KJB Daily
Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, March 20, 2016
Chapters: The Book of Ruth
Message: Ruth: Not Defined By Your Past
Hello My Friend,
The Book of Ruth is the eighth book of the Old Testament/Bible, the author of the book is unknown, but was probably Samuel, and was written to the Israelites. The timeline for theses events is approximately 1300 BC, during a time of famine when judges ruled over them. The purpose of the book was to show that God is not a respecter of persons, He will accept anyone who believes in and follows Him. What we are to learn from the book is that true rest only comes from a kinsman-redeemer relationship with God. “And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.” - Ruth 4:14.
Ruth was a Moabite, if you study Bible history, a Moabite is descendant of Lot, Abraham's nephew, with whom he had sons with his own daughters. The Moabites despised the Israelites, and the feelings were mutual. Moab was full of idolatry, and known for sacrificing children to their god so, when Elimelech, an Israelite, decided to dwell there with his wife Naomi, and two sons during a terrible famine in Judah, you can imagine what it might have been like. The sons managed to find wives, and Ruth was one of them, in the process of ten years Elimelech and his sons died, leaving Naomi alone with her daughter-in-laws. Naomi decided to head back to Bethlehem, Ruth chose to come with her. Her reason, your God shall be my God.
“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. 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? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. 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?” - Ruth 1:16-21.
“thy people shall be my people,” You know, no matter what family we are born into, if we believe in and receive Christ as our Saviour we become a people of God, peculiar people, set apart from the world. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - 1 Peter 2:9,10.
Contrary to what people think, God does not choose favorites, and while He did choose Israel to be the people known as His people, He will accept anyone who accepts His Son. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem Ruth went right to work, gleaning barley in a field owned by a man named Boaz, kin of Elimelech, it was there that she discovered the grace of God.
“Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. Then she 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? And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed 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. 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 2:8-12.
“and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother,” Loving God and making Him a part of our lives through Christ is not something that anyone can give us, choosing Christ might mean that we are all alone. No one can make us come to Christ, we must come to Him personally on our own, and we must believe in and accept Him in order to find the grace of God and become a people of God. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” - Romans 10:9-12.
Since all arrangements for marriage were made by the parents in those days, it was Naomi’s duty to provide a husband for Ruth, and since Boaz was of kin to her husband, that could mean their lineage would be preserved. By Naomi’s instructions, Boaz awakens in the night to find Ruth lying at his feet.
“And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.” - Ruth 3:7-13.
“for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning,” The laying down at his feet was as act of submission, meaning Ruth wholly submitted herself to Boaz. Ruth was seen all around town as a virtuous woman, respectable to her body and remained pure. While this may have seemed like a strange request, it was one that proved respect and honor, and even found to be of a great comfort to Boaz. No matter where we come from or what the circumstances, it is never an excuse to behave badly, everything happens for a reason, and while we may not always understand the purpose of God's plan, the result will always come out good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28.
Boaz made his promise conditional because there was a man of nearer kin to Elimelech and if he chose Ruth there was nothing he could do about it. Boaz stood before the elders and man, he would have to purchase Ruth to make her his wife. He stood before the counsel and the man was about to make him her wife until he found out she was a Moabite. He quickly took off his shoe (like an oath back then) and allowed Boaz to buy her redemption. “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” - Ruth 4:13-17.
“which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman,” The thought of a man loving a woman so much that he would buy her for her freedom shows incredible love. Jesus showed the same love for us when He purchased us with His own blood to save us from hell. Now, anyone who believes in His death, burial, and resurrection for the redemption of their souls and accepts Him into their lives becomes His bride, it is perhaps the greatest love story ever. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.” - Revelation 21:7-9.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer. Jesus became our kinsman-redeemer when He gave His life to redeem the soul of all sinners, when we receive Him as our Saviour we are adopted into the family of God. “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” - Ephesians 1:5.
Today's Prayer: God, I know and believe with all my heart that Jesus is Your Son, who died for my sins, was buried, and arose again on the third day, and I accepted Him as my only way to You and Your Kingdom. To acknowledge this truth comes so naturally with great enthusiasm, boldness, and conviction, but the real test is when I publicly acknowledge these truths among those who do not agree with me. Lord, where You go, I go, no matter where you place me or what test You give me, by Your grace, I know I can and will endure the things before me, and I will see victory. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Read Previous Devotions: http://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
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Copyright © 2016 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Date: Sunday, March 20, 2016
Chapters: The Book of Ruth
Message: Ruth: Not Defined By Your Past
Hello My Friend,
The Book of Ruth is the eighth book of the Old Testament/Bible, the author of the book is unknown, but was probably Samuel, and was written to the Israelites. The timeline for theses events is approximately 1300 BC, during a time of famine when judges ruled over them. The purpose of the book was to show that God is not a respecter of persons, He will accept anyone who believes in and follows Him. What we are to learn from the book is that true rest only comes from a kinsman-redeemer relationship with God. “And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.” - Ruth 4:14.
Ruth was a Moabite, if you study Bible history, a Moabite is descendant of Lot, Abraham's nephew, with whom he had sons with his own daughters. The Moabites despised the Israelites, and the feelings were mutual. Moab was full of idolatry, and known for sacrificing children to their god so, when Elimelech, an Israelite, decided to dwell there with his wife Naomi, and two sons during a terrible famine in Judah, you can imagine what it might have been like. The sons managed to find wives, and Ruth was one of them, in the process of ten years Elimelech and his sons died, leaving Naomi alone with her daughter-in-laws. Naomi decided to head back to Bethlehem, Ruth chose to come with her. Her reason, your God shall be my God.
“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. 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? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. 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?” - Ruth 1:16-21.
“thy people shall be my people,” You know, no matter what family we are born into, if we believe in and receive Christ as our Saviour we become a people of God, peculiar people, set apart from the world. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - 1 Peter 2:9,10.
Contrary to what people think, God does not choose favorites, and while He did choose Israel to be the people known as His people, He will accept anyone who accepts His Son. When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem Ruth went right to work, gleaning barley in a field owned by a man named Boaz, kin of Elimelech, it was there that she discovered the grace of God.
“Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. Then she 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? And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed 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. 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 2:8-12.
“and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother,” Loving God and making Him a part of our lives through Christ is not something that anyone can give us, choosing Christ might mean that we are all alone. No one can make us come to Christ, we must come to Him personally on our own, and we must believe in and accept Him in order to find the grace of God and become a people of God. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” - Romans 10:9-12.
Since all arrangements for marriage were made by the parents in those days, it was Naomi’s duty to provide a husband for Ruth, and since Boaz was of kin to her husband, that could mean their lineage would be preserved. By Naomi’s instructions, Boaz awakens in the night to find Ruth lying at his feet.
“And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.” - Ruth 3:7-13.
“for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning,” The laying down at his feet was as act of submission, meaning Ruth wholly submitted herself to Boaz. Ruth was seen all around town as a virtuous woman, respectable to her body and remained pure. While this may have seemed like a strange request, it was one that proved respect and honor, and even found to be of a great comfort to Boaz. No matter where we come from or what the circumstances, it is never an excuse to behave badly, everything happens for a reason, and while we may not always understand the purpose of God's plan, the result will always come out good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28.
Boaz made his promise conditional because there was a man of nearer kin to Elimelech and if he chose Ruth there was nothing he could do about it. Boaz stood before the elders and man, he would have to purchase Ruth to make her his wife. He stood before the counsel and the man was about to make him her wife until he found out she was a Moabite. He quickly took off his shoe (like an oath back then) and allowed Boaz to buy her redemption. “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” - Ruth 4:13-17.
“which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman,” The thought of a man loving a woman so much that he would buy her for her freedom shows incredible love. Jesus showed the same love for us when He purchased us with His own blood to save us from hell. Now, anyone who believes in His death, burial, and resurrection for the redemption of their souls and accepts Him into their lives becomes His bride, it is perhaps the greatest love story ever. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.” - Revelation 21:7-9.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer. Jesus became our kinsman-redeemer when He gave His life to redeem the soul of all sinners, when we receive Him as our Saviour we are adopted into the family of God. “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” - Ephesians 1:5.
Today's Prayer: God, I know and believe with all my heart that Jesus is Your Son, who died for my sins, was buried, and arose again on the third day, and I accepted Him as my only way to You and Your Kingdom. To acknowledge this truth comes so naturally with great enthusiasm, boldness, and conviction, but the real test is when I publicly acknowledge these truths among those who do not agree with me. Lord, where You go, I go, no matter where you place me or what test You give me, by Your grace, I know I can and will endure the things before me, and I will see victory. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Read Previous Devotions: http://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I'm Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2016 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
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