Nov 21

Ruth at the Feet of Boaz till Morning

Women in the Lineage of Christ Comments Off

Ruth 3:14-15
And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor. Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

On Nov 7th and Nov 8th, we discussed on how Ruth followed her mother in law Naomi all the way from Moab to Bethlehem of Judah and received the blessings of the Lord Almighty. Today we will see how Ruth lay at Boaz’ feet the whole night and what the message for us in this current day and age is. I would like to thank my brother Dr. Sunil Mahanthi for taking his time to expostulate the scriptures related to Ruth and Boaz.

Boaz was a mighty man of wealth who was generous in allowing Ruth to glean among the sheaves as well. Leviticus 19:9-10 says, “And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.” Also in Deuteronomy 24:20 it says, “When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.” Boaz verily followed the Law of the Lord. He took great delight in doing so and his generosity to Ruth simply certifies that.

Naomi, Ruth’s mother in law was eager in seeking rest for Ruth. Naomi knew that Ruth was a young widow and she hated to see her spend the rest of her life without a husband and a family. She mentioned to Ruth that Boaz was winnowing the barley in the threshing floor that night and she wanted Ruth to wash herself and put on her raiment and reach the threshing floor but not reveal herself to Boaz until he has completed his eating and drinking. Ruth 3:4 says, “And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.” The clear instructions of Naomi are not to be read mockingly for there is a message that the Spirit of God has for us today. Naomi’s instruction to uncover the feet of Boaz is suggestive of the covering of the Lord God for us. We are covered by His robe of righteousness. After uncovering the feet of Boaz, Naomi knew that Boaz will tell Ruth what to do. She also knew that from that time onward Ruth will be under the covering of Boaz.

In asking Ruth to reach the threshing floor in the night, Naomi was well aware of the forces of darkness prevalent at that hour. But she knew her daughter in law, her virtues and moral values so well that she let her go out at that time. Also Naomi knew her kinsman Boaz and his morale that she trusted him to do the best for her daughter in law. Ruth who left her land, people and strange gods to be with her mother in law, did not hesitate to step out in the dark hour and followed every bit of instruction given by her mother in law. Ruth knew pretty well that her mother in law only desires the best rest for her and so took the risk of following the redemption plan of Naomi. God already has implemented the redemption plan for every nation and kindred. The redemption plan was fulfilled by God’s only son Jesus Christ. In trusting Jesus Christ we will be redeemed. Yes, the plan is for everybody including the gentiles like me. Ruth a gentile and a moabitess was about to be redeemed by Boaz an Israelite. The whole incident happened in Bethlehem of Judah portraying the future redeemer (Jesus Christ)’s birth in the same place.

In the midnight Boaz realized that there was a woman at his feet (Ruth 3:8). Ruth 3:9 says, “Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.” Ruth’s humble answer that she was Boaz’ handmaid speaks of her character. She thought not high of herself and laid at Boaz’ feet because she knew that she was just seeking his grace and mercy to redeem her. She requested Boaz to spread his skirt over Ruth. She just sought his covering. She knew very well that under his care and protection she will be safe and secure. We, as the children of the living Lord should just lie at the Lord’s feet and plead His covering for us. Under His covering we are well cared for and need not be anxious about anything. Ruth also says that Boaz is a near kinsman. By this she is implying what the kinsman can do to her and that is to redeem her. Our nearest kinsman is Jesus Christ. He was born just like you and me but of a Virgin and hence His birth was free of sin because He is God born as a man and lived the life of a complete man. He understands our struggles and sufferings much more than anybody ever can do. Who else can redeem us but He who has the authority to do so and that is Christ alone?

 The words of Boaz to Ruth were: “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.” Boaz addresses Ruth as a daughter because he was much older than her. Her words say how impressed Boaz was by her character and her generosity to her mother in law. Her kindness to her mother in law is her first virtue while her second virtue is that she did not go after the young men either rich or poor. Her latter virtue is much more applaudable than her former as she is a young woman who could have sought to win the hearts of young men. But she chose that which was much better for her and Boaz though much older in age than Ruth had the authority to redeem her and by the law of the land should redeem her. He is assuring Ruth that he will do all that he is required to do. For Ruth, in Boaz’ assurance is much more happiness than going after the men in the world for Boaz sure will take her as his wife while with the other men that is not guaranteed. She chose to live by morale than by passions and the rest she gets is eternal. Our Lord God sees as His children and is watching over us and He is ever ready to take us as His own.

In Ruth 3:12 Boaz says, “And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.” Boaz is aware that there is a nearer kinsman than himself and so wanted to enquire if the nearer kinsman will be willing to redeem her. He knew the law of the land better and more importantly he is aware of his own limitation if the other nearer kinsman chooses to redeem Ruth. Boaz adds, ”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.” What is guaranteed at this point is Ruth’s redemption either by the other nearer kinsman or by Boaz himself. Boaz did not send her away at that time in the night but asked her to wait till the morning. With Ruth’s redemption guaranteed she can rest at the feet of Boaz peacefully. Ruth 4:14 says, “And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.” Ruth did lay at his feet till the morning.

We should rest at the Lord’s feet all night long and when we wake up in the morning we will be filled by the Lord God. Ruth 3:15 says, “Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.” This clearly says that when we rest at the Lord’s feet all night long we will not leave empty handed. We will be filled by the bread of life like Ruth was filled with six measures of barley. Vail signifies her covering and dignity and now her covering was Boaz. Boaz, her covering is filling her with the bread and this bread will ever sustain Ruth and her family. From this time forward she will never be hungering and her vail will be full of bread. Yes, our covering is Lord Jesus Christ and He will sustain us with the bread of life to our hungering souls and this bread has the potential to fill us forever!

May we all like Ruth choose what the Lord desires for us! His choice for us is the best and may we yield to His will. The plan of redemption can save any sinner and so let us turn to God’s redemption for us through Jesus Christ. May the Lord help us to be at His feet from the dusk till the dawn for we are sure to go with full hands!

Tomorrow: Mary at the feet of the Lord

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Nov 09

Bathsheba, the Wife of Uriah

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II Samuel 11:1-4, 27

 1And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. 2And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
27And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.

I have heard many preachers mention that “David was a man after God’s own heart” and “David was a man of war”. What confirms that David was a man of war is the verse from I Chronicles 22:8: “ But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.” In other words, David’s son King Solomon was to build the temple in Jerusalem because David was a man of war. II Samuel 11:1 says that David at this one point in his life did not go to war and instead sent Joab, his servants and all of Israel. Joab and the men destroyed Ammon and besieged Rabbah. While the nation of Israel was celebrating the great victory, King David committed a great sin by staying home and not going to war. David’s one gift was to wage a war and bring victory to Israel. This time he failed to wage a war against the Satan and yielded to temptation and committed a sin.

In the evening, David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of his house. While taking a walk he noticed a beautiful woman washing herself. He was immediately filled with lust for her. He enquired who she was and got to know that she was Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah, the Hittite. David sent messengers to her and committed the adulterous act. Bathsheba sent a word to King David saying she was with a child. When Uriah returned from war, David met up with Uriah and requested him to go to his home to be with his wife. Uriah did not go back to his home and rested in his bed with the servants of King David.

David came up with an evil plan and sent a note to Joab to set Uriah at the forefront in the tough battle where the valiant men were, so that Uriah would be killed. Joab followed King David’s plan and Uriah, the Hittite died. After a time of mourning by Bathsheba for Uriah, David sent for Bathsheba and took her to his wife. This act displeased the Lord God.

God sent Prophet Nathan to warn King David and to bring him to the knowledge of repentance. Nathan ministers to David’s heart by narrating a story and David immediately realized how great a sin he had committed. II Samuel 12:13 says, “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.”

King David and Bathsheba had a child but God struck the child with sickness. Although David pleaded God for this child, the child died on the seventh day. Later God blessed King David and Bathsheba with a son who was the wisest King of Israel, King Solomon. God forgave King David for he repented of his sin and sought God’s forgiveness. My post from October 13, 2009, “Broken Spirit and a Contrite Heart” speaks on Psalm 51 that King David wrote immediately after committing this sin in his life. God accepted King David’s prayer and saw his broken spirit and a contrite heart and blessed him later. Thus Bathsheba too was blessed afterwards.

In Matthew 1 where the genealogy of Christ is mentioned we see a reference to Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah who later was the wife of King David. Matthew 1:6 says, “And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;” God did not choose Michal, King Saul’s daughter who was the wife of King David or Abigail or any other of King David’s wives but He chose Bathsheba with whom King David had committed adultery. God blessed Bathsheba because of King David’s wholehearted repentance. God chose a vessel of dishonor to make it honorable in His sight for His glory. God’s heart is after the people who break open their hearts and seek His forgiveness with humble hearts.

If any of you are suffering because of a hidden sin in your life, step out to the Lord God with a humble heart and seek His forgiveness and receive His mighty blessings. It is time now to be cleansed of all the spots and specks on your heart. He blots out all our transgressions and sets us free. You will be a mighty blessing to many souls that yearn for the true love of God. This true love was exhibited for you and me on the Holy Cross of Calvary by Jesus of Nazareth through whom our hearts will be made as white as snow.

Tomorrow: Little Servant Girl with a Mighty Blessing

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Nov 08

Two way rest for Naomi and Ruth

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Ruth 4:14-15 

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.

In yesterday’s devotional we have seen that Orpah kissed her mother in law, Naomi and returned to her home of Moab while Ruth followed her. Naomi entreated Ruth to go back to her home after Orpah. Ruth 1:16-17 says “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.” After noting that Ruth was steadfast in following her, Naomi stopped pleading Ruth. They both reached the town of Bethlehem during the barley harvest. The natives of Bethlehem immediately recognized Naomi and asked if she was Naomi. Naomi said (Ruth 1:20) “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.” Naomi actually means pleasant. She was now bitter due to the loss of her husband and her two sons.

Naomi had a relative of her husband, whose name was Boaz. Ruth asked her mother in law if she could glean ears of corn in a field that belonged to a man whose favor she can find. Naomi blessed Ruth and sent her to glean the ears of corn. Ruth was gleaning in Boaz’ field and Boaz observed Ruth and asked the reapers who she was. Having known who Ruth was, Boaz spoke very kindly to Ruth because she found grace in his eyes. Boaz had heard all that Ruth had done to her mother in law, leaving all her family and friends behind her in Moab and following Naomi all the way to Bethlehem to the people that she is not familiar with, putting her wholehearted trust in the Lord God of the land.

Naomi was keen on finding rest to Ruth. Rest here means to find a husband with whom she could make her home and live peacefully. Ruth followed every instruction of her mother in law and reached Boaz like she was instructed. Boaz says in Ruth 3:11, “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.” The entire town of Bethlehem has heard of Ruth’s virtuousness and this impressed Boaz.

Boaz was ready to redeem Ruth right away but knew that there was another man in town who was closely related to Elimelech than himself. He wanted to find out if the other kinsman was willing to redeem. The other kinsman passed on this burden to Boaz and Boaz bought the parcel of land that Naomi was selling and also redeemed Ruth and took her to his wife. Ruth 4:9-10 says, “And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.”

God blessed Boaz and Ruth with a son. Not only did Ruth find rest but also Naomi was blessed with a restorer and a nourisher in her old age. The people of Bethlehem said that Naomi’s daughter in law that loves her was better than seven sons. The neighbors said (Ruth 4:17), “There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” God saw the trust that Ruth had in the Lord God of Israel and also Naomi’s desire to live in the House of God filled with the bread of life. Thus Naomi and Ruth found the two way rest in Bethlehem.

From the land of Moab where there was spiritual famine, Naomi and Ruth reached Bethlehem filled with the bread of life and spiritual blessings. Today spiritual famine exists in the people and places where Christ is not the center but spiritual blessings overflow where Christ dwells. Colossians 3:1-4 says “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” May we all seek and set our affections on the heavenly things so that we also would appear with Christ in glory and find the heavenly rest like the way Naomi and Ruth found!

Tomorrow: Bathsheba, the Wife of Uriah

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Nov 07

The Narrow Way vs. the Broad Way (Ruth vs. Orpah)

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Ruth 1:14
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Elimelech and Naomi were living in Bethlehem, Judah and they were Ephrathites. They traveled from Judah to Moab with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion. The reason they moved from Bethlehem to Moab is because a famine struck the land, while the judges ruled the land. After Elimelech and Naomi reached Moab, Elimelech died and Naomi was left with her two sons Mahlon and Chilion. Mahlon and Chilion married Moabite women Ruth and Orpah respectively. After ten years of livelihood in Moab, Mahlon and Chilion died as well. Naomi was a bereft mother, left with her two daughters in law. Naomi made a wonderful decision of returning to her own land because she had heard how Lord visited His people and the land was blessed with bread again.

Naomi requested Ruth and Orpah to return to their own land Moab saying (Ruth 1:8-9), “Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.” We understand that Ruth and Orpah were kind to Naomi and her family. Naomi was meaning well for her daughters in law and was trusting that the Lord will grant them rest by blessing them with husbands in their land. She kissed them and they three wept loudly. Ruth and Orpah insisted that they go with Naomi to her people.

Naomi again requested Ruth and Orpah to return to their land. This time Naomi explains them why they should return and strongly urged them not to follow her. In Ruth 1:11-13 “And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” Naomi also said that her heart is filled with grief for her daughters in law that the hand of the Lord is gone out against her.

It is very clear that Naomi and her daughters in law enjoyed a sound relationship. They cared for each other. Naomi wanted her daughters in law to find rest in their husbands’ homes. She knew in her heart that she would not have any more sons and even if she marries again and has sons that the wait for her daughters in law would be too long. At this stage we see that they all wept yet again. Ruth 1:14 says “And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.” Orpah got convinced and kissed her mother in law and returned to her own land Moab while Ruth adhered to her mother in law.

Orpah and Ruth were on the crossroads at this point. They could choose one way or the other; that is they could return to Moab or stick to their mother in law and go to Bethlehem of Judah. Moab represents the broad way while Bethlehem represents the narrow way. Firstly, Moab was born to Lot and his daughter after the destruction of Sodom. Though Moabites and Israelites were related and have the same roots from Terah, they had conflicts because of Moab’s birth which was incestuous. Secondly, Sihon, King of Amorites did not let the Israelites pass by when they were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land, as it is said in Numbers 21:21-23. Also, we see that Moabite King Balak appointed a prophet Balaam to speak against Israelites as said in Numbers 22:5-6. On the other hand, Bethlehem is comprised of two words Bethel (House of God) and Lehem (Bread). In other words, Bethlehem is where God and His people resided and it was filled with bread. This bread is the “Bread of Life”.

Way of Moab or the broad way is the way traveled by many that leads to eternal damnation. Way of Bethlehem or the narrow way is the way least traveled and leads to eternal life. Matthew 7:13-14 says “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” The narrow way is the way of the truth and the life. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Orpah chose to go back to Moab while Ruth went on with Naomi. Ruth was blessed and married Boaz and gave birth to Obed. Ruth 4:21-22 says, “And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” Ruth was redeemed by Boaz just the same way you and I are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. This blood was shed by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. You and I have a choice as well. We could choose the broad way that leads to destruction or the narrow way that leads to eternal life. This choice dictates your eternal journey. Are you on the crossroads today? Will you choose the narrow way like Ruth did?

Tomorrow: Two way rest for Naomi and Ruth

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Nov 06

Tamar’s Righteousness Rewarded

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Genesis 38:24-26

And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

Judah, the son of Jacob and Leah, married the daughter of a Canaanite whose name was Shuah. He had three sons Er, Onan and Shelah through her. Er who was wicked in the eyes of God was married to Tamar. Because of Er’s wickedness the Lord slew him. Judah asked his second son Onan to marry Tamar. Onan knew that he did not want to give his seed to his brother and spills his seed; therefore God slew him for dishonoring Him. Judah requested Tamar to remain a widow until his youngest son grew old enough. But he forgot to give Tamar as wife to Shelah when it was time.

Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shuah passed away. Judah went with his friend Hirah the Adullamite to shear his sheep at Timnath. The word reached Tamar that her father-in-law was going to Timnath to shear his sheep. She dressed as harlot by covering her face with a veil and sat on the roadside of Timnath. Judah noticed her and thought her to be a harlot and lied with her. Tamar asked what he would give her. Judah promised to send a kid from his flock. Tamar requested for a token until the kid reaches her. Judah gave his signet, a cord and staff. Tamar was impregnated by Judah. Judah sent a kid with his friend Hirah, the Adullamite and Hirah could not find the harlot because Tamar went back and dressed as a widow.

Judah got to know that his daughter-in-law played the harlot and was with a child; Judah did not realize that she was his harlot and was infuriated with the news and was determined to burn her. When Tamar was brought before Judah, she said (Genesis 38:25) “By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.” Immediately Judah recognized the tokens and repented of his unrighteousness and said (Genesis 38:26), “She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son.” Tamar really wanted children of her own and Judah failed to keep his promise.

Tamar gave birth to twins, Pharez and Zarah. Through Pharez her first born, the mighty king of Israel, David was born. Ruth 4:18-22 says, “Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” Matthew 1 speaks of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:1 says, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Pharez the son of Tamar is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ the Savior of the mankind.

Judah says that the righteousness of Tamar was more than his own righteousness. In other words, Tamar’s act was justified. She was married to Er, a wicked man and Onan, who defiled her and now her father-in-law did not keep his word to marry her to his third son Shelah. But the Lord God dealt with her kindly and rewarded her. Her reward was that she bore a son who was later in the genealogy of King David and the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Man might forget to keep his promise but God’s promises will never fail. Tamar waited patiently until Shelah grew up, but her own father-in-law betrayed her. She was faithful in that she did not marry another man and waited patiently in hope of getting married to Shelah. God humbled Judah and blessed Tamar by this whole incident. In I Samuel 26:23, King David tells King Saul, “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness.” Yes, the Lord rewards us for our righteousness and our faithfulness. He sees the heart of every man and woman. May the Lord help us to be committed righteous men and women!

Tomorrow: The Narrow Way vs. the Broad Way (Ruth vs. Orpah)

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Nov 04

God’s Favor

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Genesis 29:30-32

And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

After Isaac blessed Jacob, Jacob departed to Padanaram to get himself a wife from the daughters of Laban, his mother’s brother. After he reached Padanaram, he met Rachel by the well. Jacob worked for Laban for seven solid years in order to get Rachel as his wife. Genesis 29:20 says “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her”. Jacob loved Rachel so greatly that the seven years seemed like a few days in hope of receiving her as his bride. Instead he received Leah, Laban’s older daughter as a bride. Genesis 29:17 says “Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.” Jacob served for another seven years to get Rachel as his bride. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah.

When the Lord God saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb but Rachel was barren. Rachel was well favored by everyone while Leah was not. But she found God’s favor which is ultimate. Leah yearned for her husband’s love. She must have battled with feelings of being rejected and hated but God was watching all of this. Our God is a righteous God and hates injustice. He favored Leah who was ill-favored by people around her especially her own husband. He blessed her with children by opening her womb. Her first son is Reuben and she was hoping to be loved by her husband after his birth.

Leah was blessed with six sons Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun and a daughter Dinah. We will look into Dinah’s life tomorrow. Leah bare six sons and these were to form the six important tribes of Israel. One noteworthy fact is that Leah gave birth to Judah from whom Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World was born. God heard the cry of Leah’s heart and blessed her abundantly. Jesus was called the Lion of Judah as it says in Revelation 5:5 “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” This Lion of Judah will wage a war on our behalf against the ruler of the world, Satan. The end result of this war is as we all very well know, VICTORY!

If today you feel rejected, torn, separated or oppressed, do not lose heart; the Lord your God is on your side and He will not let this injustice continue. You will find God’s favor! You will be mightily blessed like Leah was. Do not worry and lose hope. As it is said in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” May the Heavenly Father surround you and lift you up like He lifted up Leah!

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Nov 02

Saved by Faith

Women in the Lineage of Christ Comments Off

Hebrews 11:31

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Rahab, the harlot was saved by FAITH without perishing because she had received the spies with peace. Joshua sent out spies to view the city of Jericho and the spies lodged in the house of Rahab. The King of Jericho sent out men to Rahab’s house and these men asked Rahab to bring out the spies. Rahab hid the spies and protected them from the King’s men. The only reason she did this is because she had heard about how the Lord dried up the water of Red Sea when the Israelites came out of Egypt and the other miraculous things that the God of Israel had done for the Israelites. She not only believed that the God of Israel is the only God in heaven and earth but also testified this to the spies. It says in Joshua 2:11 “And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”

Rahab expresses her faith in the Lord God and then requests the spies for an important favor. This was her only chance to plead for herself and all her people. Joshua 2:12-13 speaks of her request: “Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.” She is not just concerned about her salvation but also of her entire family. The spies answered her saying “Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.” The spies made up their minds to deal with her kindly and truly when the Lord has given them the land. The spies asked her to bind a scarlet thread in the window through which she had let them down as it says in Joshua 2:18. “Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.”

All her family members needed to be in Rahab’s home so that they would not perish. In the end, Rahab and all her family members were saved without perising. Just by one person’s faith the whole household received salvation. This is similar to how Noah’s family was saved from the forty days of flood just because of one man, Noah’s righteousness. Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord as it says in Genesis 6:8. Also, Lot’s family was rescued from fire and brimstone that rained on Sodom and Gomorrah just by Lot’s righteousness and of course by Abraham’s plea to the Lord’s messengers as it says in Genesis 19. Now today, you are probably the only member in your family who can make this important decision of committing your life to Jesus and thus rescuing your whole family from perishing.

The scarlet thread represents the shed blood of the Savior Jesus Christ. Window represents the cross. When Israelites acquire the land, they recognized the family in this home just by this scarlet thread. Those who are cleansed by the BLOOD OF THE LAMB and have the blood of Jesus on them will be saved from the eternal damnation. Therefore, we the people of the world need to be cleansed by the saving blood of Jesus. Jesus died on the cross carrying all our sins and He shed every drop of His blood just so that our price is paid in full. We just need to have faith in Jesus and repent of our sins and you and I can be saved from destruction. If we need eternal life all we need to do is accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and follow the Lord the rest of your life. It is time right now for you to be saved by faith just like Rahab and her family was saved from perishing. Probably this is your only chance to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and then save your entire family too. Won’t you give your heart to Jesus now?

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