Be a cocklebur, continued

I hope that you were able to find time to read the book of Ruth last week; there are only four chapters, so it doesn't take long. That background information will come in handy, as we "camp out" here in Ruth again this week.

We mentioned cockleburs last time, those pesky little things that hang on tightly to boots, socks, and even our pets, after walks outdoors. They make a good metaphor for our relationship with our Father, too.
We'll get back to them in a minute . . .
First, I'd like to go back to what we mentioned about God's faithfulness. In the trying times of life, He is always there. We may not be receptive to His voice; we may not feel His comforting arms; but that doesn't change the fact that He is there. (Grin)

The very first verses of Ruth tell us that they were dealing with trying times in the promised land. It was during the days of the judges. These times were so very different from the days when Joshua was leading the people in their conquest and occupation of the land.  They'd been blessed by Jehovah with quick and sweeping victories against their foes. City after city had fallen before them. Those were heady days.
The days of the judges, in contrast, are called by some the "dark ages" of Hebrew history. Why? Here are two clues . . .
In Judges 1:27, the incomplete conquest of the land is noted. They "did not drive out" all of their foes. They only pushed them back -- just far enough where they thought they wouldn't be a threat to the children of Israel any longer. (Cue the dramatic music, this was not good.)
Here is the second clue, which we mentioned last week: in Judges 17, we read:

 "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Verse 6)

This was after the death of Joshua. The people turned to do evil in the sight of God, and they began to serve the gods of the people they'd not pushed out of their land. Their holy God could not ignore their sins in these dark days, but He would prove His faithfulness to them. In judgment of their sin, God allowed a time of famine to point to their faithlessness. It was during this time that Elimelech moved his family to the land of Moab, and our story began. During their stay in Moab, Elimelech died, and Naomi was left a widow -- her two sons had taken Moabite wives, but then they passed away, too.

Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are left alone, thinking there is no help in sight.
But then word comes that the Lord has come to the aid of His people. There is food in the land again. Scholars say that this may have been the time when God raised up Gideon to deliver the people from the Midianites who were oppressing them. In the midst of their sins, and in the midst of the famine, the people had called out to God. They cried out for deliverance. They had been unfaithful, but He was not; He raised up a deliverer and He brought an end to the famine.

Oy vey. Don't we do the same things today? We often trust in ourselves to handle life. We bump up against obstacles and road-blocks and we think we can handle them alone, instead of relying on God. Just as in the days of Ruth, it's important for us to remember that our God is faithful to deliver, if we will only turn to Him. And here's the awesome part: He is faithful, even when we are not! When we seek after Him, and turn away from our sins, we can experience His faithfulness.

So, how was Ruth like a cocklebur, you may be asking?
Remember when Naomi decided to head back home? She knew that the famine in Judah was over, so she decided to go back. She knew that her Moabite daughter-in-laws would be treated as outsiders, and she couldn't exactly have more sons for them to marry, so she encouraged them to return to their own people. Although Orpah initially says she will stay with Naomi, she later decides to go back to her Moabite family. Surely, she must have been introduced to the God of Abraham, living with a Hebrew husband, and seeing Naomi's example of faith. But she chose to return to her people, and to her old gods.
Orpah was no cocklebur. But then, we see today how easily people can return to their old habits after meeting Jesus, the Savior. It's so easy to go back to the old ways, just as Orpah went back to her old gods. Many times it is tragedy or tough times that start people on that slide away from the Lord. They slip and then slide away from the Christ that loves them. This is a double tragedy, for it is God Who can help them and give them hope to go on.

Ruth? She's a cocklebur. Chapter one says "but Ruth clung to her." Ruth was determined. She was sticking like that mountaineer's invention, Velcro! She had heard of her mother-in-law's God, and she had seen Naomi's faith and perseverance. She was not about to turn back to the old gods -- she had found the One true God!

Even when Naomi tries to insist, and tells her it's best for her to go back, Ruth clings to her, and to her new-found God. It wasn't logical. It wasn't practical. It might not have made sense to Orpah, or to anyone else, but Ruth showed faithfulness.
This is exactly what God desires of us in our relationship to Him, especially in the tough times. When we act like cockleburs -- when we cling to God in times of need -- He will be faithful and work in our lives and in our situations.

An old hymn comes to mind when I think of Ruth's determination, her resolve, her faithfulness:

I am resolved no longer to lingerCharmed by the world’s delight:Things that are higher, things that are noblerThese have allured my sight…I am resolved, and who will go with me?Come, friends, without delayTaught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,We’ll walk the heavenly way.(Palmer Hartsough, 1896)

Today, we are living in the midst of a famine. It's a famine of faithlessness, and people have turned away from our God. Will we be like cockleburs, and cling to Jesus? Will we resolve that no matter what else happens, no matter who else is with us, that we are going to be with God?

Verses that inspire

Today is Election Day here in the United States.

Even if you don't live here in this country, you've probably heard about all the controversy, scandals, insults, and mud-slinging.

Those of us who live here should give serious thought and much prayer to our choice.

And no matter where we live, we need to be a people of prayer for those who lead our nations:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:1-4)

He will hear us:

Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.  Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name. (Daniel 9:18-19)

And He will have mercy. Praise Him!

Be like a cocklebur

Cockleburs! Ugh!
Beggar lice! Those are "ugh" too!

Those of you who enjoy the outdoors know exactly what I'm talking about. Many times when we walk through our pastures, our family ends up needing to spend some time removing these pesky things from our boots and our socks, after the hike. Cockleburs are the hardest to pull off.

(By the way, did you know that the product we know and love as "velcro" came from someone who experienced this? Seriously! It was a Swiss mountaineer, George de Mestral that used his noodle as he picked them off his clothes. He realized that this concept could become a product that would rival the zipper as a way of fastening clothing. One side with loops, one with pointy ends, and the rest, as they say, is history!)

Anyway, cockleburs have this innate ability to form the strong bond that makes it difficult to pull them loose. And we need to be like cockleburs.
What?
Yep, you heard me correctly!
Being a cocklebur is just my country way of expressing the relationship between God's faithfulness and our need for Him.

On one side, we have a faithful, loving God.
On the other side, we have our need for our Father God.
That can result in a very strong bond!

We'll be studying here in Ruth again this week, as we explore this concept.
Here is a verse for us to consider until next time:

             Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions
             never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
             (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Friday slowdown

No coincidences . . . instead, I firmly believe in a watchful, caring Father Who guides and protects us.

I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way
Lead us to the place guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe

I pray we'll find your light
And hold it in our hearts.
When stars go out each night,
Let this be our prayer
When shadows fill our day

Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

We ask that life be kind
And watch us from above
We hope each soul will find
Another soul to love

Ruth's story - no coincidences

v

Kinsman redeemer.
What's that all about?
Does it have relevance for us today?
You betcha!
Let's examine this concept and see how it applied in our story, and then how it applies to us, today.

The nearest kinsman, or "kinsman redeemer," is a "goel" in Hebrew. That word means to buy back, to redeem, or to receive.
Here's where it all began: in the Law of Moses, provision was made for the poor person who was forced to make ends meet in drastic ways....sometimes by the sale of property, or sometimes by actually selling him/herself into slavery. That person's nearest kin could step in and buy back what his poor relative was forced to sell. (You can read all about it in the twenty-fifth chapter of Leviticus, where it covers the year of Jubilee, crops, houses, and people, and explains the role and responsibilities of the kinsman.) The kinsman redeemer was a wealthy and compassionate benefactor; a person who would free the debtor by paying the "ransom" price, either for the property, or for the person.
I guess the simplest way to look at the concept is that the kinsman had the responsibility to redeem, or restore, his relative's lost opportunities.
For instance, if a person was forced into slavery, the redeemer would purchase his freedom. Secondly, when financial stresses overwhelmed a person, the kinsman would step in and purchase the family farm, so that the family could live.  Also, if a family member died without an heir, the kinsman gave his name by marrying the widow and rearing a son (that one is in Deuteronomy 25).  Lastly, when death came at the hands of another man, the kinsman acted as an avenger, and pursued the killer (you can see that in Numbers 35, and in Deuteronomy 19).
So, a kinsman redeemer had to meet four requirements: he had to be near of kin; he had to be able to redeem; he had to be willing to redeem; and his work of redemption was complete when the price was completely paid.

Here's the part that gets interesting, and it figures significantly in our story: if the nearest relative refused to do the job, then the next closest kin could take on the role of kinsman redeemer. And it all hinges on one thing, when it comes to the widow . . . the widow has to ask. Keep those in mind as we go on, ok?
Now, Naomi already knew all of that we just learned, and it figured into her matchmaking plans. She instructed Ruth to wash, dress, and put on a dab of perfume, and go to the threshing floor that evening. So, when Boaz falls asleep, Ruth moves the covers off his feet and lies down right there. Ole Boaz tries to turn over in the middle of the night, and discovers the woman lying at his feet! "Who are you?" he asks, and Ruth tells him, saying, "Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer." (The word for covering is the same word that is used later when Boaz says, "May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge...")
Ruth "popped the question," didn't she? (Grin)
Boaz gently tells her that she should leave it in his hands; he will handle it. He gives her some grain to take home for Naomi and herself, and has her leave before anyone sees her -- ever the gentleman, he wants her good reputation preserved, I believe.

The very next day, at the town gate, Boaz sits down to conduct some business. Remember that the gate of the city was very much like a courthouse, where cases were heard and legal matters discussed. The relative that was closest in kinship to Naomi and Ruth passed by, and Boaz asks him to sit down and talk. He also assembles some witnesses, so if they reach an agreement, it can be legal. When the other kinsman is made aware of the situation, he's happy to say he'll take over the land that should remain in the family -- until Boaz tells him that there's a widow to marry, too! Then he bails out. That leaves Boaz to fulfill the duties -- the witnesses nod, and off he goes to tell Ruth.

Our story ends with Naomi cradling her grandson, well-cared for by the kinsman redeemer. Ruth is married to Boaz, and their names (and their son's name) will appear for all the ages in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Boaz, the man of integrity, has a family and prospers.

Now, how about today?
We all need a redeemer, no? The Bible says that we all need someone to rescue us from our sins. Oh, don't fall for Satan's lie, and think that He can't forgive you for what you've done! God forgave Ruth, a Moabite, and He offers all of us a fresh start, just like He gave to her. Ruth and Orpah had options. They both had the opportunity to turn their backs on the worship of Baal and follow the true God. Ruth saw how real Naomi's faith was, and wanted it for herself. God was pleased, for her commitment was real, too; it wasn't a half-hearted commitment. And He is still looking for people today, who will say, "Your God will be my God."
Ruth needed to ask for her redemption, and we do, too. We must open our heart's door, and ask Him in. He'll never come in, unasked. Are we ready to curl up at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to save us?

People love the book of Ruth, because it is a love story. It also is a story of the relationship of God and His people. He is longing to have a relationship with us, but we need to make the proposal. Remember in the Old Testament, a redeemer must be related by blood, and be able to redeem, and then be willing. Jesus took on the "form of man;" He took on flesh and blood so that He could relate to us, and He is able to redeem because He paid the price for our sins. And in spite of our sins, He is more than willing to redeem us!

The very end of the book of Ruth is a genealogy. Kind of like a photo album, right? We might be the first of our family to follow Jesus, or we may be following a long line of believers. Whichever the case, we will carry on a spiritual heritage that began so many years ago.

Have you received the Redeemer? If you have, praise Him for your salvation! If not, please check out our page with explanations on how to be saved, and join the family photo album of believers!

There are no coincidences in this life -- there is God's providence. Perhaps He guided you to this page. If you are not saved, won't you pray to receive Him today?

Ruth's story - no coincidences

Ready to resume our study in the book of Ruth? Great! Let's dig in!
When we paused on Monday, we had just reminded ourselves of the fact that there are no coincidences in our lives -- there are "God moments" when He reveals His providence, and shows that He is Sovereign Lord.  We can see His hand at work everywhere. He weaves His purposes through events and circumstances.

Elimelech shook the dust of Bethlehem off his clothing and headed for the greener pastures of Moab. Why? He was escaping the famine that was a tangible consequence of the people's sins. His sons marry Moabite women, and one of them will return with his mom to Bethlehem in the years to come. Coincidence? Nope.

The picture at the top of this post shows an artist's vision of Ruth, gleaning in the field.
I said "gleaning."
Not "gleaming."
(Grin)
What's gleaning?
Well, God has always made provision for the poor and for the ones who have no one to care for them, like those who are "widows indeed." Let's look at one of the first rules He gave to the Israelites:

"When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen.Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:9-10)

So, the people who needed food, could follow behind the reapers and pick up what was left at the edges of the fields, whether it was barley harvest or wheat or corn. They could gather up the fallen grapes in the vineyards. In this way, they were able to survive until better times.
Boaz, who appears in chapter two, was a man who followed the Law and cared about the poor, for he was careful to leave the edges of the fields un-harvested.

Now, here is Ruth, gleaning in the field, doing her best to take care of the mother-in-law that she loves and looks up to. And whose field was it? It "just happened" to be one of Boaz' fields. Not! It was not by chance!
God orchestrated the events of her day, in order to accomplish His purposes! God's invisible hand steered her to that particular field, and on that particular day, too, when Boaz was there supervising things and noticed her. We have read that Ruth went through some truly difficult times, but every question, every broken heart, and her clinging to the new faith that Naomi showed her, worked into God's plans. It became His way of doing something better than could have happened otherwise. It's said that we find the beginning of His grace when we come to the end of our own strength . . . even when we are completely unaware of what is happening, or why something is happening, God is guiding us. He works through our decisions and actions to pull everything together for our good -- and for His glory. He can do this because He is Yahweh, the almighty God. He wants to do this because He is our faithful Father.

The story of Ruth forces us to look at ourselves . . . have we surrendered to His sovereignty? Have we stopped looking at what seem to be coincidences, and instead look for "God moments?"

We are also forced to focus on our own character. Think about the folks in our story.

Naomi showed faithfulness and patience. First, faith.
She goes to Moab with her hubby and her two sons; we don't really get a sense from the Bible of whether or not she wanted to go, but we do know that while she was there, she was true to her faith. She continued to walk with God, and worship Him, in the midst of an entire culture that worshiped Baal. She taught Ruth about God, and then had the courage to return to Bethlehem.
Patient? Yep. She launched her matchmaking plan for Ruth, but she knew how to wait on the Lord, too. She told Ruth in chapter 3, "Be patient, my daughter, until we see what happens." She was patiently waiting for God to work.

Ruth shows us a woman who was very loyal -- she stayed with her mother-in-law when she didn't have to. She also helped Naomi to trust in God when the older woman felt like giving up. Hard work didn't scare her -- she worked hard to gather grain.

Boaz was a man of integrity. He was respected by everyone, and was known for his kindness. He followed the Law by making sure the poor were cared for, and it appears he took good care and treated his employees well, too. He showed he was a man of purity as well as integrity, when he urged a relative to do what was right -- even though he wanted to marry Ruth himself.

All three of these are good examples for our lives. Tomorrow we will learn about the concept of a kinsman redeemer, and see how these pieces fit together in God's plan.

Prayer requests

It's our privilege again this week to share our prayer requests, and to go before the Lord and "bear each other's burdens."

As we pray, what kind of attitude do we have? Do we have the faith of a child, trusting in our Father to do as He has promised us He will do?

The Psalmist wrote:

But I have calmed and quieted myself,    I am like a weaned child with its mother;    like a weaned child I am content. (Psalm 131:2)

Have you noticed (or experienced) the calm trust of a toddler? The Psalmist is reminding us of that scene; the child leans against the mother, content that he or she is secure. The trust shown there is the trust that we need to show when we are praying. We can be quiet and calm, because we know our Father will provide, care, and comfort us.

He has promised us that He will hear when we call.

If you have a request that you would like to share, and let us pray with you, won't you leave a comment today?