The Book of Ruth
Chapter 1.
A beautiful story set during the time of the Judges. Not only a romantic story but one with a profound message.
Ruth. A type of the Church, also represented by other women in the Bible. A love story between Boaz (a type of Christ) and Ruth (the Church). In Rev.1:5-6 we read, 'To Him that loved us....'.
The Law stated that a Jew should not marry a foreigner but this was made possible by Grace-Love. Jesus, by Grace Redeemed us from death, because He loved us. Grace-Unmerited Favour.
The Gentiles were barred by law from Israel's Congregation-Deut.23:3. Ruth was offered to the next of kin by Law but he refused. Boaz however, was able to marry her because he loved Ruth.
Similarly, Christ overcame the barrier to redeem us because He loved us-John 3:16.
In the story, we read that the family left Israel because of famine. The famine came because Israel forsook their God-Lev.26:3-5. Contrast Abraham's, Isaac's and Jacob's actions in going to Egypt.
Do not look anywhere for life except your God in times of need. He is always able to keep us.
The Family of Israelites:
Elimelech.- "God is my King". Do we stand up to our Name? Do we honour God? A name in biblical terms reveals the identity and character of the person.
Mahlon.-"Sickly one".
Chilion.-"Pining one, wasting away".
Naomi.-"Pleasant". A type of Israel bereft of her children and the blessing of Jehovah God.
Elimelech's children signified the result of his mistake. Do not be guided by circumstances, only by God.
They fled to the land of Moab (land of sin). Remember Lot and his daughters? Gen.19:29-38. They mixed with the abomination and the result was death-Separation from God and His life.
Even away from God we see His hand on His people in the person of Ruth.
'Ruth clave to her....'. -The Bride of Christ. Ruth made a decision to go with Naomi. Orpha separated from Naomi and returned to her family-The world.
Only as individuals can we decide to go with and lean upon God-His mercy and Grace. It is not a matter of Merit but we choose who we will follow.
Israel rejected their God but their rejection opened the way for the Gentiles to become fellow heirs-Rom.11:1-11. Through the fall of Naomi's family Ruth was able to enter the land promised to Israel. So, they returned home 'In the beginning of the barley harvest'.
The return happened at a special time, sowing had ended-Matt.13:36-43. The harvest is now finished, the end of the day. The Lord's return is imminent. Israel (Naomi) has already returned home but her property is occupied by others. The return meant that the bride (Ruth) is ready to face the Bridegroom. Are we ready for the coming of Christ? The marriage Supper of the Lamb-Rev.19:1-10.
Chapter 1.
A beautiful story set during the time of the Judges. Not only a romantic story but one with a profound message.
Ruth. A type of the Church, also represented by other women in the Bible. A love story between Boaz (a type of Christ) and Ruth (the Church). In Rev.1:5-6 we read, 'To Him that loved us....'.
The Law stated that a Jew should not marry a foreigner but this was made possible by Grace-Love. Jesus, by Grace Redeemed us from death, because He loved us. Grace-Unmerited Favour.
The Gentiles were barred by law from Israel's Congregation-Deut.23:3. Ruth was offered to the next of kin by Law but he refused. Boaz however, was able to marry her because he loved Ruth.
Similarly, Christ overcame the barrier to redeem us because He loved us-John 3:16.
In the story, we read that the family left Israel because of famine. The famine came because Israel forsook their God-Lev.26:3-5. Contrast Abraham's, Isaac's and Jacob's actions in going to Egypt.
Do not look anywhere for life except your God in times of need. He is always able to keep us.
The Family of Israelites:
Elimelech.- "God is my King". Do we stand up to our Name? Do we honour God? A name in biblical terms reveals the identity and character of the person.
Mahlon.-"Sickly one".
Chilion.-"Pining one, wasting away".
Naomi.-"Pleasant". A type of Israel bereft of her children and the blessing of Jehovah God.
Elimelech's children signified the result of his mistake. Do not be guided by circumstances, only by God.
They fled to the land of Moab (land of sin). Remember Lot and his daughters? Gen.19:29-38. They mixed with the abomination and the result was death-Separation from God and His life.
Even away from God we see His hand on His people in the person of Ruth.
'Ruth clave to her....'. -The Bride of Christ. Ruth made a decision to go with Naomi. Orpha separated from Naomi and returned to her family-The world.
Only as individuals can we decide to go with and lean upon God-His mercy and Grace. It is not a matter of Merit but we choose who we will follow.
Israel rejected their God but their rejection opened the way for the Gentiles to become fellow heirs-Rom.11:1-11. Through the fall of Naomi's family Ruth was able to enter the land promised to Israel. So, they returned home 'In the beginning of the barley harvest'.
The return happened at a special time, sowing had ended-Matt.13:36-43. The harvest is now finished, the end of the day. The Lord's return is imminent. Israel (Naomi) has already returned home but her property is occupied by others. The return meant that the bride (Ruth) is ready to face the Bridegroom. Are we ready for the coming of Christ? The marriage Supper of the Lamb-Rev.19:1-10.
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