On this Sabbath day I intended to get in some much needed time with God! I had prayed last night and this morning that He would just speak to me and allow me to be in communion with Him today. I decided to read Ruth, a book that I have read a few times, talked about many times and even watched a movie about. I had always looked at it very superficially, a love story about a kind, unselfish woman and kind landowner. I hadn't found that deeper meaning that all bible stories hold. After reading the book today I was left with some questions and decided to search the internet for answers. First, page I found was some racist church organization that was disturbing (ha!) the second link was exactly what I was looking for, a great article by Chuck Missler. Here is the link because it talks about way more than I plan to address in this post: http://www.toddtyszka.com/kinsmanredeemer.html. It really gives a deeper understanding of the book of Ruth.
This is what I learned today:
Naomi- Now, I know the book of Ruth is mostly about, well, RUTH but I noticed something incredible about Naomi, she was a humble and compassionate person. In Ruth 1:13 (after both her husband and her two sons had died) Naomi says to Ruth and Orpah, "No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me." (emphasis mine) Can you imagine, losing your husband and two children and really being more concerned about others pain over your own. I think we should all take note of how humble Naomi was here.
The woman with the issue of blood- Now, if you haven't read the link I posted above you may not know what she has to do with the book of Ruth so here it is straight from Chuck Missler's explanation
"Ruth approaches Boaz
while he is sleeping and requests him to
“spread his skirt over her as he is a
near kinsman.” This is not the kind of
proposition many people assume it to be.
The shul
(“skirt”), or hem, was the emblem of
rank or authority in Israel, much like
the stripes on the sleeve of a naval
officer or airline pilot in our culture.
(This insight is essential to really
understand David’s cutting Saul’s hem,7
or why the woman with the issue of blood
touched Christ’s hem,8
etc.)
Ruth was asking Boaz
to put the authority of his
house over her. She is invoking her
right under the laws of Israel for him
to take her to wife. Boaz was delighted
to accommodate her, but there remained
an obstacle to be overcome."
Wow, doesn't that bring a whole new meaning to this story found in Matthew, Mark and Luke?
The woman was just seeking healing and because of the crows the only thing she could touch was the hem of Jesus (which is how I previously viewed the story) She was asking the Lord to spread His authority over her. She was humbling herself, wanting God to be the head and in this she knew she would find healing. I've often looked to this woman as a model of deep faith and now I realize it's not just about "faith" it's about allowing the authority of our Creator to reign in your life. It's about being broken in front of our Heavenly Father so that He will rule your life. It's about 2 Corinthians 12:10, ...For when I am weak than I am strong.
So God really took something I have read many times and turned it into a brand new lesson. Love when He does that!
On side note, if you haven't watched The Book of Ruth (the newer version, it's on Netflix) it is a must see.
Until next time, may Christ's love and blessings be upon you and yours.
Thank you for your wonderful blog. I have be reading it just this morning--actually just found it this morning. What a blessing it has been to me.
ReplyDeleteI can empathize with your infertility feelings as I have the same issue for over 6 years now.
May your house be blessed to overflowing with God's blessings whatever they may be. :-)
Thank you for your comment. You will be in my prayers. I hate to hear of others who are also suffering!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers. I have been trying to just give it all over to God. I want to believe if it's His will we will have a child--but it's harder to do that as the years go by. I'm trying to live in the acceptance stage--that's easier sometimes than others. Easier when acquaintances aren't being blessed multiple times or "by accident". I believe the worst thing an infertile women can hear from others is "and we weren't even trying."
ReplyDeleteI really feel as if God has led me to your site. The first post I read on your blog was about "God's time is not our time". It was a real answer to my prayers.---Thank You
Oh yes, it is definitely hard when so many around you are being blessed with many children while you are struggling. One day while I was really suffering through those exact feelings I heard a sermon on the radio and the idea behind it was basically, "When someone else is blessed, it's not your loss." God is great and can bless everyone at the same time but He has plans for each of us that we don't always understand. It's something to think about during those really hard times. On another note, I am glad this blog has been a blessing to you. That's the whole reason I started this blog in hopes that God could touch just one person by me sharing what I am going through!
ReplyDelete"When someone else is blessed, it's not your loss."
ReplyDeleteThank you for this thought, it has been very helpful to me.
Today when I passed our neighbor's house (which I pass on my way doing errands)and saw all their cars, jet skis, motorcyle, RV, garage packed to the gills, and more kid's than I know, I remembered it. I confess it, although I try not to be, I am envious of all they have been given while we struggle on with our older cars, infertility, and monthly rental. It hardly seems fair.
That's where your quote came in, and it helped me alot...so thank you and God Bless You.