in order to find food for the family, but things will god wrong.
How to put my trust in this God - it is about how much I know this God. Therefore, let me grow in knowledge of this God, in which putting my believe in Him instead of myself, seeing that things work out and happen because of God and grew my faith - God the object of my faith. I pray for faith to grow and know that this is the God I can trust. Amen.
When things fall apart
The book of Ruth began not with Ruth, but with Elimelech , the husband of Naomi. As the leader of the household, he had to make a decision when famine came to the land of Judah. He brought his family, his wife and 2 sons to the land of Moab. A bad decision - not really, but probably there is food there. The famine must be severe in Judah because the stay in Moab was 10 years. Elimelech has no intention to stay there so long, in verse 1, he went to sojourn in the country of Moab.
But probably, the long stay led to a settlement, when his sons married the locals - Moab. The Moab were the descendant of Lot and his daughters. They were definitely not part of the inheritance line.
Things did not always turn out well the way we plan. Elimelech died, his sons died. This leave Naomi and her 2 Moabite daughter-in-laws.
The God we put our Hope.
What do we based our hope on or on what object is our hope depends on? Our plan, the people we know, or the materials wealth, health... Hope brought about the future intent, for without hope, life is just like floating from day to day - aimless. People build their on on their capabilities, their know how, their strength, the people they know and crave out a career, an business empire... for themselves or for their on ambition.
To me nothing wrong with that, but when things fall apart, when the people they depend on for success and their plan is gone, their hope is gone. When business fell, they get dejected. They hope are dashed.
v6-13. In Naomi case, the husband who lead her and the family died. She is just a sojourner. Her sons died, and that without any grandchildren means that she has no economic ability to feed herself. She has no land, no inheritance. Her 2 daughters-in-laws being woman, being Moab (will be mock and consider outcast by the Jews) won't be able to help much. Even if they are to be married, Naomi has no part of that in the daughter-in-law new family. No hope. Naomi had no choice but to return to Judah.
v20 “Do not call me Naomi; [1] call me Mara, [2] 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?”
Naomi is bitter with God. But the Lord has provided. In chapter 2, the provision of field gleaning is the way the Lord provide for widow and orphan, the redeeming process is another way the Lord provides. That provision as compare to the stay in Moab provide the hope for Naomi and Naomi has all the compelling reason to return, despite the knowing that the woman mocked her on her return in v20 And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”
The God we can Trust.
What do Naomi have to offer Ruth and Orpah? Nothing.
But the difference is in the God we can trust. When the things of our senses fail us, what we do, what we see... Then what we cannot see is the believe in this God, whom we can trust. Naomi knew this God and Ruth probably heard about this God.
15 And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 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.
In this 2 verses, the contrast is in god and God. There must be something about this God that Naomi knew. Ruth was convinced. Yes, there is no hope, is she going back to the gods of Moab that she will want to put her trust on or on the God of Naomi?
What is so special about the God that Naomi knew that Ruth is so willing to place her bet?
v6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food.
The timing was right, the Lord visited Judah and given them food.
The Application
I will based my hope, the purpose that will drive by life on God. Yes things may happen nicely, just like when Elimelech first went to Moab in order to find food for the family, but things will god wrong.
How to put my trust in this God - it is about how much I know this God. Therefore, let me grow in knowledge of this God, in which putting my believe in Him instead of myself, seeing that things work out and happen because of God and grew my faith - God the object of my faith. I pray for faith to grow and know that this is the God I can trust. Amen.
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