May 17, Day 137 – He Comes to Our Aid
- Dr. Eric Stricker
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Today we come to the little book of Ruth. Having just completed the book of Judges with its repeated references to Israel’s continual apostasy and all the sordid evils detailed there, our hearts and minds are ready for some spiritual refreshment, with which – under the Holy Spirit’s superintendence and influence – we are blessed by this beautiful love story. The events of Ruth occurred about the end of the times of the Judges in Israel. Here in Ruth 1-2, we see God’s whole dramatic plan of redemption – both for Israel and for all mankind – unfolding behind the scenes in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Like Naomi – whose home is Israel – we are also foreigners dwelling in an alien world of sin and lawlessness, and we are hopeless, helpless, and powerless to counteract it. But God is with us, and He undertakes to help and care for us in our pathetic condition. He desires to move us into the glorious future that He has planned for us. In Ruth 1-2, we see that a famine has driven this family away to live in Moab. Typical for the times of the Judges, things go from bad to worse, and Elimelech dies. Eventually the sons die, too – leaving these three widows without any means of support. Naomi “heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of His people” (verse 6). How I thank God that He comes to our aid. In verses 6-18, we see that Orpah returns to her people, but Ruth “clings to Naomi” and accompanies her back to Bethlehem “as the barley harvest was beginning” (verse 22). The harvest speaks of the end of an age – Ruth and Naomi have abandoned all that is behind, and they have come to a new beginning – which is a characteristic of God’s plan for the future. In chapter 2, we see that Ruth meets Boaz who pictures our Lord Jesus Christ – our Kinsman Redeemer. Boaz notices Ruth and extends kindness (i.e., grace) to her (verses 5-12, ff.), and Ruth comes under his protection (verse 22). In addition, Boaz blesses Ruth, and his blessing extends to Naomi (verses 19-20). These chapters show us the immeasurable, unfailing love that supports God’s eternal grace.
Proverbs 12:8-17 contains ten practical couplets that contrast the life-skills of wise versus foolish people. Prudent thinking is better that entertaining a warped mind (verse 8); being a nobody is always better than pretending to be a somebody (verse 9); working results in steady provisions, but chasing fantasies is an absurd behavior (verse 11); living righteously prolongs life and helps an individual avoid trouble (verses 12-13); and pursuing nonsense is deceptive, but taking advice is wise (verse 15). These common-sense maxims are for our daily lives. We should learn to apply and practice these truths because they help us to stay on the right track.
John 9:1-34 relates the humorous story of “a man who was born blind” but later, on the Sabbath, Jesus healed him of his blindness. The disciples ask Jesus whose sin caused this blindness (verse 1). Jesus responded, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned. As long as it is day …” – whether on a Sabbath or not – Jesus continues, “we must do the works … of God” (verse 4). This shows us how easily we as human beings tend to elevate something mundane (i.e., like a “day”) into an idol that can be worshipped. The man simply obeyed Jesus, and he “came home seeing” (verse 7). But now the Pharisees want to make a mountain out of this molehill. Why can’t they just accept the joy and the beauty of a blind man who now can see? Should they not praise God for this healing? They were intent upon convicting the blind man and condemning Jesus for His miraculous act of righteousness. Their examination and assessment of the case borders on the ridiculous when they call in the man’s parents – “We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind” (verse 20). We sense the parents’ frustration: “Ask him; he is of age” (verse 21). Then the Jews repeat the process again. We see that their hearts were simply filled with so much evil, jealousy, rejection, and rage, that they threw the man out – though he had done nothing wrong. As we read this passage, which reveals the extent of unbelief among the Pharisees, we wonder – who in this account was really blind?
Comments