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a-big-apple · 3 months

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Gideon, Harrow, and "Wedding Vows"

i frequently see the interpretation that this:

"The land that shall receive thee dying, in the same will I die: and there will I be buried. The Lord do so and so to me, and add more also, if aught but death part me and thee," said Gideon. (GtN 438)

plus this:

"If I forget you, let my right hand be forgotten," her mouth was saying. "Add more also, if aught but death part me and thee." And, unsteadily: "Griddle." (HtN 360)

plus this:

It didn't even matter when Kiriona said, "Sure, Cam. Marry a moron, then die. I get the urge." (NtN 372)

equals Gideon and Harrow are married! crying face emoji!

i'm not disparaging that interpretation, i think it's valid and has some basis in the text, and even if it wasn't/didn't, i think fans should have all the fun they want. but for me, it doesn't fully capture the complexity of what Gideon and Harrow are to each other, and i want to explore a slightly less straightforward reading.

Catholic weddings, vows, and Ruth under the cut ;)

Gideon and Ninth House traditions

let's start with Gideon quoting Ruth. i've seen folks repeating the idea that this is a wedding vow. it's more accurate to say that this is a verse often used as a wedding vow, in other denominations of Christianity, and secularly as well. but in a (traditional) Catholic wedding, the couple can't write or choose their own vows--the Celebration of Matrimony has specific text, with one or two variations, that is always used.

now, we haven't seen a Ninth House marriage ceremony. if we do see such a thing in AtN and discover that Ruth 1:17 is part of that tradition, i will cry a million happy queer tears about it. but i think it's somewhat likely that Gideon has never even seen a Ninth House wedding, given how small and trending elderly the population is, and that we know no couples in her lifetime have had kids other than the Reverend Parents.

what i'm getting at here is that this quotation from Ruth doesn't seem, to me, to represent something that's religiously or traditionally binding in Ninth House culture. it uses some similar language to Catholic marriage vows, "until death do us part" etc, but i don't think these are words that make them married in the eyes of the Ninth or the Houses at large, i think these are words Gideon has chosen as a specific expression of her devotion. and where does she get them from, if not some Ninth House ceremony or scripture?

well, this is a slightly longer stretch, but at the point in the story when Gideon says this, she's already dead. Harrow has begun to absorb her--and thanks to "The Unwanted Guest," we know that souls are porous, permeable, and rub off on each other when they're in contact. Gideon's soul is at this moment being integrated into Harrow's; Harrow has certainly read all kinds of books on the Ninth ranging from usual to totally heretical, some of them probably extremely old, and it's not unreasonable to think writings from before the Resurrection might have been copied and recopied into something Harrow could access. And speaking of soul permeability, Harrow's had Alecto's soul clinging onto hers for seven years, and Alecto's soul is in intimate contact with John's soul--there are so many ways for this bit of scripture to make its way into Gideon's non-corporeal mouth. the STI (Soulfully Transmitted Infection) of biblical knowledge.

Ruth in context

now let's talk a little about Ruth, the book of the Bible and also the character of the Bible, and Naomi, who she is swearing her devotion to. tl;dr, Naomi and her husband and two grown sons are Israelites who immigrate to Moab, a "pagan" nation, to escape famine. Naomi's two sons marry Moabite women; then the sons both die, as does Naomi's husband. Naomi, having lost everything, decides to return home where she'll be penniless and have a bad life but at least she'll be among her people; she tells her two daughters-in-law to go back to their families. One of them goes.

The other, Ruth, refuses, and swears beautiful devotion to Naomi, as we've heard Gideon quote: "She answered: Be not against me, to desire that I should leave thee and depart: for whithersoever thou shalt go, I will go: and where thou shalt dwell, I also will dwell. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. The land that shall receive thee dying, in the same will I die: and there will I be buried. The Lord do so and so to me, and add more also, if aught but death part me and thee."

in a biblical context, this has nothing to do with a wedding vow. Ruth is promising to leave the comfort of her own people, religion, and homeland to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, even though the connection they had (Naomi's son, Ruth's husband) is gone, and all they have to look forward to is a terrible life of grief and bitterness. this is frequently interpreted as a parallel to Jesus, who (in the religious perspective) made the sacrifice of leaving his place with God and becoming human out of devotion to humanity, in order to live and suffer and redeem us. woof, this is giving me flashbacks to CCD.

of course, many Christians resist interpreting what passes between Ruth and Naomi as resembling a wedding vow for homophobic reasons too--making it about Jesus is a way to make it less queer--but i think the point still stands that this is a more complicated, and less marriage-related, expression of love than it seems taken on its own.

Harrow's lamentation

when Harrow later echoes it back, she conflates it with a different biblical quotation: "On the willows in the midst thereof we hung up our instruments. For there they that led us into captivity required of us the words of songs. And they that carried us away, said: Sing ye to us a hymn of the songs of Sion. How shall we sing the song of the Lord in a strange land? If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten. Let my tongue cleave to my jaws, if I do not remember thee: If I make not Jerusalem the beginning of my joy."

it's a lament, an expression of mourning, a longing for home from someone who has been forcibly removed from it. when combined with the Ruth quotation, in which Ruth is giving up her home in her devotion, this really reads to me as both Harrow's grief, immediate and overpowering, and a realization that Gideon is her home, and failing to acknowledge that is as disabling as the loss of a hand or of the power of speech. Gideon is the beginning of her joy, and Harrow is, in this moment, putting Gideon above the Ninth House in her devotion. above Alecto. above everything.

and again, i'm not saying all of that can't be about marriage, but it's about a relationship much more complicated than marriage can encompass in the context House cultural norms.

Kiriona Gaia, saddest girl

this brings me to Kiriona, and "marry a moron, then die." consider the context of this, and the tone. Kiriona's deeply, deeply hurt. the saddest girl in the universe. she died for Harrow, avowed her devotion to Harrow, and then (from her perspective) was rejected; buried; excised from Harrow's brain and then from her body. Kiriona, as she did when she was Gideon, covers her emotions with humor and sarcasm. i suspect she's even less able to handle being vulnerable as Kiriona than she ever was before. she's making light of Canaan House and what happened there, and it's only in sarcastically downplaying what she's been through that she recounts her relationship to Harrow as a marriage--something she has almost no positive examples of, something that is in her experience frequently political and joyless. also notably, she frames it as a marriage that occurred before she died.

Their actual vow

what Gideon (and Kiriona) really wants--she tells us over and over again--is to be a true cavalier.

and what does Gideon's ghost repeat right before she devastates us with Ruth 1:17?

"One flesh, one end," said Gideon, and it was a murmur now, on the very edge of hearing. Harrow said, "Don't leave me." (GtN 438)

it's taken me a dozen paragraphs just to propose that this is their vow. "One flesh, one end" are the actual words that need to be spoken, in Gideon and Harrow's cultural context, to bring them into an official union with each other; a union that is arguably more fundamental in the Houses, and certainly more complicated, than a marriage. a union Gideon specifically wants, and has seen in action.

in the pool, they vow to each other as cavalier and necromancer. in the moments before Gideon's death, she forgives Harrow again, and exposes her heart: "'You know I only care about you,' she said in a brokenhearted rush" (GtN 430). then she repeats their oath again, acknowledges the pain she's about to cause for Harrow, and rededicates herself to the Ninth--a place she never really belonged, Harrow's home and people more than her own, as Ruth dedicated herself to Naomi's home and people. Gideon "married" her moron in the pool, and now she dies to fulfill that vow.

and as we saw above, after Gideon's death, she reminds Harrow again of their union--of its importance, of how she's fulfilling what she has interpreted to be her whole purpose as a cavalier--and it's in response to Harrow's "don't leave me" that Gideon offers a final reassurance of her devotion. in her mind, this sacrifice is its ultimate expression, the most inextricable and undeniable union two people can achieve.

Gideon believes she'll be part of Harrow forever.

#the locked tomb #the locked tomb meta #i stayed up way too late last night writing this

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officialyourdailyinspiration · 4 months

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The Books of the Bible: Old Testament (1 of 2) The Books of the Bible in order with introductions and summaries for the Old Testament.

The Five Books of the Law: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy

Genesis The Book of Genesis is the first book of the Christian Old Testament. Genesis speaks of beginnings and is foundational to the understanding of the rest of the Bible. It is supremely a book that speaks about relationships, highlighting those between God and his creation, between God and humankind, and between human beings.

Exodus The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Christian Old Testament. Exodus describes the history of the Israelites leaving Egypt after slavery. The book lays a foundational theology in which God reveals his name, his attributes, his redemption, his law and how he is to be worshiped.

Leviticus The Book of Leviticus is the third book of the Christian Old Testament. Leviticus receives its name from the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament) and means "concerning the Levites" (the priests of Israel). It serves as a manual of regulations enabling the holy King to set up his earthly throne among the people of his kingdom. It explains how they are to be his holy people and to worship him in a holy manner.

Numbers The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Christian Old Testament. Numbers relates the story of Israel's journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab on the border of Canaan. The book tells of the murmuring and rebellion of God's people and of their subsequent judgment.

Deuteronomy The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Christian Old Testament. Deuteronomy ("repetition of the Law") serves as a reminder to God's people about His covenant. The book is a "pause" before Joshua's conquest begins and a reminder of what God required.

Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles

Joshua Joshua is a story of conquest and fulfillment for the people of God. After many years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the desert, the Israelites were finally allowed to enter the land promised to their fathers.

Judges The book of Judges depicts the life of Israel in the Promised Land—from the death of Joshua to the rise of the monarchy. It tells of urgent appeals to God in times of crisis and apostasy, moving the Lord to raise up leaders (judges) through whom He throws off foreign oppressors and restores the land to peace.

Ruth The book of Ruth has been called one of the best examples of short narrative ever written. It presents an account of the remnant of true faith and piety in the period of the judges through the fall and restoration of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth (an ancestor of King David and Jesus).

1 Samuel Samuel relates God's establishment of a political system in Israel headed by a human king. Through Samuel's life, we see the rise of the monarchy and the tragedy of its first king, Saul.

2 Samuel After the failure of King Saul, 2 Samuel depicts David as a true (though imperfect) representative of the ideal theocratic king. Under David's rule the Lord caused the nation to prosper, to defeat its enemies, and to realize the fulfillment of His promises.

1 Kings 1 Kings continues the account of the monarchy in Israel and God's involvement through the prophets. After David, his son Solomon ascends the throne of a united kingdom, but this unity only lasts during his reign. The book explores how each subsequent king in Israel and Judah answers God's call—or, as often happens, fails to listen.

2 Kings 2 Kings carries the historical account of Judah and Israel forward. The kings of each nation are judged in light of their obedience to the covenant with God. Ultimately, the people of both nations are exiled for disobedience.

1 Chronicles Just as the author of Kings had organized and interpreted Israel's history to address the needs of the exiled community, so the writer of 1 Chronicles wrote for the restored community another history.

2 Chronicles 2 Chronicles continues the account of Israel's history with an eye for restoration of those who had returned from exile.

Books of Poetry and Songs: Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah

Ezra The book of Ezra relates how God's covenant people were restored from Babylonian exile to the covenant land as a theocratic (kingdom of God) community even while continuing under foreign rule.

Nehemiah Closely related to the book of Ezra, Nehemiah chronicles the return of this "cupbearer to the king" and the challenges he and the other Israelites face in their restored homeland.

Esther Esther records the institution of the annual festival of Purim through the historical account of Esther, a Jewish girl who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from destruction.

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walkswithmyfather · 1 year

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“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” –Ruth 1:16 (NIV)

“Explanation and Commentary of Ruth 1:16” By Connectusfund.org:

“Ruth, the great grandmother of King David, was not born a Jew but married into a Jewish family. Her mother-in-law was Naomi. Their family left Israel for a time because of a severe famine, and Naomi’s husband and two sons died, leaving three widows: Naomi, Ruth, and another daughter-in-law, Orpah.

For Naomi, to be left a childless widow was a great tragedy. When Naomi saw her desolation, she urged the women to return to the homes of their fathers in hopes that they may marry again. After a tearful goodbye, Orpah departed. But Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law alone.

The story ends happily when the famine ends, and they return to Israel. Ruth finds favor with a good man named Boaz who is a “kinsman-redeemer.” This meant that he was one of a very few family members who the law would allow to take on the family and possess the ancestral lands. Boaz marries Ruth and takes on the care of Naomi. This passage is such a statement of loyalty that it has been traditionally used as a wedding vow, though originally it was what Ruth said to Naomi.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ruth 1:16

#1 “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.’”

Naomi had practically issued a command for Ruth to leave her. This is a true example of the love of God. Naomi selflessly sought to send Ruth away for her own good, even though Naomi would then be truly alone and helpless. She wanted the best for Ruth. Ruth loved Naomi just as selflessly when she refused to go. She saw that her new God, the God of the Jews, had put her in this family, and she was determined to be loyal to it and to him.

#2 “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.”

Ruth told Naomi that Naomi was her home. The place was irrelevant. God had put them together, and no one would break them asunder. This is part of what makes this an appropriate wedding vow. What goes for these two widows goes doubly for a man and woman who God has joined into one flesh.

#3 “Your people will be my people…”

Any friend of yours is a friend of mine. This is again a true statement of loyalty. It speaks to a kind of bond that is special. Again, one can’t help but think of the marriage vow. Who doesn’t take on a new family when they join flesh with another? This kind of loyalty is hard to grasp in our culture, where people are traded in constantly, and few ever put down roots anymore.

#4 “…and your God my God.”

Here is the underpinning of the previous statements of love and loyalty. Ruth was not born a Jew, but she adopted Naomi’s God as her own. It was a calling from God that prevented Ruth from abandoning Naomi in her destitution. It was God whom they put their trust in, and it was God who provided a redeemer back in Israel. Our love for God should underpin all of our actions, and our faith in God’s Redeemer, Jesus Christ, should be the source of our great hope and acts of devotion.”

Other commentaries:

What Does Ruth 1:16 Mean? (knowing-jesus.com)

What does Ruth 1:16 mean? | BibleRef.com

Book of Ruth Summary: A Complete Animated Overview - YouTube

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ofparadisehopeful · 2 years

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ruth: bitterness and love

chapter one.

for where you go, I will go.

one of my favorite theological books (so far) is Recovering From Biblical Manhood and Womanhood by Aimee Byrd. I have the audiobook and I believe I am on my third listen. ever since I was little I loved the story of ruth and naomi, of ruth and boaz, but this particular book, and now studying through the book of ruth has helped me to see facets of the story I had never even noticed.

in verse one of the book of ruth, we are not introduced to ruth but to her mother in law. in a time of patriarchy and racial divide, naomi is a woman and a foreigner, but she is with her family, and when the family you’ve chosen is beside you how can you be lonely?

Ruth 1: 3 (ESV) But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons

and there is the first interruption, followed not long after by the deaths of her sons as well. Aimee Byrd points out that naomi’s story is very similar to that of Job, a faithful follower of God sent through torment for what seems to be unknown reasons.

ruth is introduced as Naomi’s daughter in law, one sentence before her husband is declared dead. in a time in which women are defined by husbands and sons, ruth and naomi have neither.

God does this thing where sometimes he absolutely wrings you out. He will take everything you think you have, He may let you run yourself almost to emptiness but there is always a light, even when it doesn’t look like what you expect it to.

ruth did not abandon naomi. I believe that ruth, throughout hers and Naomi’s story, represents God’s unfailing love, even in this first chapter she shows true, supernatural levels of love and loyalty.

naomi meant to release her sons’ wives from their oaths to her, leave them free to regain their ‘worth’ in the eyes of a man. but ruth did not leave. the words she spoke have become a beautiful and lasting testament to the love of God shown through His people.

Ruth 1: 16-17 (ESV) 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. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”

the devotion of these words haunt me.

to know that through God, and for His glory, we are capable of such depth of love. We are the image of God, reflected on a broken mirror, cracked and shadowed and distorted. If a person is capable of such love and devotion, how much more is God capable of love? how much more can we rely on Him to be where we are?

so naomi returns home with her daughter in law, home to the land of judah and to so many people who would look on her with only pity.

Ruth 1: 20-22 (ESV) She said to them, “do not call me Naomi (means pleasant); call me Mara (means bitter), for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 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?” So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter in law with her who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.

if ruth is the unfailing love of God then naomi is us, we the people with whom God has dealt ‘bitterly’. and again if ruth is the representation of God’s love, how beautiful is it the the storyteller takes the time to reiterate that ruth was with naomi. God’s love is with naomi. God’s love is with you and me.

I’m still not sure how to end things like this. If you’ve made it this far constructive criticism would be gladly takes. Thank you for listening to my unraveled thoughts, you have allowed me to explore God’s word today in a much deeper way than I would have otherwise.

thank you

#christianity #women in the bible #accountability #bible study with the internet

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dailyaudiobible · 2 years

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05/06/2022 DAB Transcript

Ruth 2:1-4:22, John 4:43-54, Psalms 105:16-36, Proverbs 14:26-27

Today is May 6th welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian it is awesome to be here with you today as we gather around the Global Campfire. We find a place and let it go and let the Scriptures speak for themselves into our lives. Around this Global Campfire is on my favorite places to be in the world. And, so, let's dive in for today. We finished the book of Judges yesterday and began the book of Ruth yesterday. We talked about the book of Ruth. Today we’ll read the rest of the story and complete the book of Ruth before moving ahead, and as confusing as it might be, moving ahead to meet the last judge of Israel as we move into the book of first Samuel tomorrow. But that's tomorrow and we’re here now and we have the rest of the story of Ruth out in front of us. We’re reading from the Modern English Version this week. Ruth, chapters to 3 and 4 today.

Commentary:

Okay. So, we concluded the book of Ruth today and it is a gorgeous story and such a story of hope and such an uplifting story in a season where we've been through all kinds of tragic stories in the Scriptures. But if we remember back to the beginning of the story it begins in a tragic sort of way. There’s famine in the land. Ruth and her husband and their sons leave and go to the land of Moab where they live for a decade and the sons grow up and so they get wives, Moabite wives, one of whom is Ruth, but everybody dies except for the ladies. The women remain alive Naomi, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi is in the depths. She's overwhelmed with sadness. She is leaving a land that she has come to know, a land that she's lived in for a decade to return back to her homeland now that the famine is over, but she's going home a widow. She's going home with nothing. And Orpah, one of the daughters-in-law goes back to Moab and disappears from the narrative. So, we don't know what happened t her. But Ruth will not leave Naomi. She clings to Naomi. She says, “wherever you go I will go. Wherever you die will be buried. Your God will be my God, your people will be my people.” This is…this is a loyalty that gains a reputation quickly when they get back to their homeland in Israel. And, so, Ruth's reputation is growing, and then she begins to do what is provided for in the Mosaic law. She goes into neighboring fields where she's able to glean whatever is left over. She is a widow Naomi is a widow and widows are provided for after this fashion. But she catches the attention of Boaz and then we know, we just read the story. Turns out he's a family redeemer and Naomi begins to see what's going on here and what's possible here for Ruth and she guides her through the process of allowing Boaz to know that she's available, but she doesn't have to give her dignity away to prove it. And, so, she ends up lying at the feet of Boaz, who wakes up and freaks out as anyone would, and, especially, there is a strange woman in my bed at my feet. That's…well…I don't know what that feels like, but I think that would be weird. Boaz thought it was weird, but he also knew what it meant, and he begins to also counsel about what needs to happen. And as Naomi told Ruth, he's not gonna rest until this matter is settled. And the matter is settled, and Ruth and Boaz are wed, and they have a child, a son, and they name him Obed and he brings great joy to a very bitter heart, the heart of Naomi. And Obed grows up and he is the grandfather of King David who we will meet soon enough. This story could have gone any number of ways. May we remember that this is happening at the time of the judges when there is no king in Israel and everybody does what was right in their own eyes. This story could have gone a number of ways. And Ruth could have had a very very different life and/or death being young and vital and foreign. But what we see is people going through hard times and holding on to their integrity, people going through disruption and hardship and being overwhelmed and grieving holding onto their character truly understanding what the message of the wilderness is, that they are utterly dependent upon God for everything. And they hold onto their integrity, and it is honored. May we take that lesson on board in our own lives because it's a very, very gray world where anything is situational and we can justify anything and any shortcut, but integrity and character are things that are cultivated by the way that we handle disruption and handle grief and handle anger and handle misfortune. Most of the time our character and our integrity is revealed in the extremes of life. In the extreme hardship of life our character is going to be revealed, but also in the extreme abundance of life our character will be revealed. We see integrity and true character in the story of Ruth, and it was honorable to God and God blessed it. And the story changes here. This integrity and character is leading to a king of Israel. So, it is very very easy for us to think about the wrong choices that we make and where those roads are leading and how we don't want to be on those roads but it's worth considering where our integrity and our character are leading us because we are being led somewhere good, somewhere righteous. That is the path we want to be on. And, so, let's give it some thought today.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, we invite you into that thought. Thank you for the story of Ruth. We thank you for what we can glean from it. We thank you that it causes us to consider our own integrity and where that is leading us and for what price we will sell it out. And we need to know these things. We need to strengthen these things. Make us people of integrity and character we pray. In the mighty name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

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And, as always, if you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if the mission that we have to show up every day take the next step forward to the Scriptures, if that is life-giving to you and thank you for your partnership. There is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner, or the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

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And that's it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hi, it's Katie here from Nebraska. I wanted to give a shout out to Owen because I’m 18 as well and it's pretty scary and you don't know what you're gonna do with your life. You don't know how you're going to manage college and everything else. It's pretty scary to think about. And I just wanted to say God has a plan for you and I don't want you to be afraid. I'm slowly learning that and I'm pretty stubborn. So, it's been taking me awhile to figure out that I don't get to rule what I get to do. And, yeah, I just wanted to tell you that. Bye.

This is Kathy from Kentucky. I have an issue that has gone all the way back to my childhood and that issue is shame. That has followed me for most of my life. I know that I had a hard time overcoming shame when I was going through treatment for my depression. So, also, I realized now that I stayed in a job for 20 years where I was not treated with respect at all. And because I don't know if I just didn't think I deserved better or what. But anyways I'm in recovery from drugs and alcohol year 30 years clean and sober. But shame follows a lot of us who are recovering from addiction. So, I ask your prayers for that. Thank you. Kathy from Kentucky.

Happy Monday DAB family this is Jason from Louisiana. Today is may the 2nd. I'm catching up. I'm about a week behind and I'm calling today to encourage the lady who called on April 26th, the very last person who spoke. Your son is named Josh, he's 22 years old and he's facing some legal issues. First, I want to say I am praying with you in agreement for favor and a miracle regarding this but I also want to encourage you that regardless of the outcome of this next few weeks in the courtroom it's not the end of the world regardless of the outcome. I'm going to share my story. I was in a similar situation. At 26 I was arrested, and I was facing some really serious legal issues and we prayed for a miracle. Long story short the miracle for me ended up being sitting in prison for 3 1/2 years and finally surrendering my heart fully to Christ after two years in prison. And, so, I've been out for over eight years now and serving the Lord loving life and I am who I am today because of what I've been through. So, I just want to encourage you with your son Josh that no matter the outcome of the next few weeks God is in control. I'm reminded of two scriptures today. Isaiah 55, his thoughts are not our thoughts his ways are not our ways. And also, Romans 8:28. You know in my situation and even your sons I believe this and I will speak this over him, that what the enemy may have meant for evil regarding your son Josh the Lord is going to and is turning it around and using it for good. So, you be encouraged today. God bless you.

Good day DAB family I wanted to reach out today 18-year-old just turned 18 and now facing adulthood. And you are amazing and just even calling and asking. And God will guide you. Stand firm. And even as we get older, we are all faced with challenges. And Susan God's Yellow Flower, you touched me today for the words that I needed to hear. And maybe it is time I just stand on top of my pile and put the cross there as the only thing it's doing is creating anxiety and not trusting God for my future. And I need prayers for that, to just let it go. Never been this way until this past couple of years and it's just really hitting home. And I feel lost and alone. I know that's not true. I have a hard time talking to people about this. And I know that God is there, but I feel alone. Maybe He's carrying me now, but it just ask for prayers and it's just Humbled in California. Thank you, DAB family.

Hello DAB family this is Terry the Trucker today calling in and I've got a prayer request and a praise report. for it. The prayer request is my brother-in-law James passed out at work the other day. They carried him to the local hospital, and then they transferred him over to a bigger hospital in Waco. And come to find out he's got some kind of an infection in his lungs. He was…he had a rash for a long time and his local doctor was treating him with steroids. The local doctor overdid it and kept him on steroids so long that his immune system actually dropped to zero. He came down with pneumonia and passed out at work. Come to find out the infection that he's got is highly contagious. They did an MRI. We're waiting to find out if it's done any damage to any other parts of his body, his brain, veins, organs. They say he could be in their hospital all the way up to December. It's pretty serious. The CDC, the contagious disease center is working with the doctors to help treat him and figure out what to do but the infection is actually from soil, from dirt. He's __ welder. Yeah, but as I said his body is exposed, covered with galvanized particles. But it's pretty serious. I ask you to lift up James and my sister Tina…they…as they go through this. Thank you for your prayers. I want you to remember I always pray for you. God bless.

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destinyimage · 6 months

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Isaiah’s Secret Message to Gentiles: The End-Times Mandate to Fulfill God’s Ultimate Plan

Of all the many unique features that the Gentile relationship with the Jew holds, Israel’s redemption is arguably the most important.

Isaiah speaks about the salvation and blessing of the Gentiles like no other and emphasizes the importance of the Gentile role in God’s plan for the Jew fifteen times. Gentile is stated as often in his writings as it is used in all the rest of the Old Testament. Isaiah’s prophecies are the only ones quoted in the Gospels (Matthew 4:15, 12:18; Luke 2:32).

If Paul is considered the apostle to the Gentiles in the New Testament, Isaiah could be the apostle to the Gentiles in the Old Testament. He seems to rejoice in God’s plan of salvation for all the nations. In his own words:

This is what the Sovereign Lord says, “See, I will give a signal to the Gentiles, and they shall carry your little sons [Jewish boys] back to you in their arms, and your daughters [Jewish girls] on their shoulders (Isaiah 49:22 TLB).

Also, the following:

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth (Isaiah 49:6 KJV).

As one reviews the extraordinary range of involvement for the Gentile in God’s plan for the Jewish people, the Gentile calling is essential to God’s plan for the Jewish people.

One area is the Ruth Calling, a deeply prophetic calling which is dramatically affecting the Gentiles and bringing much-needed partnerships to the Messianic Jewish mission.

The Ruth Generation

Many are familiar with the story of Ruth; a woman who became famous for her compassion for her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth stated, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16 NIV). The question her statement raises: What does it mean to acknowledge a common destiny as Ruth did with Naomi?

For one, today it acknowledges oneself in a common future with the Jew; this is a profound truth with great relevance. Countless individuals are letting go of their own Gentile church culture to affirm their lot and future with the Jewish people. Often as part of the cost, it can bring separation from loved ones, accusations of converting to Judaism, or even erecting a wall of division; but despite it, they continue.

The real benefit that comes to the body through the Ruth generation is the true understanding of God’s heart for His firstborn. They come to be vital partners in the Messianic call, while demonstrating the model of the One New Man that is provoking both to Gentile Christians and the Jewish people. They become end-time light-bearers of God’s benevolent nature toward the Jewish people.

Aliyah, Jewish Return to the Land

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When God finally gave to the Jews their homeland in 1948, Jews returning to the land fulfilled what is termed “Aliyah” (Return). The essence of Aliyah is a virulent force in the Jewish people. Many of the Jewish people who return to Israel will do so with the assistance of the Gentiles. And Gentile ministries exist today whose sole purpose is to facilitate the return of the Jewish people.

Thousands are serving as these shepherds’ rods pointing the lost sheep of Israel back to Zion.

Jews who live outside Israel, the Diaspora, often return to Israel when anti-Semitism begins or economic and political difficulties arise. Some are compelled spiritually and prophetically, and some leave to take part in their own cultural return to live with their people in an entirely Jewish state.

More than 400 Scriptures in the Bible foretell the Jewish people’s return to the land of biblical history. The ingathering of the exiles, then, is a timeless principle. Tom Hess’s book, Let My People Go, is a classic reading for this train of thought. Consider the following:

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me (Isaiah 49:23 KJV).

Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you (Zechariah 8:23 KJV).

Provoking the Jews to Envy

With the gospel message falling to the Gentiles after Israel rejects her Messiah, the Gentile church has proclaimed the truth of the One True God to virtually every nation and tongue. Yet, the Gentile church was also to provoke the Jewish people to envy, a commission that is given in Romans 11:11 (NIV): the words of Paul, “Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.”

Moses writes: “I will make them envious by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation that has no understanding” (Deuteronomy 32:21 NIV).

Sadly, Christendom has not understood the scriptural understanding of the relationship between the Jew and the Gentile—the Jew and the Christian church.

In this current time, however, God is wonderfully restoring love for the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. He is restoring the Jewish root and making the church a more Jewish-friendly centered place. The body is being prepared to fulfill her final mandate to the Jew.

Gentiles Stand Against Anti-Semitism

Yeshua’s return, and the passage at length:

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” “He will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. (Matthew 25:31-46 NIV).

God’s devotion to His firstborn is affirmed again in a judgment that takes place at a future time in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. It is spoken of in Matthew 25 and is specific to the Jewish people.

Often misquoted and used to impart a heart for the poor and the needy, this future event occurs upon Yeshua’s return before entering the Kingdom of Heaven, or the Messianic age.

For more clarification, and as noted, the nations are brought into a valley outside Jerusalem that is formed by three hills and shaped like a throne seat. It is called the Valley of Jehoshaphat.

Those gathered for this judgment are the Gentile nations called sheep and goats. The goat Gentile nations are those who have mistreated the Jewish people; the sheep Gentile nations are those who supported, fed, and protected the Jewish people, Messiah’s brothers, during the great and dreadful tribulation period.

For greater context, this takes place at the end of the Tribulation period to determine who enters the Messianic Kingdom during the last half of the Great Tribulation. Amid this profound period of anguish, the non-Jewish nations aligned with the antichrist’s regime partake in the persecution of the Jewish people, thus relinquishing their opportunity to enter the Messianic Kingdom.

Those according to the flesh and natural seed of Abraham are Yeshua’s brethren, the Jewish people (Matthew 10:6; John 1:11). Throughout the book of Acts, Paul addresses his Jewish brothers forty-five times. In almost every instance, he speaks to a Jewish audience, his brothers.

We should note that salvation is first and always in the belief in Yeshua. But the actions of this later group, the goat Gentiles, is simply damning evidence of their allegiance to the antichrist. For this reason, they join in the most horrific persecution of the Jewish people ever in human history.

In closing, review the following passages of the extraordinary role that the Gentile has in the cause of Zion. Let us pray that God continues to move upon the hearts of nations to fulfill the church’s end-days mandate to “all Israel.”

Gentiles are seen as gathers of the exiles: “‘But now I will send for many fishermen,’ declares the Lord, ‘and they will catch them…’” (Jeremiah 16:16 NIV).

Gentiles are guiding the Jews back to Jerusalem: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I will beckon to the nations [Gentiles], I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips’” (Isaiah 49:22 NIV).

Gentiles are drawn to Israel:

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee… (Isaiah 60:3-4 KJV).

The nations will be drawn to the Glory of Israel.

Gentiles recognizing God’s favor on the Jews: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you”’” (Zechariah 8:23 NIV).

Gentiles provoking the Jews to envy: “Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious” (Romans 11:11 NIV).

Gentiles sharing with the Jews of their material blessings: “They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings” (Romans 15:27 NIV).

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johnhardinsawyer · 6 months

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Your People Are My People

John Sawyer

Bedford Presbyterian Church

10 / 15 / 23 – Narrative Lectionary 206

Ruth 1:1-17

Ruth 4:13-17

“Your People are My People”

(Living Discipleship # 6 – Nurturing Spiritual Relationships)

I was talking with someone whose child had recently gone off to college and when I asked how their child was settling in, I remember them saying to me, “I was nervous at first, but she’s doing so well. It looks like she’s found her people.”

Have you found your people? You may find yourself in a group of people talking about, let’s say, the New England Patriots, or Pokémon, or fly fishing, or military service, or Taylor Swift, or birdwatching, or whatever your own occupation or vocation happens to be. And everyone in the group is passionate about the same thing – you speak the same language, you know you are accepted and respected, and you find great satisfaction being part of the group. You may have very well found your people.

Whenever I talk with people about guitars and the differences between a Les Paul and a Stratocaster and how germanium fuzz face pedals sound different from silicon fuzz face pedals, I feel like I’ve found my people. But also, when I get together with fellow pastors and we are able to talk church – to tell stories, and laugh, and listen, and support one another, I feel like I’ve found my people.

Now, clearly, our biological – or nuclear – families can be “our people,” but there is also this idea of a “family of choice” or “found family” based on bonds that are chosen and not biological. Maybe someone’s biological family is all gone or there has been some kind of rift. A “found family” can fill the void left by a biological family – or, at the very least, helps to supplement a biological family. A church can be a “found family” for many people.

Have you found your people yet – the people who speak your language, who can finish your sentences, who you can call when you need them and they’ll show up? They don’t have to be related to you by blood or even marriage. They don’t have to be of your same generation. They don’t have to even like all the things that you like, but they like you. Maybe they love you. And you love them.

In today’s readings from the Book of Ruth, we find the story of two women who become each other’s people – a found family. Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, have lost the rest of their families and all they have is each other. These two women come from different countries. Naomi comes from the town of Bethlehem in Judah (yes, that Bethlehem in Judah, where Jesus will one day be born). Ruth comes from Moab (out in the desert – at least sixty miles from Bethlehem – on the other side of the Dead Sea). The people out in Moab speak differently, and live differently, and pray differently from the people in Bethlehem, but years before – during a time of famine – Naomi and her husband and their two sons from Bethlehem had moved to Moab. After a time, Naomi’s husband and two sons died – leaving Naomi with her two Moabite daughters-in-law. One of them, Orpah, goes back to her own Moabite family (with Naomi’s blessing). But the other daughter-in-law, Ruth, wants to stay with Naomi.

In probably the most famous passage from the Book of Ruth, Ruth makes a beautiful promise to Naomi:

‘Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die— there will I be buried. . . (Ruth 1:16-17)

This passage of scripture is often read at weddings, but remember, Ruth is saying these words, not to her future spouse, but to her mother-in-law. Now, sometimes a relationship between a mother-in-law and a son-or-daughter-in-law is very close – but other times, that relationship can be fraught with judgment and resentment and a whole lot of other big feelings. When was the last time you heard a bride or groom at a wedding make such a beautiful promise to their mother-in-law? “Where you go, I will go. . . your people shall be my people. . . where you die, I will die. . .” I’m trying to picture what my own mother-in-law’s face would have been like if I had said those words to her at my wedding. And I loved my mother-in-law.

Here we have Ruth – pledging her life and love and future to Naomi. “I’ve got nobody left here to speak of in Moab,” Ruth is saying. “You are all I have. And, if we are going to go back to your land – the land of Judah, the little town of Bethlehem – then I will go with you and your people will become my people.” In the original language, there is this implication that by “my people” Ruth is talking about a “people” to belong to, as in “with a people,” or “in the possession of a people,” or “in the custody or care of – belonging to – a people.”[1] Ruth has, what writer and scholar Jennifer Harvey describes as “a new and fierce sense of peoplehood – taking a risk and swan-diving into the unknown by coming to identify with her mother-in-law [and her mother-in-law’s people].”[2] And, just so you know, there was one aspect of Naomi’s people that set them apart from other peoples in that day and age.

In last week’s service, we focused on the Ten Commandments, but there are 603 more commandments in the Hebrew Bible that help to flesh out the original ten. And some of these additional commandments found in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy have to do with God’s concern for orphans and widows and how God’s people are commanded to care for them.[3] There are plenty of other places in the Hebrew Bible – especially in the words of the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah and others – in which God’s people get in trouble because they are forgetting to follow the commandments – and their neglect for widows and orphans is often listed as one key violation of God’s law.[4]

As Naomi and Ruth set out for Bethlehem, there is this hope in Naomi’s heart that they will find some care and assistance there because this is what the law requires. They do find help, too. Naomi puts a plan in motion to introduce Ruth to a man named Boaz. Boaz is a member of Naomi’s family on her deceased husband’s side. And, when Boaz comes to know Ruth, he promises to love and care for her and for Naomi.

Just so you know, if you go to Bethlehem today, you can visit Boaz’s field, which is also known as Shepherd’s Field, for it is said that there – centuries after Ruth and Boaz – the angels came to tell the shepherds about the birth of the baby Jesus. Ruth – a foreign woman from Moab – who became the great grandmother of the future King David, is part of the lineage of Jesus. God’s people became her people. Their God became her God.

Have you found your people? If you have found your people – when you do find your people – there is no knowing the ways that God can bless the world through the gifts of love and friendship. The church is a place where finding your people can make a tremendous difference in the trajectory of your life. Many of us would not be who we are if it weren’t for those people who became our people in and through the body of Christ.

One of the marks of discipleship is receiving and developing the gift of spiritual friendships. These are friendships that are not just about having common interests – they are about walking alongside one another through all of the joys and sorrows of life. One of the things that drew Ruth and Naomi so closely together was their shared grief. Walking alongside someone in shared grief does have a way of bringing people closer together. At the end of today’s scripture reading, though, we also have the gift of seeing Ruth and Naomi rejoicing together. They have truly become each other’s people – overcoming the differences of place, and background, and language, and other things that might have divided them.

In recent days, the world has seen the all-too-common harsh reality of what happens when people do not regard others as “their people.” For generations, the members of Hamas and the residents of Gaza and the state of Israel have not fully regarded one another as each other’s people – even though they are neighbors. Members of our own U.S. Congress do not see one another as each other’s people – even though they have taken the same oaths and pledge allegiance to the same flag. Even churches – torn apart by arguments over ordination and membership, transubstantiation and consubstantiation, acceptance and denial of acceptance – do not see one another as each other’s people, even though we share the same Lord and Savior.

But just because the church has, historically, been a place of division, this does not mean that we can’t be a different kind of place – a different kind of people. Jennifer Harvey, puts the peoplehood question to the church: “who are our people and how do we show that?” [5] It is a risk – both to name the fact that most of “our people” look, and sound, and act, and vote a lot like us and/or to claim the foreigners, and outsiders, and opposite-thinkers as “our people,” too. For Harvey, the “Who are my people and how am I showing that?” question is something that – when answered publicly – determines the future of the church.

“Peoplehood doesn’t just happen,” Harvey says. It can be measured by who I identify with and how willing I am to “go where you go” and lodge where you lodge, and who I claim as my – or our – people. And so, when it comes to who we welcome and how we welcome, who we celebrate and what we hold in common, who we are passionate about and willing to put our lives and reputations on the line for, do the people we claim as our people reflect the many-faceted fullness of God’s kingdom?

Have we found our people, Bedford Presbyterian Church, or are they still out there hoping to be found? Being – and becoming – the full and whole people of God is a work-in-progress. It can be such a gift and blessing. It can be so risky and so hard. And yet we live, trusting in the grace of the One who when we had no name, and no people, and no future, claimed us as God’s own. And yet we live, trusting in the grace of the One who looked out on all of the broken peoples of every time and place and in the person of Jesus Christ said, “These people will be my people.” And yet we live, trusting in the grace of the One whose Holy Spirit reveals the essential common needs and hopes that each person has for peace, and wholeness, and acceptance, and life, itself and the clarity of heart and mind and spirit to see these needs and hopes in the lives of every person – no matter who they are.

Have you found your people? May God’s grace and peace draw us together as one people. . . God’s people. . . each other’s people.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Those of you who are careful readers of our bulletin – and I know that you all are – will see that, today, the Passing of the Peace has moved from the end of the service to right now. I know that there are some people who love the Passing of the Peace and I know that there are others who do not. When we pass the Peace of Christ to one another, we are publicly praying that God’s blessing of peace will be with the person who is right in front of us. We are claiming the great power and gift of blessing another person.

In our congregation, we usually will pass the Peace to those who are in our immediate vicinity – within arm’s reach. There is a tradition in other churches, though, who offer a “Full Peace” – in which everyone in the room will fully pass the peace to everyone else. This can take a few minutes, but building relationships is not a cursory – momentary – thing. It takes time.

So, in just a moment, let us take some time to greet one another – greet everyone in the room – and offer the Peace of Christ to them. I’m especially interested in those who are on the “Street Side” of the sanctuary passing the Peace to those on the “Parking Lot Side.” You would be surprised how many years some folks have been coming to worship who have never crossed over to meet or greet someone from the other side of the room. Now, there are some who don’t mind passing the Peace, but they do mind shaking hands or hugging. If you are one of these people, you are deserving of some peace of mind. If you would rather not shake hands or hug, that is just fine. Simply clasp your hands together like this, or place your hands over your heart as you pass the Peace. If you are joining us online, you can type your greetings of “Peace” into the comments or chat section.

May you find some of your people today. . . and may you be blessed.

Friends, may the Peace of Christ be with you. . .

. . . And also with you. . .

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[1] F. Brown, S. Driver, and C. Briggs, The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1997) 767-768.

[2] Jennifer Harvey, from a lecture at the NEXTChurch Conference, March 13, 2019. Quotes from the notes of JHS.

[3] Exodus 22:22-23; Leviticus 22:13; Deuteronomy 10:17-19, 14:29, 15:7-11, 24:17 and 19, 27:19.

[4] See Isaiah 1:2-23, 10:2; Jeremiah 7:6; Malachi 3:5, among other places.

[5] Jennifer Harvey, from a lecture at the NEXTChurch Conference, March 13, 2019. Quotes from the notes of JHS.

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numbersbythebook · 1 year

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Ruth Part 2

written by Will Schumacher

From my last post, Ruth has spiritual vision to see the goodness of God and His ways. Naomi is a picture of Spiritual Israel and its beauty. Orpah is the daughter-in-law who returns to her pagan gods. Orpah means “neck, back, stiffnecked”. She is “stiffnecked” and refuses to turn to see the goodness of God and His ways:

Ruth 1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

The book of Ruth is the story of the redemption of God’s people, spiritual Israel, by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This redemption is accomplished by the strength of God, the meaning of the name of Boaz.

Back in February I did a post on the 3 resurrections the Bible records that Jesus performed. The first one is the only son of the widow from Nain. I said in that post that this only son of a widow is a type of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the only Son of God:

Luke 7:11-16 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Nain and Naomi mean the same, beautiful and pleasant. Go to Abarim publications and see that they come from the same Hebrew root. Naomi is a widow and the woman from Nain is a widow. The total running gematria to “Nain” was 3390. Strong’s H3390 = Jerusalem. New Jerusalem in the New Testament is the Bride of Christ or Spiritual Israel which Naomi is a picture of. All the city was moved about Naomi just as much people of the city was with the widow from Nain:

Ruth 1:19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

Jesus resurrected this only son at the gate of the city. Boaz redemption of Naomi and Ruth occurred at the gate:

Ruth 4:1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

Ruth 4:9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

The gematria of the verse of the only son of the widow being resurrected is 5276. Naomi’s and Nain’s root is Strong’s H5276:

Luke 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Luke’s story of the raising of the only son of the widow at the gate of Nain foretells the story of redemption by Jesus’ death and resurrection and is also a hint back to the book of Ruth. Within my post on the 3 resurrections by Jesus I stated the second resurrection always is told with a woman of a blood issue being healed. I won’t go through it all since you can read it. But what she touches is the fringe of Jesus’ garment which is the “tzitzit”. The tzitzit are a reminder to follow God’s laws.

Ruth who has vision is tied to God’s laws per my last post. Her gematria is 606 matching the 606 commands from Sinai and the 7 Noahide laws which make up the 613 written laws. The tzitzit are on the “borders” of their garments. These “borders” are also called “wings”:

Numbers 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: Jesus was prophesied to come with healing in His “wings”.

Malachi 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. These “wings” are referred to twice in Ruth:

Ruth 2:12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Ruth 3:9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt (Strong’s H3671 = wings) over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.

As I said in my post on the 3 resurrections, the woman with the blood issue is a picture of us with a sin issue. The blood of a sacrifice was needed to cure this. Jesus’ blood cured our sin issue. He came with healing in His wings. Ruth with spiritual vision came to trust in the wings of God and asked Boaz, as a type of Christ redemption, to spread His wings over her.

#will schumacher #Ruth #Book of Ruth #3 Resurrections #Boaz the Redeemer #Jesus the Rdeemer #Spiritual Israel #Healing in His Wings #Malachi #Naomi #widow of Nain

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lesfeldickbiblestudy · 1 year

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Through the Bible with Les Feldick LESSON 2 * PART 2 * BOOK 69 KINSMAN REDEEMER – PART 2 Rev. 5; Ruth; I Corinthians 15:1-4 Okay, this is a Bible study, so we’re going to get right back in and continue on this whole concept of redemption. Now, like I said, I think in the opening remarks of the last program, the only way that we can understand what Revelation 5 is really talking about – the whole idea of being a “kinsman redeemer” - we have to go back to the Book of Ruth. I just shared with the class here in the studio, my daughter asked for a study on the Book of Ruth a couple of years ago. Every once in a while she’d say, “Daddy, when are you going to teach Ruth?” So, just before we left this morning, I said, “Well, Honey, we’re going to teach Ruth today.” She was thrilled. So, turn to Ruth chapter 1 verse 1. For a little backdrop, the Book of Ruth takes place probably in the first half of the period of time when Israel was ruled by judges. In other words, you remember Joshua led the people into the land of Canaan. They conquered the land and instead of setting up a king, God continued to rule the Nation of Israel by way of the judges. Some of the judges were good. Some weren’t so good. It doesn’t say which judge was ruling. We just have to guess that this little episode took place sometime in the first half of that 300 and some years that God ruled Israel through the judges. We do know there was a famine in Israel at that time. Always remember, God told Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when things got tough in Canaan – where should they never go? Down into Egypt. Egypt, of course, was always a picture of the world. In this case, it’s Moab. God could have just as well said, now when things get tough up there in the land of Israel, don’t go to Moab. I’ll take care of you. But here we have an instance that I think by Divine plan, or however you want to put it, this little Jewish family couldn’t handle the drought and the famine up there in the area of Bethlehem. So they go down to Moab. Now you have to know your Middle Eastern geography. Moab was in the area south of the Dead Sea and maybe a little bit east. It wasn’t all that far, but in antiquity of course, a hundred miles is quite a distance. All right, let’s pick it up in chapter 1 verse 1. Ruth 1:1a “Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, (There’s our time indication.) that there was a famine in the land. (That is the land of Israel, which has now been taken from the Canaanites.) And a certain man of Bethlehem-Judah went to sojourn (or to live for a period of time) in the country of Moab,...” Now again, who remembers where Moab came from? Well, Moab was one of the two sons sired by Lot and his own daughters. Consequently, there was a stigma on the Moabites. The Jews were really not to have a lot to do with them, although according to Levitical law a Moabitess woman could marry into the Israelites but not visa versa. All right, so here’s where we’ve got the setting now. This Jewish family, because of the lack of food and income, they were evidently financially destitute because as we’re going to see later on in the book, what was the state of the land that they owned? It was mortgaged. They were in debt. They probably weren’t capable of making any payments, so they just simply up and leave. But remember, the land is still in their name, even though they have now left the country. Okay, here’s the Jewish family then. Ruth 1:2 “And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons was Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem-Judah. (The same Bethlehem that we speak of at the birth of Christ) And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.” We’re going to just take this verse-by-verse. Otherwise we might miss some of the little tidbits that we shouldn’t have missed. Ruth 1:3 “And Elimelech, Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.” Now, there’s a period, near as can tell historically, of about ten years.

Ten years from the beginning of the Book of Ruth until the end. In this ten-year period, her husband dies and the two sons, which of course is to be expected, marry Moabite girls. All right, so they came to the country of Moab and only Naomi was left and her two sons. Ruth 1:4-5 “And they took them wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other was Ruth: and they dwelled there (Here it is.) about ten years. 5. And Mahlon and Chilion died, also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.” Now you know, whenever I consider things like this, I have to feel that this is all part of God’s Sovereign design. Everything in Scripture happened for a purpose. I think it’s the same way today. We talk with our company a lot of times, and when you look back and at the time you just wonder, why did God put us through such a time of distress? But, years later you can look back and you can see exactly why. It was all part of His plan to get us where He wants us. Well, the end result of all this, I’m sure you all realize, is that this Ruth the Moabitess becomes, I think, the great-grandmother of King David. She comes into the lineage. Well, that’s not an accident. That’s the Divine purpose. All right, so here we have a famine that drives one little Jewish family down into Moab where the two sons take wives of the Moabite girls, one of whom is Ruth. Ruth is going to end up in the genealogy of Christ. That can’t just be an accident. This is Divine appointment. Okay, verse 5, and the two boys died. Imagine, first the husband and now the two sons shortly after they’ve married, and evidently before they even had children. Ruth 1:5-6 “And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. 6. Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, (the two girls from Moab) that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people (up in Israel) in giving them bread.” In other words, the famine was over. They were now harvesting crops once again. Now verse 7: Ruth 1:7-9 “Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8. And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, and ye have dealt with the dead, (in other words, reference to her sons) and with me. 9. The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.” In other words, there was a real affinity between this mother-in-law and her two Moabitess daughters-in-law. Ruth 1:10-12a “And the girls said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. (And Naomi just begged them. I can hear it!) 11. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12. Turn again, my daughters, go your way;…” In other words, stay here in your home country of Moab. Ruth 1:12b-14 “…for I am too old to have an husband, If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also tonight, and should also bear sons; 13. Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? (Well, of course not.) would ye stay for them from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. 14. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah (she simply) kissed her mother-in-law (goodbye); but (Now again, this is all, I’m sure, in God’s Divine purposes.) Ruth (stays or) clave unto Naomi.” Now here is the part that I think raises questions, verse 15. Ruth 1:15 “And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her (What?) gods: (Isn’t that a scary word? So, what were they? They were idolaters.

Worshipping idols. Naomi says to her daughter-in-law--) return thou after thy sister-in-law.” Go back to your people. Go back to your gods. All right, now verse 16. Ruth 1:16 “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whether thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: (Now, if you don’t mind underlining your Bible, underline this next statement. This is crucial to the whole story.) thy people (Israel) shall be my people, and thy God (What?) my God:” Now, we have to realize that in the Old Testament economy we’re under a whole different set of circumstances when it comes to believing and salvation. Like I’ve said over and over on this program, I don’t claim to have all the answers. There are a lot of things that are questionable and I just can’t answer. But here again, knowing that Ruth is going to end up in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, she must have been a believer that one day will be in Glory with the rest of us, whereas Orpah went back to the pagan gods and idols of Moab. All right, so remember that Ruth has now made a profession, I guess we could say, of faith when she says, “Thy God shall be my God.” Ruth 1:17a “Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried:…” In other words, she has no intent of ever coming back to Moab. All right, the two of them take off from Moab and go back up to Bethlehem, up there in the environs of Jerusalem. When she gets back home, after having been gone ten years, remember, all of her friends and neighbors exclaimed in verse 19. Ruth 1:19b-21 “…is this Naomi? (Is this Elimelech’s wife?) 20. And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: (In the Hebrew that word meant bitter.) for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. 21. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” So, you have to take from that, that Naomi was a solid Jewish believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. She certainly wasn’t destitute of faith. All right, verse 22. Ruth 1:22 “So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of (What?) barley harvest.” Now here again, this is all in God’s planning. Never lose sight of that. Why at the beginning of barley harvest? Well, it’s going to mean everything, because it’s all going to revolve around the fields and the gleanings and the harvest of barley. Had she come in a month later, that wouldn’t have been the case. That’s what I like to point out in Scripture. The thing that keeps flying around in my head all the time and I guess I’ve got to share it. You go all the way up into the New Testament. Why, out of the blue, does God send Peter up to the house of Cornelius? I know this is a far stretch from Ruth, but on the other hand it shows how everything God does is for a purpose, even though it may be twelve or fourteen years out ahead. Why does Peter go up to the house of Cornelius? Well, not only did God want the house of Cornelius saved, those Gentile men, but the far greater purpose was that twelve years later when it almost seemed as though the Jewish church in Jerusalem was going to knock Paul’s ministry in the head and end it, Peter remembers what? The house of Cornelius. And Peter says, wait a minute. Wait a minute. twelve years ago, a long time ago, God showed me that He will save Gentiles. And what was the whole purpose? To come to Paul’s defense. All right, now the same way here. All of this, the timing is perfect. Had they come back a month later, harvest would have been over. These scenarios that led to the culmination of everything wouldn’t have been appropriate. That’s what you have to learn as you study Scripture. All right, now here we come to the “kinsman redeemer” aspect of this little Book of Ruth, which

is tied to Revelation chapter 5 when God the Son will be the “kinsman redeemer” of planet earth. Okay, verse 1 chapter 2: Ruth 2:1a “And Naomi had a (What?) kinsman…” Now underline that. That’s the key word here. Naomi has a kinsman! What’s a kinsman? Well, a relative, a near relative - probably an uncle or a cousin. Somebody that was close. Ruth 2:1 “And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth,…” Now wait a minute. What’s Naomi’s financial state? She’s broke! Naomi the poor woman is broke! But she still has title to a piece of land. Don’t forget that now. Here again I’ve got to always remind people that this whole concept of owning and deeding and recording property isn’t a western invention. That isn’t something that came out of America. It goes all the way back to antiquity. Clear back here in the time of the judges and going on back of course to Jacob and Abraham, like I’m always pointing out when I’m showing Israel has land deeded to them, they were already having land deeded. They recorded it. That was the purpose of these mortgages. I guess I’d better jump back up to today. If you’ve got a piece of property and it’s mortgaged, who knows about it? Anybody that wants to go to the courthouse. It’s there. You can find the mortgage on anybody that you can think of. They have to let you see what’s mortgaged. Well, what’s the purpose? So that some scam artist doesn’t come along and sell it twice. Then you’re buying property that you have no right to. So the whole idea of recording mortgages is the protection of the innocent. It’s no different back here. Here we have a piece of ground that is mortgaged. It’s still in Naomi’s name, but she’s too poor to do anything about it. She probably doesn’t even have enough money to buy the seed to plant the crop. Ruth 2:1c-2a “…a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; (Naomi’s husband) and his name was Boaz. 2. And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn…” Now remember, they didn’t have corn as we in America understand corn. It was either barley or wheat and so forth. It’s already said it is the barley harvest. So, she wants to go and glean in the barley fields. Ruth 2:2b-3 “…Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of barley after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. (I love this next verse. Ruth leaves. She goes out to the fields.) 3. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap (That little three lettered word – underline it. What is it?) (It was her hap. Now I suppose in our English language we would say she happened.) was to light (land) on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.” I was reading the other night that way back in the beginning of our English language the Scots up there in Scotland translated this word much like we would say, “It was her good luck.” We don’t like to use the word luck. I don’t, because as believers we’re not dependant on luck. But, on the other hand, we are happenstance at times. It was all, again, in God’s divine purposes, although it’s to us an accidental event. All right, it is the same way here. She didn’t pick out a particular field and set her eyes and go there. She was more or less following, I suppose, other gleaners, other poor people. But it was her good fortune. It was “her hap to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of (Whom? Of her father-in-law who has now died) Elimelech.” Ruth 2:4-5 “And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. (You’ve got to pick up from the language here that this Boaz was a believing Jew. He was a righteous Jew.) And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. 5. Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel (or whose maid) is this?” Can you picture it? Boaz is evidently a rather young single man.

And naturally he caught that there’s a strange girl in the field that he didn’t know. Now again, you know these communities are small. Having grown up in a small farming community, like a lot of you have, everybody knows everybody. And all of sudden a stranger comes into the midst, hey, they stick out like a sore thumb. Well, so did Ruth. She just stuck out like a sore thumb. Boaz says who’s that? Ruth 2:6-8a “And the servant that was set over the reapers (the manager of the field,) answered and said, It is the Moabitess damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: 7. And she said, I pray you, (Ruth speaking) let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: (in other words, among the stems of grain) so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house. 8. Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field,…” What’s happening? Oh! God’s at work! Now, don’t try to put anything immoral in here. This is all the divine purpose of God to bring this Moabite girl, Ruth, into the genealogy of Jesus Christ. All right, reading on. Ruth 2:8b “Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast (close) by my maidens:” Now you’ve got to remember, they had servants in those days, or what we later on called slaves. But nevertheless, Boaz with his wealth had control of these servitude kinds of people. Ruth and Naomi are flat broke financially. So, she is actually amongst those that are the poorest of the poor. That’s why they are gleaning. Boaz continues: Ruth 2:9 “Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged (or already instructed) the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the water vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.” Ruth 2:10 “Then she (Ruth) fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” I have to insert also what kind of a stranger? A poor one. She had no wealth. She had no money. She was poor and a stranger. All right, now verse 11, here is the Lord at work. Ruth 2:11-12 “And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been showed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. 12. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, (Here comes the man’s faith.) under whose wings thou art come to (What?) trust.” Now, trust is the Old Testament word that is equal to our New Testament word what? Faith. You don’t see the word faith so much in the Old Testament. It’s always trust. But it’s the same thing. It’s synonymous. In fact, I want to say there are three words that are synonymous: trust and faith and believe. They all mean the same thing. All right, here we have the faith element coming in. Boaz is impressed by the fact that this young woman, out of an idolatrous environment, has now come into the relationship of Israel’s God and under His wings. My, what a beautiful picture for someone coming into a place of faith and trust. Ruth 2:13 “Then she said, (Ruth) Let me find favor in thy sight, my lord; (Now the word lord is small l. That was merely a term of respect. It has nothing to do with Deity. It was like we use the word sir.) Let me find favor in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.” (I’m a foreigner.) Ruth 2:14 “And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime you come hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn (or grain), and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

” See how Boaz is just constantly doing the best for her. Ruth 2:15 “And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:” Now, what’s that? Well, a gleaner would come in after the main harvest had been taken out, as we stressed here several weeks back, and they would pick up one stem at a time. But Boaz was now telling her, you don’t have to just depend on what’s laying on the ground that the reapers have left. You go into the bundles. You don’t have to wait and go all over acres and acres to gather. He says you go into the sheaves, or what I always grew up understanding as the bundles of grain. Ruth 2:16-17 “And let fall also some of the handfuls on purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. 17. So she gleaned in the field unto evening, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah (one bushel and three pints of barley).” Pretty good day’s work for a gleaner. All right, God is doing all of this by divine purpose to bring this young Moabite girl into a marriage relationship with Boaz. From that union will come one of the forefathers of King David. So, as you read this little Book of Ruth, always look at the divine purposes behind every bit of it.

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gopmama · 1 year

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Gleanings

So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah (about 30 pounds.) She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough. Ruth 2:17-18 (NIV) My daughter encouraged me to read the book, Giddy Up, Eunice – Because Women Need Each Other. It’s written by Sophie Hudson and it’s a good thing I have a husband from the South or she might intimidate me with all her Southern analogies. Her writing is downright funny. Being a California girl but raised by a mom who had some southern leanings, I get ‘most of what she is saying. And, because I love mentoring young moms, I’m always looking for ways to help them know that tomorrow is another day and they will make it. Several chapters are about the story of Naomi and Ruth. I’d never given much thought to the idea of “gleanings” but learned from the book the importance of those leftover pieces of grain, dropped by the main harvesters, to those who followed behind. For some, it was life and death, starvation or a full stomach — such was the story of Ruth. But the “gleanings” part started me thinking. Days are full, calendars are crammed, and chores are never completely done. Children are calling, husbands need attention, laundry and food preparation seem endless. How do we meet the needs of those “following behind”? How do we use our leftover bits of time to meet the needs of a fellow traveler and friend? Start by paying attention to more than just your little world. Listen to comments as you wait to pick up kids, and notice Facebook or Instagram posts that indicate a family in need. Check the prayer requests from your church. Be aware! When God nudges you to remember a person, send a text or email to let them know you are thinking and praying for them. Drop a card in the mail. Make dinner and drop it off in disposable containers. Take a turn at the hospital so they can get outside for a little fresh air. Mark has been hospitalized several times in our married life for one thing or another. Normally, I’m alone in the waiting room or his hospital room for the duration. At times, I prefer it so that I don’t have to worry about conversation. But I will never forget the time that he was in the emergency room waiting for a room to become available, and I walked into the lobby to see all the members of my small group there to support us. What a surprise and joy! One immediately asked me what I wanted to eat from In-n-Out. (I was starving but the dining room had closed for the night.) Those wonderful people gave up a couple of hours one evening and blessed me beyond words. Gleanings are usually simple, love-filled offerings from one heart to another. It doesn’t have to be grand. It usually happens on the spur of the moment. The only requirement is to pay attention and offer your love and support. All will be blessed. Read the full article

#mentor

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jdgo51 · 1 year

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Where You Go, I Go

Today's inspiration comes from:

Rebuilding Beautiful

by Kayla Stoecklein

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” — Ruth 1:16–17

"'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. — Romans 12:15

You may feel like you are all alone in the depths of your pain, but you’re not. An army of fellow fighters is also digging their heels in, refusing to give up on dreams of a new kind of beautiful life. If you are walking through the loss of a child, know there are other families walking through the same loss. If you are walking through the loss of a marriage, know you aren’t the only one picking up the pieces. If you are walking through the death of a dream, know there are thousands of others dreamers out there who are grieving with you. If you are facing a diagnosis you never saw coming, know you and your loved ones aren’t the only ones receiving bad news.

Although your loss or circumstance may feel unique, remember that around the world — possibly even in your own neighborhood — people are courageously walking down a similar path, wondering how the world keeps spinning while their life is changed forever. Find these people.

Find the fellow warriors. Find a community that sees you and understands you at a depth no one else will ever be able to reach. Solidarity is powerful, and it is available to you...

One of my favorite stories of the power of solidarity is that of Ruth and Naomi. If you’ve read the book of Ruth, you might be familiar with this tale of two women: a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law, both unexpected widows, who fought hard to find their way forward after a series of horrific tragedies.

Following the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to make the long journey back to her native home. She tried to convince both Ruth and her other daughter-in-law to let her go alone, urging them to stay in their own country with their own belief system. Naomi argued her daughters-in-law were young enough to possibly marry again one day. But Ruth refused to leave Naomi’s side, and in doing so chose to walk away from everything she knew. “Don’t force me to leave you,” Ruth said.

Don’t make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried, so help me God—not even death itself is going to come between us! — Ruth 1:16–17 msg

Find the fellow warriors.

Ruth��s words are powerful in this heartrending moment of the story. Were it a scene in a movie, I can imagine the score playing in the background, the buildup, the tension, and the emotion of this pivotal exchange. Ruth made a life-altering decision to be with Naomi. Not only that, but because of the strong cultural divides at this time in history, Ruth knew she would be considered an outsider, an outcast, or even an enemy of society if she went with Naomi — but she was willing to go anyway.

Those of us whose culture values and praises independence may see this as an extreme choice. As I read this story I couldn’t help but wonder: Why? Why would Ruth ever choose to sacrifice herself like that? The only answer I could find is love. Because she loved her mother-in-law too much to let her suffer alone. This is the kind of solidarity that takes your breath away. Powerful, moving, rare, unbelievable sacrificial love.

Later on in the story, we see redemption for both Ruth and Naomi. Ruth met and found favor with a kind and generous man named Boaz, who looked out for her, let her glean his fields, and even provided extra food for her to take home to Naomi. As she began to see God’s handwriting a new kind of beautiful story, Naomi said:

God hasn’t quite walked out on us after all! He still loves us, in bad times as well as good! — Ruth 2:20 msg

Solidarity, faithfulness, love, friendship, and redemption: It’s the formula for a really great story, one we could read over and over again. Not only are we are reminded of the power of solidarity through the story of Ruth and Naomi, but we are also reminded of the goodness of God. Although we might not see our circumstances as good right now, like Ruth, we can choose to stay faithful, to work hard, to love sacrificially, and to fight for a way forward even when the path looks grim. May we all strive to be as good of a friend as Ruth was to Naomi. May we all strive to find the solidarity they found.

Perhaps the key to surviving, thriving, and encountering God’s love in a circumstance we never saw coming is through people — the people who would love nothing more than to be invited into the messy, level-zero rebuilding process with us...

A brand-new widow daunted by an unforeseen future and overwhelmed by grief called me looking for the same reassurance that I had once needed. I can confidently say my answer to her was the same answer I would give to anyone sitting across the table from me today: It will be okay. I don’t know how it will, I don’t know who it will involve, but I know there is always a way through to okay. Maybe even better than okay, perhaps even more beautiful than we imagined okay could ever be. I’m not there yet, but I haven’t lost hope that better than okay is still waiting in the future for me."'

Excerpted with permission from Rebuilding Beautiful by Kayla Stoecklein, copyright Kayla Stoecklein.

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