Tuesday, April 03, 2007

April 4 Readings

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The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Ruth 1-4; Luke 8.1-25

The Story of Ruth
Ruth 1-4
King James Version with links to WebEncyclopedia: Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Ruth 3; Ruth 4

Ruth 1 There was a famine in the land and Naomi and Elimelech moved to Moab with their two sons. The sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Elimelech died, and the sons died some ten years later. Naomi lost her family except for her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. In verse 6-14, Naomi heard that there was food in Judah, so she decided to go back. She bade farewell to Orpah and Ruth. Ruth expresses a bond with Naomi and her God which is the key verse of the Book. '...your people will be my people and your God, my God.' Ruth could have stayed in Moab with Oprah but she was willing to go in faith and go with Naomi. What about us? Are we willing to step out in faith and identify ourselves with God and His people through good times and bad times? The two women returned to Bethlehem (v. 19-22).Bethlehem

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In Ruth 2, Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, whose name was Boaz. We have to remember that Ruth was a Moabitess. The Moabites were enemies of Israel. Harvesting barley was done when Ruth and Naomi showed up. Gleaning was allowed under the law (Leviticus 19.9; 23.22). This was where the corners of the field were not be reaped and any sheaves that were accidentally left behind was not gathered. They were left for the poor to pick up for food. Boaz was kind to Ruth and gave her as much grain as she needed. Boaz had heard about the bond Ruth made with Naomi and God. Ruth told Naomi about Boaz.



In Ruth 3, Naomi now has hope, and told Ruth to wash and perfume herself, according to the NIV Bible that is to prepare herself as a bride. When Boaz is lying down, Ruth should go and uncover his feet. In verse 9 to spread the corner of your garment over me since you are a kinsman-redeemer. This is a very important concept to understand the book of Ruth. Kinsman-Redeemer Boaz was related to Mahlon (Ruth's former husband). the closest male relative had the responsibility to marry a widow.

In Ruth 4, Boaz wanted to make sure that if there was another kinsman alive, that he would be treated justly under the Law and fulfil the obligation of kinsman-redeemer. The obligation was to redeem a property from Naomi, and to marry Ruth! He declined the offer and Boaz married Ruth. The genealogy is such that Ruth is the great-grandmother of Daivd and is an ancestress of Jesus Christ.


PAINTING Ruth and Obed by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel


Ruth 1, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ruth 2, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ruth 3, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ruth 4, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Ruth


Luke 8.4-21 with Commentaries, verse by verse
This is the parable of the sower (Luke 8.4-15; Matthew 13.2-23; Mark 4.1-20). There are many ways to look at this parables. The things in the story that remain constant is the sower and the seed! That is God the Holy Spirit who plant the seed (the word of God). The factor that is not constant is the soil. The soil is the condition of the human heart. The soil vary from being hard to being very receptive. Regardless, the Holy Spirit sows the Word into our hearts. Jesus let in verse 8 "He who has ears to hear, let them hear."
Here is a synoptic version of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke combined together).



Jesus talk about a lamp on a stand (Matthew 5.15). The Christian life is a light, you cannot hide a light in darkness. You cannot help but notice the light in darkness. We had a power black out recently, it was getting dark. It was amazing that even one little candle or the use of a flashlight could help us that nght until the electic power was restored.

Jesus' brothers and mother came to see him. They could not get near to them, He said that His mother are brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.
Let us be careul not to be hung up on veneration of the Virgin Mary but remember that she obeyed God and was blessed for being Jesus.

">IVP Commentary on Luke 8


Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

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