“FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”
(Esther 4:14)
For our world is a lot like Esther’s world. And God, Who was at work in Esther’s day, is still at work in our day. He has been and still is doing some marvellous things in this world! God is involved in a divine plan to shed light where there is darkness, to bring good to where there is evil, and to conquer hatred with love. Our God is involved in a master plan to snatch the perishing from destruction and to wash completely clean sinners stained and ashamed.
And the forces of evil that were arrayed against God and His servants in Esther’s day are still arrayed against the kingdom of God in our day. And what does God want us to do? What part will He call us to play in His mighty work? And what will we do when the call comes?
When the moment comes for us to make crucial decisions that will have effects and consequences upon God’s kingdom, how will we respond? Will we boldly trust Him? Will we take a step in the direction of a huge risk? Or will we be silent or frozen, inaction because we don’t have the faith to act?
Our text is just one verse - Esther 4:14. It is one of the great references in the entire Bible. In Esther 4:14, we read these words of God, passed through Mordecai, for Esther:
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
God’s work in this world is always mysterious!
There is always some mystery, some tantalizing unknowns and uncertainties in what God is doing in our world. See how Mordecai seems to grasp this concept? “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Who knows? Who knows, indeed? Is it possible that this is your moment to act? Well, I don’t know! Maybe! Could it be that this is our unique challenge, because of what God has invested in us, what He has given us, what position He has placed us in, that NOW we must act? Who knows?
There will always be some uncertainty in God’s claims upon our lives! There will always be unknowns in God’s work in this world. It is the very nature of faith and trust in God that He calls us to take steps when we don’t have all the details nailed down.
Now God gives us the big picture. Mordecai has no doubts that deliverance will come for the Jewish people. God has made covenants with them, there are promises given to Abraham that must be fulfilled. Deliverance is assured. “…relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews…” according to the first part of this verse. But there is some mystery as to how that rescue will actually take place.
“Who knows, Esther? Perhaps this is your moment!”
But how does the big picture find expression in daily life? That’s often where the mystery comes in. That is where we hear the voice of God. That is where we sense the nudging of the Holy Spirit. That’s where we follow God’s leading.
Of course there will be adventure. Naturally there will be risks. There may even be some danger. Tangling with the enemy of our souls, rescuing the perishing, is not comfortable or safe. How many times was the apostle Paul beaten? Stoned? Shipwrecked? Cold and naked? Weary and sleepless? But what a story he had to tell!! (2Cor. 11)
God’s work in this world will always have an element of mystery to it. Please, do not let the uncertainties of situations keep us from being the agent of God when He needs an agent. Leave some room for mystery, and be bold in faith.
The Lord needs people
A second lesson could be stated this way: God’s work in this world has always been dependent upon individuals. People, one by one, have always been the key element in what God is doing in this world. In all of God’s efforts to redeem mankind and bring glory to Him, the Lord has always called upon and depended upon men and women, boys and girls.
We hear Mordecai saying in his message to Esther, “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” We can imagine Mordecai and Esther assessing the circumstances that have come upon them and wondering what one thing either of them can do in the face of this hideous decree of Haman’s.
Granted, it is easier for Mordecai to see how Esther as queen can play a crucial role. He’s older; more experienced, and is looking in from the outside. Esther is younger, less experienced in matters of the world, and is at greater risk and danger. And of course it’s always easier for one person to see what another person should do! It’s clear as crystal to me what you should do, especially when it’s not my neck on the line.
But the Scriptures are full of examples of single individuals, called upon by God, giving personal effort for the sake of God’s kingdom.
It is Moses that God singles out to be the leader of His people out of the iron furnace of Egypt. It is Moses who must trek into the palace and literally, verbally confront Pharaoh as the mouthpiece of God with a demand that has no chance of going anywhere.
It is a young shepherd boy by the name of David who comes upon a giant named Goliath terrorizing the army of Israel and its leader, King Saul. It is just one young boy, taking up his sling and five smooth stones and his great faith in God, who ruins the Philistines’ day and gives Israel one heck of a victory.
“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
And who was that spear thrower in Numbers 25 who took a javelin and thrust it through both an Israelite man and his Midianite wife and brought to an end a plague from God that had already killed 24,000 in Israel? His name was Phinehas, a grandson of Aaron the priest. A pretty bold move, wouldn’t you say? How many thousands more might the plague have taken if Phinehas had remained comfortable on his tabernacle stool? Or was it a pew?
God’s work in this world has always been dependent upon individuals. How does God want to use you? What part will He call on you to play that only you can fulfil? Will you respond to His call? What are you wrestling with right now that you know you need to surrender to? Will others suffer because we don’t want to get involved? Will others perish because I don’t want to be disturbed?
Every individual in the kingdom of God has been drawn there because each one can play a pivotal role at a unique time to further the cause of Christ in our world. Let us be ever alert to stand and say, “Here I am, Lord, send me!” To that volunteer will come adventure, great reward, exhilarating victory, and marvellous stories to tell to the children and grandchildren. But it won’t be easy. And the battles will be real for the kingdom of darkness is real. And there will probably be some wounds. But it will be worth it all.
God will act without us
God’s work in this world is not ultimately dependent upon individuals. Even though people, as individuals, have always had a key role to play in the kingdom of God, it is ultimately God Who fulfils His plans. Notice that Mordecai says, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place…” Mordecai knows that God WILL keep His promises.
What was made clear to Abraham about a people, a land, and a covenant (Gen. 12) will come to pass. The Jews will not be completely destroyed, no matter what enemy has made what plans. Mordecai is fully convinced that God’s plans will be fulfilled to the letter.
God will not be disappointed from accomplishing exactly what He has planned. If Esther chooses to sit out this round, if she chooses to remain completely silent at this time, God’s plans for His people will be completed in some other way. Relief and deliverance will come:
- from some other action
- of some other individual
- from some other place, eg: revival taking place in Fiji in the pacific as I am speaking.
We have a great God. If we choose to be silent when God’s Spirit says speak, if we choose to be disobedient when opportunity knocks, if we decide to turn a deaf ear when a need comes calling, God will not be defeated. Someone else will respond, and someone else will be blessed, and someone else will have a story to tell to the nations!
When the Lord Jesus was commanded by the Pharisees to hush up His disciples, for they were shouting, ‘Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord’… When the Pharisees said, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples,” the Lord Jesus said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:39-40) God would have His Son recognized and praised, either by disciples or by rocks from the side of the road.
What this means for us, is that God can handle our failures. Sure it’s a shame when we stumble and fail, but God can handle it. Sure we lose and there are consequences to be paid, but God can handle it. Sure we are afraid and paralyzed and immobile, but God cannot fail. And if He cannot fail, then we are encouraged to step forward when He calls for us to act.
Esther came to understand that this was her moment on the stage of Jewish history. And by the grace of God she was found faithful. She proved to be dependable as one of God’s children. And her story and her glory live on for all of time and eternity.
So Mordecai’s question to Esther is God’s question for us as well: “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Don’t worry about the uncertainties. Be ready to answer God’s call. Don’t let failure keep you from stepping forward again. For ultimately, it is God’s work, and He will not fail.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Thursday, 27 August 2009
I come from Alotau; in fact, my tribe owns Alotau and are leasing it out to the Govt. The guy who claims Alotau to be his is not the owner of the land but I am keeping my cool because I want Alotau to develop and my people to better themselves. However, I am disappointed at how companies that come into the Province arrive with good intentions but end up not helping the people at all.
The companies that come into the Province extract raw materials without proper plans on how the people will survive after they are gone. For example, the Misima gold mine has taken out at least 18.1 tonnes of gold leaving the people shocked of their new life style. Even though the company have improved the Misimans standard of living, improved health care and education, it still left loopholes. Those that could not work in the mine anymore had to go to other parts of the country to work with the experience they gained but this is not good socially.
The other company was Ulabo Timber Company, which was supposed to operate on a sustainable basis but so far very little has happened. The roads they built were for the logs to be taken out and when that was done they left with pockets full leaving the locals with very little. The company had plans of venturing into downstream processing of timber, and establishing a timber terminal in the area to service the province but that has not happened.
I have heard of a timber project in the town of Kumasi in Western Province run by a Malaysian company that is mistreating locals. According to Greenpeace, Rimbunan Hijau – a Malaysian company - continues to operate in secrecy regarding the true extent of their logging and other business interests. They have 60 interlinked companies that are registered in Papua New Guinea and these companies control 50% of Papua New Guinea’s large–scale commercial logging operations and at least 55% of log exports .
Such projects are good but there has to be good plans out lined for the later generations. We should not be blinded with get rich quick mentality. A lot of the village people do not understand most of the happenings outside of their villages and so when businesses come in looking to start businesses they agreed too quickly. A parcel of land in my area was directly acquired by a company for K25,000 to start up a business, which I know should have been leased through the Government; however, that old man is now penniless and is currently working for the same company as a cleaner.
I have travelled around a bit and have not come across land being sold for that amount. In most countries, land is sold in millions; only houses are sold in thousands. Land has great value. Another businessman was nagging my uncle to see if he could buy logs from his land, till I mentioned to him that a tree is worth US$193,250 . Furthermore, my father allowed some mining company to store their goods such as speed boat, generators etc in his land for K3 a day and he is paid every two months. It’s causing social problems as it attracts thieves, disputes etc. Also someone had sold/rented their land in Alotau and has asked my dad if they could do gardening in his land. However, my father’s tribe do subsistence gardening in this area so if this guy comes to do gardening it will create more problems.
This kind of business is not sustainable and fair; it is using people for one’s benefit. There are consequences on this kind of behaviour resulting in one party reacting to either the landowner or the developer being pushed out. Is this the kind of development we want or are there more sensible people out there? I as a Papua New Guinean accept that there has to be development, but could it not be done in a way that is sustainable and fair?
A Tibetan humanist has warned us in the most eloquent manner what we might be doing wrong in our incontrollable development frenzy:
When all trees would have been cut…
When all rivers and lakes would have dried up…
When all other species would have silenced their voices forever…
We would have come to realize that…
We can’t eat money.
We need visionary leaders who are able to say no to corruption and stand on their feet and govern the people of Papua New Guinea. The people of Papua New Guinea are intelligent and well educated. We have always stood together in unity; we can fight to bring our country to survive sustainably.
Resources:
http://www.forestry.gov.pg/site/index.php
http://alotauenvironment.blogspot.com/2005/06/png-forests.html
http://www.natural-resources.org/minerals/development/docs/pdfs/misimacasestudy.pdf
http://www.mining-technology.com/projects/misima/
Greenpeace: The Untouchables
Professor T.M. Das of the University of Calcutta came up with a price tag for a tree, in an effort to satisfy sceptical economists about the value of letting a native forest live: the price was US$193,250. This amount was reached through the following bookkeeping for a tree living for 50 years:
Generates oxygen worth - US$ 31,250
Controls air pollution for - US$ 62,000
Reduces soil erosion and increases soil fertility for - US$ 31,250
Recycles water worth - US$ 37,500
Provides a home for animals worth - US$ 31,250
Total US$ 193,250
See: http://www.pecc.org/community/papers/ecotourism-china-2004/oswaldo-munoz.pdf
The companies that come into the Province extract raw materials without proper plans on how the people will survive after they are gone. For example, the Misima gold mine has taken out at least 18.1 tonnes of gold leaving the people shocked of their new life style. Even though the company have improved the Misimans standard of living, improved health care and education, it still left loopholes. Those that could not work in the mine anymore had to go to other parts of the country to work with the experience they gained but this is not good socially.
The other company was Ulabo Timber Company, which was supposed to operate on a sustainable basis but so far very little has happened. The roads they built were for the logs to be taken out and when that was done they left with pockets full leaving the locals with very little. The company had plans of venturing into downstream processing of timber, and establishing a timber terminal in the area to service the province but that has not happened.
I have heard of a timber project in the town of Kumasi in Western Province run by a Malaysian company that is mistreating locals. According to Greenpeace, Rimbunan Hijau – a Malaysian company - continues to operate in secrecy regarding the true extent of their logging and other business interests. They have 60 interlinked companies that are registered in Papua New Guinea and these companies control 50% of Papua New Guinea’s large–scale commercial logging operations and at least 55% of log exports .
Such projects are good but there has to be good plans out lined for the later generations. We should not be blinded with get rich quick mentality. A lot of the village people do not understand most of the happenings outside of their villages and so when businesses come in looking to start businesses they agreed too quickly. A parcel of land in my area was directly acquired by a company for K25,000 to start up a business, which I know should have been leased through the Government; however, that old man is now penniless and is currently working for the same company as a cleaner.
I have travelled around a bit and have not come across land being sold for that amount. In most countries, land is sold in millions; only houses are sold in thousands. Land has great value. Another businessman was nagging my uncle to see if he could buy logs from his land, till I mentioned to him that a tree is worth US$193,250 . Furthermore, my father allowed some mining company to store their goods such as speed boat, generators etc in his land for K3 a day and he is paid every two months. It’s causing social problems as it attracts thieves, disputes etc. Also someone had sold/rented their land in Alotau and has asked my dad if they could do gardening in his land. However, my father’s tribe do subsistence gardening in this area so if this guy comes to do gardening it will create more problems.
This kind of business is not sustainable and fair; it is using people for one’s benefit. There are consequences on this kind of behaviour resulting in one party reacting to either the landowner or the developer being pushed out. Is this the kind of development we want or are there more sensible people out there? I as a Papua New Guinean accept that there has to be development, but could it not be done in a way that is sustainable and fair?
A Tibetan humanist has warned us in the most eloquent manner what we might be doing wrong in our incontrollable development frenzy:
When all trees would have been cut…
When all rivers and lakes would have dried up…
When all other species would have silenced their voices forever…
We would have come to realize that…
We can’t eat money.
We need visionary leaders who are able to say no to corruption and stand on their feet and govern the people of Papua New Guinea. The people of Papua New Guinea are intelligent and well educated. We have always stood together in unity; we can fight to bring our country to survive sustainably.
Resources:
http://www.forestry.gov.pg/site/index.php
http://alotauenvironment.blogspot.com/2005/06/png-forests.html
http://www.natural-resources.org/minerals/development/docs/pdfs/misimacasestudy.pdf
http://www.mining-technology.com/projects/misima/
Greenpeace: The Untouchables
Professor T.M. Das of the University of Calcutta came up with a price tag for a tree, in an effort to satisfy sceptical economists about the value of letting a native forest live: the price was US$193,250. This amount was reached through the following bookkeeping for a tree living for 50 years:
Generates oxygen worth - US$ 31,250
Controls air pollution for - US$ 62,000
Reduces soil erosion and increases soil fertility for - US$ 31,250
Recycles water worth - US$ 37,500
Provides a home for animals worth - US$ 31,250
Total US$ 193,250
See: http://www.pecc.org/community/papers/ecotourism-china-2004/oswaldo-munoz.pdf
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Monday, 24 August 2009
RUTH
Background
There was famine in Bethlehem so Elimelech and Naomi decided to leave for Moab. Elimelech and his sons died whilst in Moab. Elimelech’s decision to move his family to the country of Moab is not evidenced as being God’s direction but simply his own decision. This does not indicate that it was a divine judgement, but rather the natural result of exposure to circumstances outside the canopy of divine promise. God’s protection canopy is to those who remain obedient to Him in the land of His appointment.
Naomi’s husband died and both sons got married for 10 years and they both died. Naomi decided to return. Chapter 1 of verse 14, then they lifted their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother in-law, but Ruth clung to her. Chapter 1 of 16&17,Ruth’s true commitment and friendship underscores the values of family commitment. Both values are important and we should reinforce it However, Ruth prioritise her daughter-servant role to her Naomi mother-in-law. Verse 18, when she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.
Ruth clung to Naomi because she had made a decision to go with her. Whatever in life we desire, we will get it if we hold on, but most of us give up too soon. The desires of our hearts must again line up with God’s word, eg: when we are sick we need to trust God and claim His word to be healed. “ By His stripes we are healed.”
3:3 Wash Yourself
She has been working hard gleaning, she was probably tired and smelly, and therefore she needed to wash. As Christians we need to take time o ensure we are clean. First we are washed when we repent of any sin, and allow the blood of Jesus Christ to make us clean. 1John 1:7 “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Verse 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But also day to day living in the world affect us, and we need to be washed clean. The Bible says that reading the word is like washing. Eph.5: 25&26 “Just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.”
3:3 Anoint Yourself
Ruth needed a new fragrance for a new season. Ruth had been in widowhood, but was now moving into a season of inheritance. Anointing yourself with a mixture of olive oil, mixed with perfumes, was a sign that the time of mourning was ended. Isaiah 61:3 speaks of the oil of joy, to replace the mourning, and death that we received during the time of wilderness and desolation.
3:3 Put on your best garment
The garment that Ruth wore to work in the fields was not appropriate, her widow garment was not appropriate, to ensure her future the grief and mourning had to be replaced. Isaiah 61:3 speaks about exchanging the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. We need to take off heaviness, hopelessness, despair, self-pity, and all those old clothes that are holding us back and restricting us. We need to get our best garment, a garment of praise, let’s breakthrough in the area of praise in our lives.
3:3 Go down to the threshing floor
That was the place that Boaz was. The threshing floor was the place where the wheat and chaff were separated, or winnowed, but that work was already completed. Here the threshing floor was the place of harvest, and the place of feasting. If we are prepared to humble ourselves and allow God to remove the chaff from our lives, (those things that are not part of His work in our lives at this time) then we can also share in the harvest. Just as Ruth went where Boaz was, we need to be where God is, and where He is working.
Wait for God's timing
Naomi told Ruth to wait until Boaz had finished feasting, (3:3) and stand back, and watch where he went, then she was to go and lay by his feet.(3:4) God has appointed times and seasons for our lives, we do not always understand why we have to wait for a certain prayer, or promise of God to come to pass in our lives, but we can always trust God that His timing is right, and we have to watch and see what He is doing in our situations.
3. MOVING INTO THE NEW THING
At the feet of Jesus
Ruth lay at the feet of Boaz. (3:5) it is by submitting to God at the feet of Jesus that we shall learn from Him, and receive His best for our lives.
United with Jesus
Ruth asks Boaz to spread his garment over her Ruth 3:9 "Who are you?" he asked. "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me." (NIV) There was nothing immoral in Ruth's action, in Ruth's day she was saying to him. "I need a redeemer. I am a widow, disgraced, with no inheritance. You can take my shame, my poverty, and the bleakness of my future and give me an inheritance." John 14:23 "Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." When we are united with Christ we can receive all the benefits of belonging to Him. He removes our shame, our poverty, and gives us hope, and the promise of eternal life. He spreads His garment over us. A garment of salvation, a robe of righteousness.
Jesus our Kinsman
Redeemer Boaz explained that there was a closer relative than he, (3:12&13) but when he approached him, although he was prepared to buy Naomi's field, which she had sold, he was not prepared to marry Ruth. Boaz however was willing to become their kinsman redeemer by buying the field and marrying Ruth. This is a wonderful picture of Jesus, at the cross, shedding His blood and dying, to redeem us from sin, death and the wrath of God. Jesus was willing to pay the price for us. By doing this He fulfilled all the requirements of the law, but He did not save us as a duty, nor because He had to, but because He loved us and wanted us to belong to Him, and to come into a personal relationship with Him. Jesus became our kinsman redeemer.
A new name
So Boaz marries Ruth, (4:13) and the desolation that Naomi and Ruth had endured is now complete, and their inheritance is restored. Isa 62:2-5 "The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you?" God wants to call us by a new name, Beulah - married, Hephzibah - restored to God's favour. Naomi begins to lose her bitterness, and begins to move into her restored name - pleasantness & my joy. Jesus is preparing the church to be His bride, without spot or wrinkle! Eph 5:25-27 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
A new life
Ruth 4:13-17 "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. Also the neighbour women gave him a name, saying, "There is a son born to Naomi." And they called his name Obed." What a wonderful picture of the new thing God wants to begin in our lives. Naomi, the grandmother, had her inheritance completely restored, with her grandson, the child Obed, on her lap. The women of Bethlehem share in Naomi's joy. This was the ministry God had created her for! We need not be fearful that God will ask of us something that He is not able to accomplish through us, or that we shall not feel totally fulfilled in! So God will restore completely to us, those things that have been lost and in desolation, let's receive all He has for us!
An agent of restoration
The book of Ruth however does not end there. It goes on to list the genealogy of Obed, (4:17-22) and we soon realise that he became the grandfather of Israel's greatest king, David, but not only that, the line continued, and he also became a descendant of Jesus, born of David's line, in the same city of Bethlehem. Through Jesus we too can receive that same restoration in our own lives. So we see how by walking in step with God, Naomi was not only able to receive personal blessing, but also become an agent of restoration for the whole world.
The road that goes through the wilderness, and the river that flows through the desert (Isaiah 43:18&19) is Jesus. So we are not blessed and restored as an end in itself, but just as the river brings life wherever it flows, Jesus wants us to take that life, that abundant life, His blessings, His restoration and affect our families, our communities, and our churches. James Robison says, "God multiplies when He restores. And so in His restoration work today, God is not simply restoring the church to the glory it displayed in New Testament times. He is seeking to restore it to a state more powerful, majestic and glorious than anything the world has yet seen."
Conclusion
We have seen how Naomi was not content with a life of gleaning, she knew that she was not walking in the fullness that God had for her, and so she drew up a strategy. We can learn then, we need to be washed, and allow Jesus to cleanse us from our sin. We need the anointing power of the Holy Spirit, a new fragrance for a new season! And we need to put on our garments of praise. We need to humble ourselves, and await God's timing. Then at the feet of Jesus we can become united with Him, and He will become our kinsman redeemer, He will give us a new name, and a new life, His restoration life, so that we can go, and live the lives that He intended, unhindered by the past, and with all the benefits of our inheritance with Jesus. We can then go on to become fruitful agents of restoration ourselves.
Isa 43:18-19 "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
There was famine in Bethlehem so Elimelech and Naomi decided to leave for Moab. Elimelech and his sons died whilst in Moab. Elimelech’s decision to move his family to the country of Moab is not evidenced as being God’s direction but simply his own decision. This does not indicate that it was a divine judgement, but rather the natural result of exposure to circumstances outside the canopy of divine promise. God’s protection canopy is to those who remain obedient to Him in the land of His appointment.
Naomi’s husband died and both sons got married for 10 years and they both died. Naomi decided to return. Chapter 1 of verse 14, then they lifted their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother in-law, but Ruth clung to her. Chapter 1 of 16&17,Ruth’s true commitment and friendship underscores the values of family commitment. Both values are important and we should reinforce it However, Ruth prioritise her daughter-servant role to her Naomi mother-in-law. Verse 18, when she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.
Ruth clung to Naomi because she had made a decision to go with her. Whatever in life we desire, we will get it if we hold on, but most of us give up too soon. The desires of our hearts must again line up with God’s word, eg: when we are sick we need to trust God and claim His word to be healed. “ By His stripes we are healed.”
3:3 Wash Yourself
She has been working hard gleaning, she was probably tired and smelly, and therefore she needed to wash. As Christians we need to take time o ensure we are clean. First we are washed when we repent of any sin, and allow the blood of Jesus Christ to make us clean. 1John 1:7 “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Verse 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But also day to day living in the world affect us, and we need to be washed clean. The Bible says that reading the word is like washing. Eph.5: 25&26 “Just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.”
3:3 Anoint Yourself
Ruth needed a new fragrance for a new season. Ruth had been in widowhood, but was now moving into a season of inheritance. Anointing yourself with a mixture of olive oil, mixed with perfumes, was a sign that the time of mourning was ended. Isaiah 61:3 speaks of the oil of joy, to replace the mourning, and death that we received during the time of wilderness and desolation.
3:3 Put on your best garment
The garment that Ruth wore to work in the fields was not appropriate, her widow garment was not appropriate, to ensure her future the grief and mourning had to be replaced. Isaiah 61:3 speaks about exchanging the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. We need to take off heaviness, hopelessness, despair, self-pity, and all those old clothes that are holding us back and restricting us. We need to get our best garment, a garment of praise, let’s breakthrough in the area of praise in our lives.
3:3 Go down to the threshing floor
That was the place that Boaz was. The threshing floor was the place where the wheat and chaff were separated, or winnowed, but that work was already completed. Here the threshing floor was the place of harvest, and the place of feasting. If we are prepared to humble ourselves and allow God to remove the chaff from our lives, (those things that are not part of His work in our lives at this time) then we can also share in the harvest. Just as Ruth went where Boaz was, we need to be where God is, and where He is working.
Wait for God's timing
Naomi told Ruth to wait until Boaz had finished feasting, (3:3) and stand back, and watch where he went, then she was to go and lay by his feet.(3:4) God has appointed times and seasons for our lives, we do not always understand why we have to wait for a certain prayer, or promise of God to come to pass in our lives, but we can always trust God that His timing is right, and we have to watch and see what He is doing in our situations.
3. MOVING INTO THE NEW THING
At the feet of Jesus
Ruth lay at the feet of Boaz. (3:5) it is by submitting to God at the feet of Jesus that we shall learn from Him, and receive His best for our lives.
United with Jesus
Ruth asks Boaz to spread his garment over her Ruth 3:9 "Who are you?" he asked. "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me." (NIV) There was nothing immoral in Ruth's action, in Ruth's day she was saying to him. "I need a redeemer. I am a widow, disgraced, with no inheritance. You can take my shame, my poverty, and the bleakness of my future and give me an inheritance." John 14:23 "Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." When we are united with Christ we can receive all the benefits of belonging to Him. He removes our shame, our poverty, and gives us hope, and the promise of eternal life. He spreads His garment over us. A garment of salvation, a robe of righteousness.
Jesus our Kinsman
Redeemer Boaz explained that there was a closer relative than he, (3:12&13) but when he approached him, although he was prepared to buy Naomi's field, which she had sold, he was not prepared to marry Ruth. Boaz however was willing to become their kinsman redeemer by buying the field and marrying Ruth. This is a wonderful picture of Jesus, at the cross, shedding His blood and dying, to redeem us from sin, death and the wrath of God. Jesus was willing to pay the price for us. By doing this He fulfilled all the requirements of the law, but He did not save us as a duty, nor because He had to, but because He loved us and wanted us to belong to Him, and to come into a personal relationship with Him. Jesus became our kinsman redeemer.
A new name
So Boaz marries Ruth, (4:13) and the desolation that Naomi and Ruth had endured is now complete, and their inheritance is restored. Isa 62:2-5 "The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you?" God wants to call us by a new name, Beulah - married, Hephzibah - restored to God's favour. Naomi begins to lose her bitterness, and begins to move into her restored name - pleasantness & my joy. Jesus is preparing the church to be His bride, without spot or wrinkle! Eph 5:25-27 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
A new life
Ruth 4:13-17 "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. Also the neighbour women gave him a name, saying, "There is a son born to Naomi." And they called his name Obed." What a wonderful picture of the new thing God wants to begin in our lives. Naomi, the grandmother, had her inheritance completely restored, with her grandson, the child Obed, on her lap. The women of Bethlehem share in Naomi's joy. This was the ministry God had created her for! We need not be fearful that God will ask of us something that He is not able to accomplish through us, or that we shall not feel totally fulfilled in! So God will restore completely to us, those things that have been lost and in desolation, let's receive all He has for us!
An agent of restoration
The book of Ruth however does not end there. It goes on to list the genealogy of Obed, (4:17-22) and we soon realise that he became the grandfather of Israel's greatest king, David, but not only that, the line continued, and he also became a descendant of Jesus, born of David's line, in the same city of Bethlehem. Through Jesus we too can receive that same restoration in our own lives. So we see how by walking in step with God, Naomi was not only able to receive personal blessing, but also become an agent of restoration for the whole world.
The road that goes through the wilderness, and the river that flows through the desert (Isaiah 43:18&19) is Jesus. So we are not blessed and restored as an end in itself, but just as the river brings life wherever it flows, Jesus wants us to take that life, that abundant life, His blessings, His restoration and affect our families, our communities, and our churches. James Robison says, "God multiplies when He restores. And so in His restoration work today, God is not simply restoring the church to the glory it displayed in New Testament times. He is seeking to restore it to a state more powerful, majestic and glorious than anything the world has yet seen."
Conclusion
We have seen how Naomi was not content with a life of gleaning, she knew that she was not walking in the fullness that God had for her, and so she drew up a strategy. We can learn then, we need to be washed, and allow Jesus to cleanse us from our sin. We need the anointing power of the Holy Spirit, a new fragrance for a new season! And we need to put on our garments of praise. We need to humble ourselves, and await God's timing. Then at the feet of Jesus we can become united with Him, and He will become our kinsman redeemer, He will give us a new name, and a new life, His restoration life, so that we can go, and live the lives that He intended, unhindered by the past, and with all the benefits of our inheritance with Jesus. We can then go on to become fruitful agents of restoration ourselves.
Isa 43:18-19 "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Methuselah
The names of the Bible are absolutely fascinating! They quite often contain hidden nuggets of valuable truth that make the Bible even more fun to read and study. Such is the case with the name: “Methuselah.”
Most people are generally familiar with “Methuselah”. He was the son of Enoch (the righteous preacher). He was the grandfather of Noah (of Noah’s Flood). He was also the man with the longest life-span in the Bible (969-years). But… what most people don’t know about “Methuselah” is the special meaning behind his name. This Hebrew name actually carries behind it a Divine prophecy concerning the actual flood of Noah. How so? Let’s investigate!
The most common meaning for the name “Methuselah” (meth-oo-sheh’-lach) is “Man of a Dart”
This word (or name) is broken down into two separate parts (in the Hebrew language):
# 1 - “Meth” or “Math” = “Man (an adult)”
# 2 – “Shelach” = “A Missile (for attack)”
(Special note: The Hebrew noun “Shelach” can denote a missile, a dart, a spear, a javelin, a sword, or a branch. It is derived from the Hebrew root verb “Shalach” meaning “to send out” or “to send away”…
Notice the similarity with the Greek word “Apostle” (one sent forth)!)
So what we have here is an illustrative picture of a man (presumably a warrior) holding a spear in his hand. And what does a warrior do with a spear? He throws (“sends out”) the spear towards his enemy! The spear is SENT forth!
Thus... the name “Methuselah” can denote two separate meanings:
# 1 – A Man Holding a Spear! “On the Attack”… OR
# 2 – A Man on Mission! “One Sent Forth”… “Like a Spear”….
Now here’s where things get very interesting! There is a third (more concrete) meaning for “Methuselah” hidden even deeper (like a long lost treasure) within the Hebrew language. We’re talking about the actual core meaning behind the name! The more concrete meaning behind the name “Methuselah” is: “When he is dead it shall be sent.”
So what we have here is a Divine prophecy concerning actual flood of Noah, and it seems to be hidden within this man’s name. How do I know for certain that this statement is true? The flood of Noah took place the very same year of Methuselah’s death.
True fact! This is no mere coincidence!
The sinful world (at the time) was virtually safe from God’s impending judgment as long as Methuselah breathed air in a flesh body. However, once this man died, things drastically changed for the rebellious people on the earth. How so?
Upon Methuselah’s death, God’s plan was to send forth (like a spear) the flood of Noah upon an unrepentant sinful world (God’s enemy). So what we have here is a perfect illustrative type (or example) of the Lord’s battle against sin and rebellion. And this illustrative type (and prophecy) is perfectly contained within the Hebrew name “Methuselah”:
•Methuselah = “When he is dead it (the flood) shall be sent”
Let me say one more thing about “Methuselah!” I find it interesting to think about “Methuselah” as the man with the longest life-span in the Bible (969-years). Now that we know the precise core meaning behind his name, it becomes easier to see the grace of God at work during this very dark period of earth’s history (the pre-flood era).
Think about it! The very fact that this man holds the all-time record for the longest life-span on earth (969-years) is a testimony (in ones opinion) to the enduring patience & longsuffering of God towards mankind.
Like the scripture says:
2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise (regarding Christ’s Return), as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering (extremely patient) to us-ward (mankind), not willing (it’s not His will) that any should perish (go to hell), but that all (everyone) should come to repentance.”
The Lord used the extremely long (record-breaking) life-span of “Methuselah” as a grace period (so to speak) to allow mankind a unique opportunity to repent for their sins before the coming Day of Judgment (Noah’s flood).
And guess what?
The Lord is doing the exact same thing for us today before the coming Day of Judgment (Christ’s Return).
So I would like to encourage anyone who reads this message to accept God’s gracious gift of salvation today before time runs out. Another flood is coming… not of water... but of fire! And just like the people of Noah’s time, you don’t want to be caught outside God’s designated Ark of Salvation when the flood hits. What is God’s Ark of Salvation?
God’s designated Ark of Salvation for mankind is none other than Jesus Christ! So please come into the “Ark of Salvation” today, and find the only true “Rest” you’re ever going to find in this world.
(Special Note: It just so happens that the Hebrew name “Noah” means “Rest”….)
Most people are generally familiar with “Methuselah”. He was the son of Enoch (the righteous preacher). He was the grandfather of Noah (of Noah’s Flood). He was also the man with the longest life-span in the Bible (969-years). But… what most people don’t know about “Methuselah” is the special meaning behind his name. This Hebrew name actually carries behind it a Divine prophecy concerning the actual flood of Noah. How so? Let’s investigate!
The most common meaning for the name “Methuselah” (meth-oo-sheh’-lach) is “Man of a Dart”
This word (or name) is broken down into two separate parts (in the Hebrew language):
# 1 - “Meth” or “Math” = “Man (an adult)”
# 2 – “Shelach” = “A Missile (for attack)”
(Special note: The Hebrew noun “Shelach” can denote a missile, a dart, a spear, a javelin, a sword, or a branch. It is derived from the Hebrew root verb “Shalach” meaning “to send out” or “to send away”…
Notice the similarity with the Greek word “Apostle” (one sent forth)!)
So what we have here is an illustrative picture of a man (presumably a warrior) holding a spear in his hand. And what does a warrior do with a spear? He throws (“sends out”) the spear towards his enemy! The spear is SENT forth!
Thus... the name “Methuselah” can denote two separate meanings:
# 1 – A Man Holding a Spear! “On the Attack”… OR
# 2 – A Man on Mission! “One Sent Forth”… “Like a Spear”….
Now here’s where things get very interesting! There is a third (more concrete) meaning for “Methuselah” hidden even deeper (like a long lost treasure) within the Hebrew language. We’re talking about the actual core meaning behind the name! The more concrete meaning behind the name “Methuselah” is: “When he is dead it shall be sent.”
So what we have here is a Divine prophecy concerning actual flood of Noah, and it seems to be hidden within this man’s name. How do I know for certain that this statement is true? The flood of Noah took place the very same year of Methuselah’s death.
True fact! This is no mere coincidence!
The sinful world (at the time) was virtually safe from God’s impending judgment as long as Methuselah breathed air in a flesh body. However, once this man died, things drastically changed for the rebellious people on the earth. How so?
Upon Methuselah’s death, God’s plan was to send forth (like a spear) the flood of Noah upon an unrepentant sinful world (God’s enemy). So what we have here is a perfect illustrative type (or example) of the Lord’s battle against sin and rebellion. And this illustrative type (and prophecy) is perfectly contained within the Hebrew name “Methuselah”:
•Methuselah = “When he is dead it (the flood) shall be sent”
Let me say one more thing about “Methuselah!” I find it interesting to think about “Methuselah” as the man with the longest life-span in the Bible (969-years). Now that we know the precise core meaning behind his name, it becomes easier to see the grace of God at work during this very dark period of earth’s history (the pre-flood era).
Think about it! The very fact that this man holds the all-time record for the longest life-span on earth (969-years) is a testimony (in ones opinion) to the enduring patience & longsuffering of God towards mankind.
Like the scripture says:
2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise (regarding Christ’s Return), as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering (extremely patient) to us-ward (mankind), not willing (it’s not His will) that any should perish (go to hell), but that all (everyone) should come to repentance.”
The Lord used the extremely long (record-breaking) life-span of “Methuselah” as a grace period (so to speak) to allow mankind a unique opportunity to repent for their sins before the coming Day of Judgment (Noah’s flood).
And guess what?
The Lord is doing the exact same thing for us today before the coming Day of Judgment (Christ’s Return).
So I would like to encourage anyone who reads this message to accept God’s gracious gift of salvation today before time runs out. Another flood is coming… not of water... but of fire! And just like the people of Noah’s time, you don’t want to be caught outside God’s designated Ark of Salvation when the flood hits. What is God’s Ark of Salvation?
God’s designated Ark of Salvation for mankind is none other than Jesus Christ! So please come into the “Ark of Salvation” today, and find the only true “Rest” you’re ever going to find in this world.
(Special Note: It just so happens that the Hebrew name “Noah” means “Rest”….)
Monday, 17 August 2009
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