The psalmist says “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless” (Psalm 101:3)

This is the starting point for much falling away: it is not the overtly sinful that first draws us away from God, but it is simply that which is worthless, that which is empty, that which has no value. As the serpent did with Eve in the garden of Eden it is the temptation to entertain thoughts or desires that are not centred on God, it is the precipice before the ‘sudden’ fall into sin. If we would avoid skirting the precipice the fall would also be prevented.

But we like to flirt with the worthless, to justify it as ‘not sinful’ and therefore somehow legitimate for the man or woman of God, designating it somehow safe. It is not safe, and it is sinful. It is only Satan and our own sin loving desires that persuade us otherwise.

Rather we must set before our eyes Jesus the Author & Finisher of our faith, the One in whose face we see the light of the knowledge of the glory of God (1 Corinthians 4:6). Anything else is ‘broken cisterns’, empty vessels, less than God, and therefore, worthless.

God created us in His image, and though we can never fully grasp His being He has graciously revealed Himself to us in creation, through Scripture and ultimately through His Son, Jesus. So, let’s do what the psalmist did and resolve not to set before our eyes that which is worthless. Let’s change our reading habits, our TV habits, our social networking habits to put God front and centre of our lives. This will not only please and honour God, but it will benefit and bless us more than we can imagine!

I believe that it would be doing Scripture a gross disservice if we were to relegate any part of it to mere historical or social interest. What we have in the Bible is a compilation of many books (66) by around 40 authors, committed to written form of one sort or another over a period of at least 1400 years; in all probability, much longer. Yet despite this there is a golden thread that runs from Genesis to Revelation, the story of God and His creation: His plans, His purposes and His working out of those plans and purposes in His creation from start to finish, and beyond. In all this, the book of Ruth plays its own important part: it is a part of that golden thread; it adds to the whole. The book of Ruth is more than mere history, it is part of the great story of redemption!

Ruth’s story is not just one recording her own journey through life, but also displays the larger picture of redemption – Scripture’s wonderful Good News to all humanity It is a tender and beautiful depiction of God’s grace, exemplified in one family, but pointing to a much greater reality and in actual fact contributing to that ultimate reality.  We can easily read this little story in single sitting. We should do so in awe and wonder at the grace of God displayed throughout – a grace that we can all have a part of!

Where do we start?

It’s all too easy to read the Old Testament without context, without understanding the times, cultures or customs. Although it is possible to understand in part, and be blessed in part, it is of much more value to take a little time to understand the context better and so enjoy the nuances of the story. This is no simplistic tale of love lost and found, it is carefully put together to display God’s grace at work.

The book of Ruth is actually placed correctly in our modern Bibles. It stands in between the book of Judges and the beginnings of monarchy that we read of in 1 Samuel and following. The last verse of Judges defines the period as one where everyone did what was right in their own eyes. There was no permanent leader, nothing was certain. With the lack of leadership Israel fell prey to warring Philistines and to famine and other natural disasters, having no-one to follow, no-one to lead them. It is in this period of uncertainty and unrest that the book of Ruth is set.

Setting the scene

Moab was outside of the territory that God had allocated to Israel. It lay on the other side of the Jordan and had been opposed to Israel in times past. The initial description of Naomi and Elimelech’s migration to Moab in the face of famine rightly falls into the category of ‘doing what was right in his own eyes’ – it was Elimelech’s choice, and it took that family out of God’s planned home for them. Nevertheless, in God’s providence He worked through this act of independence for His glory and as an act of fulfilment of His divine purpose.

This sad tale of famine and failure, of migration in hope and then of loss, grief and ultimately hopelessness is the backdrop to a tale of hope found and held, in God. Ironically, it is Naomi’s admission of failure: her decision to return home to Israel, to give up her daughters in law and admission that she could not ever provide for them, it is this that is the beginning of the story proper. Things are about to look up!

A Gentile brought in

The second half of Ruth chapter 1 tells the story of a Gentile who is brought in to the family of Israel and to the covenant with Israel’s God. As we read Scripture through it becomes apparent that God’s promise: “they will be my people, and I will be their God” is a recurring theme. How wonderful to see that despite Naomi and Elimelech’s turning away from God and His provision Ruth covenants herself to Naomi, to Naomi’s people, and to Naomi’s God.

But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. (Ruth 1:16 ESV)

Ruth was a Gentile, and as such she was outside of the covenant of God, outside of His promises and protection. Ruth was widowed, childless and hopeless. In a patriarchal society she had nowhere to go but back to her father’s house. This is what Naomi suggested. It is highly likely that, having married her off once already Ruth’s father would not have been pleased to have her return to him. As a woman she would have no means to provide for herself independently of a husband or father.

Despite being outside of the covenant, Scripture is filled with assurances that God’s grace is not just for those born of Israel’s line. If you read the prophets with half an eye open you will see that they are brimming with references to God’s grace to the nations – the nations are the Gentiles (anyone outside of national Israel). Take Isaiah 49 for an example:

"It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6 ESV)

In this wonderful passage about the forthcoming Messiah, Jesus states categorically that it’s not enough that God’s salvation be just for Israel, it’s got to be for all peoples! God’s salvation is to reach the ends of the earth! As such, Ruth is graciously included in God’s promise of salvation! Ruth is a Gentile brought in to the covenant of God by the grace of God.

The lesson we learn for ourselves is that no-one is excluded from God’s grace and mercy, all the nations are included in His salvation. You and I can know the truth of this in our own lives!

A kinsman redeemer

Chapter two of the book of Ruth introduces Boaz. He is a man of substance: we are told that he is a ‘worthy’ man; someone to look up to, someone to be relied on, the hero of the story, the kinsman redeemer.

In the provision of the promised land every tribe was allocated a territory that was theirs by inheritance in perpetuity, they could lease it, but never permanently sell it. As this was inherited by the male offspring, if a man was to die childless he would lose his land, there would be no-one to inherit for him. In this situation the brother (or nearest kinsman) was to provide an heir on behalf of the deceased. He would take the widow as his own wife and the offspring from the union would be deemed to be the child of his dead brother. Boaz was to Ruth a kinsman redeemer. Boaz had the authority to redeem Ruth from her helpless situation (2:20), it was in his power to transform her life.

Praise God that we too, although helpless to save ourselves have a kinsman Redeemer: Jesus!

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, (Ephesians 1:7 ESV)

We too are completely powerless to save ourselves, we have no inheritance in God, we are lost and alone with no-one to save. But Jesus Christ is our kinsman, He became one of us for this purpose.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:14,17 ESV)

Only Jesus has this power to redeem us – He is our kinsman and He has the power to redeem by means of His perfect life! Jesus can and will redeem us from our sin to reconcile us to our God.

An act of dependence

It wasn’t just Boaz who had a part to play in this story. Ruth also had to play her part, to place herself under Boaz’s protection and redemption. In this one simple act is a momentous change in status.

And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer." (Ruth 3:9 ESV)

This beautiful episode culminates in Ruth going to Boaz at night and voluntarily placing herself in his care – an act of total dependence and submission. In this act Ruth has placed herself under Boaz’ provision, protection and redemption.

As Ruth did with Boaz, our only means of redemption is to place ourselves wholly and completely under the wings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our salvation can only come as an act of grace from God through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is no-one else we can go to, but we must go, we must come to Him in complete submission and dependence, seeking from Jesus what only Jesus can do.

A consummation, a kingdom, an inheritance

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. (Ruth 4:13 ESV)

This is the finale, the great turnaround, the helpless, hopeless widowed foreigner is now a wife and a mother! This son is not just any son, but one of the line through which king David, and ultimately Jesus Christ will come! From hopelessness to the hope of the world in four simple chapters!

Boaz redeemed the lost inheritance of Naomi’s family; he restored their fortunes for generations to come. The consummation of his marriage to Ruth is the basis for the Davidic monarchy and for the lineage that leads to Christ Himself.

In Christ we too are restored; our lives are turned around and we have hope! In Christ too there is a consummation: Jesus is the groom, we are the bride; Ruth and Boaz are a picture of Christ and His Church! In Christ there is a new, eternal kingdom, with Christ as the Head and us as the restored, redeemed bride. Revelation 19 tells the story of the marriage supper of the Lamb – the hope of our ultimate consummation of our relationship with our Redeemer – what a wonderful hope for helpless sinners!

In Conclusion

We are, then, Gentiles incorporated into God’s people for God’s glory and our redemption. We have a kinsman redeemer in Jesus Christ, God incarnate, the One with the power to redeem. We must come to Him in and ask Him to spread His wings over us. We have a great hope, an inheritance, a place in His kingdom if we seek Him and His redemption.

As we read the Old Testament in general, and the book of Ruth in particular let’s do it with the understanding of the great truths that are revealed, all pointing to Jesus, the Christ, our Redeemer.

In John’s Gospel Jesus promised His disciples another helper. The Greek word translated as helper or comforter, or counsellor is a difficult one to translate straight into English – that’s why we’ve got so many different words used in our English Bibles. So how can we get a better understanding on what this means?

First, we need to look at the context. Throughout the Gospel of John there’s a gradual growth of understanding among the disciples as to who Jesus is, culminating in Peter’s declaration: “You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27). But once they know who He is, Jesus begins to explain that the Christ must die, rise and ascend to heaven. It’s this loss of Jesus and His ministry that prompts Peter to ask: “Lord, where are you going?” in John 13:36. It was a sense of loss that prompted the question that Jesus answered with the promise of another helper.

The promise of another helper implies that the Holy Spirit would continue the work in the disciples that Jesus had commenced. Greek has two distinct words for ‘another’ – meaning one of a different sort, or one of the same sort. This promise is for a paraclete of the same kind – in other words the disciples wouldn’t be left alone, or without the ministry that Jesus was exercising among them. The second half of John 14 spells this out in more detail, but the important point is that Jesus promised not to leave the disciples as orphans. We have the assurance that the paraclete – One called to be alongside us has as His divine vocation the continuation of the role that Jesus graciously initiated when He walked and talked and taught the first disciples! Praise God!

The book of Revelation in the New Testament of the Bible is a difficult book. We can’t get around that, but that doesn’t mean that we can neglect it. In its opening verses we are told that those who read it out loud, and those who hear and keep the words are blessed! That’s worth having!

The name of the book: Revelation comes from the Greek word which means the same thing – apocalypse. In modern western culture the word apocalypse has come to be associated with cataclysmic events – you know the sort of thing – there’s even a genre of apocalyptic movies: large budget, large scale awesome dramas. Well, that’s what the book of Revelation is, it’s a large scale awesome drama – and it’s real! This is God’s message to us, His portrayal of what He will one day do, and it is awesome beyond our comprehension!

So, when we read the book of Revelation we need to start, at least, by treating it as a drama in the sense that it’s something that we are viewing as spectators, as well as being a part of. Read it in one sitting, as a true story of colossal proportions, infinite implications and cataclysmic repercussions for all mankind. Read it in awe and wonder at the scale of God’s doings, and then come to Him in worship and praise.

In these days it seems that everyone has an opinion on marriage, and everyone is equally dogmatic. I have no problem with dogmatism, but that dogmatism must be based on substance, not mere opinion or prejudice. The present government in the UK have indicated their intent to redefine marriage in UK law. I know that I’m sticking my head above the parapet with this, but here are my thoughts.

To redefine a thing implies that there is something substantial there in the first place to change. There is an existing understanding of marriage within the Christian faith that is wholly biblical. That is, the source of our understanding of, our definition of, our practise of marriage is based on what the Bible tells us about what it is and how we do it. The word marriage is a theological and sacramental term, and as Christians we can only restate what the the Bible gives as our authoritative word on the matter. If God, through the Bible is the source of our definition of and understanding of marriage, then no government has the authority to redefine it. They may introduce whatever other partnerships they deem to be acceptable, but to redefine that which God has set out goes beyond their remit and their right.

The reaction to the government’s proposals seem largely to be negative, with good reason. Whilst supporting that reaction I believe that we are missing the opportunity to put forward a positive perspective on what marriage really means to the Christian. What follows is, I trust, a positive presentation of what the Bible describes marriage to be.

In the first chapters of Genesis we are given the family history of mankind. It’s a sort of ‘Who do you think you are’ of the human race: where we came from, who we came from, and why things are as they are. This includes creation, men and women and the reason the world is full of wrong.

In this story the introduction of the first man, Adam, to the first woman, Eve is told as a story within a story. It was made obvious that nothing else in creation was right as a ‘partner’ for Adam. The specific phrase used for this ‘partner’ means, literally: ‘like opposite to’ – the same, but complementary. The two, becoming one were to be better than either on their own, but the fact that they are man and woman is fundamental to this – two different, but matching halves of a wonderful whole, just like those love heart necklaces for two lovers where the two parts join to make a single perfect heart.

This is presented in the Bible as the union intended by God for men and women.

Jesus, when asked about divorce quoted the text from Genesis, and reaffirmed that this was God’s plan. He went further by stating that ‘What God has joined together, let not man separate.’ This was made in the context of divorce, but the inference is that marriage is made before God and is subject to His specific blessing as men and women commit their lives to one another before God in fulfillment of His intentions for mankind.

I said earlier that marriage is a sacramental term as well as a theological one. The reason for this is found in the book of Ephesians that tell us that within marriage a husband should love his wife as Christ loved the Church. The same passage then continues to tell us that marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church. For the Christian believer the whole story of Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection and return are bound up in the concept of a groom returning for his bride. It’s an exciting picture, it provokes anticipation and wonder at the God of the whole universe choosing to come and claim that which doesn’t deserve Him, to be His bride. Above all it is a picture of overcoming triumphant love! To the Christian believer this understanding, this picture within marriage is precious. To the Christian, marriage is the opportunity to live under God in a way that fulfills His will, that allows us to relate one with another in the same love that we have been loved with and to look forward to an ultimate consummation of our relationship with God in what the Bible calls ‘the marriage supper of the Lamb’.

If you believe in Jesus as Lord and God, and are trusting in His redemption through His sacrifice on the cross, then this is wonderful beyond measure! If you don’t have a faith in God, then it will be of no value and will more than likely confuse you immensely. That in itself is understandable.

If all that I have said makes no sense, then I would gently suggest that whatever your persuasion, a civil partnership would be a more true reflection of your faith or choice not to believe. If you don’t believe in God, do you really wish to take on a commitment that is so bound up in Biblical concepts and that at its heart is done before God and in God?

If what I have said does make sense, then take heart that in marriage we have a wonderful microcosm of Christ and the Church – it is imperfect, but it carries with it the hope of eternity!

It is this positive and high view of marriage that causes Christians to defend the definition laid down in the Bible, and also causes Christians to affirm that the state has no authority to redefine that which God has already defined. This does not prevent the state from providing a civil partnership program that is open to all. The state can also insist that Christians must partake of civil partnership as well as whatever religious ceremony is involved, but it cannot redefine a God ordained institution.

If the state chooses to redefine marriage in such a way that Bible believing Christians cannot in good conscience enter into it then those Christians, for whom this is fundamental to every aspect of our faith, will be relegated to the sidelines of society and in secular terms barred from that which they, more than any other part of society, believe in.

Please read this as my attempt to portray the positive understanding of marriage within the Christian Church – it is not intended to condemn or demand, it is simply presented as a statement of faith, a reaffirmation which I believe is much needed. It is written unashamedly from a Biblical perspective, because, for me that is the only one possible. Please accept my faith in God and His revelation of His will through the Bible as the basis for my belief, and my freedom to express this for all to consider. For those who wish to look, the passages that I referred to are to be found in Genesis 2, Matthew 19 and Ephesians 5.

Since God first placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, with the tree of life to eat of our relationship with God has been one of complete dependence. God is our Creator, our Provider, our Saviour. The Psalms are full of expressions of this dependence on God, couched in Hebrew poetry and song. The children of Israel were fully aware of their dependence on God, and of His amazing provision throughout their history, oftentimes in spite of their disobedience.

Psalm 86 sums up this attitude of dependence: it’s not one of obligation or duty on God’s part, and it’s not one of grumbling expectation or demand on our part. Rather, it is the creature turning his face to the Creator in anticipation of the good that will come from seeking Him. “Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.” (Psa 86:4 ESV) is the cry, and the expectation. Why? “For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” (Psa 86:5 ESV)

In the day to day wants and needs we so often forget that what we most need, and what God most wants to give is His blessing, His goodness, the gladdening of our souls as our amazing God abounds in His love towards us. So, let’s call on Him, expecting that He, in His mercy and grace will gladden our souls!

I love the wide open spaces along the Sefton coast. Ainsdale in the middle of winter, with the sun disappearing behind the Welsh hills, and not a soul to be seen is refreshing and wonderful. But what makes it infinitely more wonderful is the knowledge of the Creator who made it all, and ensures that our sun rises and sets day by day. Truly it is God who makes the going out of the morning and evening to shout for joy. The knowledge of the God who made all this for His glory and our pleasure, and the assurance of our being known by, and redeemed by that same God makes the moment of standing by the sea, watching the sun set to be one of joy that far too many inhabitants of this world never experience.

So, enjoy the sunrise and the sunset, whether you see it, photograph it or just live through it, knowing that there is joy in knowing and being known by our Creator God

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:1 ESV)

There are two stories that we talk about at Christmas: one involves Father Christmas, snow and presents – it is a complete fabrication (apart from any perceived link between an overweight red suited gift bringer and an ancient Saint called Niclaus); the other is Real, Remarkable & Relevant.

Real

The story in Luke’s Gospel is rooted in cold hard fact.The story begins with the background surrounding the birth – it specifies times and places and people. These are the hallmarks of a genuine history, not a fairy story. The birth and life of Jesus is a fact.

Remarkable

The birth of one child in the middle of such a time of upheaval is entirely unremarkable – what is remarkable are the events that accompanied this particular birth. We are told that an angel came to the shepherds and announced the birth as one bringing Good News. This child was, and is special. His birth fulfilled many promises that God had made to His people and would bring about the means for salvation and reconciliation to God for all people! This news was so remarkable that at the conclusion of the announcement the entire heavenly host burst forth into spontaneous praise and worship! Now that is remarkable!

Relevant

How is this relevant to us so many years later? The announcement was made to ordinary people – shepherds – because the message is for “all the people”, that’s you and I! The need for people to be forgiven and reconciled to God is just as urgent today as it was 2000 years ago. The great news is that Jesus has promised to return, to claim those who have responded to the loving gift of His life for our sins, to take us to be with Him. That will also be real, and remarkable – I trust it will also be relevant to you…

How do we treat our fellow believers? Whether we are in a position of authority within a local church, or a born again believer seeking to serve God, what is our starting point? Sadly, all too often, we are quicker to tear down than to build up, we’d rather complain than compliment. The Bible makes it clear that our starting point for all relationships is our relationship with God. We are all ‘beloved brethren’!

Paul, as an apostle commissioned by Christ to build the Church was continually in conflict with those who sought to use the Church for their own selfish ends, as well as with those who through foolishness or fear retreated from or  failed in their faith. In nearly all Paul’s letters, even when there is conflict to be resolved or theology to be righted there is a statement of thanks for the believers. 1 Thessalonians is typical. The crucial verse is 1:4. Paul can give thanks for the believers in Thessalonica primarily because they are loved by God and chosen by Him! The basis for our relationship with other Christians is the fact that they are ‘loved by God’ and ‘chosen by him’ – if God has set His love on someone, and chosen him for His own purposes then we must deal lovingly and graciously with them as the objects of God’s love.

We will never be without conflict within the Church – there will be disagreements and debates, issues of discipline and theology, questions over motive and method – but we must never lose sight of the fact that we are all living by faith in one God, labouring in the same love of one God, steadfast in our One Hope – the Lord Jesus Christ. So, let us give thanks for one another, for our faith, work, hope in Christ. Let’s encourage and build up in the Lord. Let’s see one another’s position as loved by God and chosen by Him as the foundation our relationships one with another. Then God will be glorified in His Church as He intends!