Mary: Unwavering Focus - Luke 10:38-42 and John 12:1-8 - May 28, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Mary: Unwavering Focus – May 28, 2006

His is lesson four (4) in our series “Godly Women of Devotion.”

Our scripture is Luke 10:38-42 and John 12:1-8.

We have the opportunity to study about Mary and her sister Martha. These are the sisters of Lazarus, whom JESUS raised from the dead. These are dear friends of JESUS and HE enjoyed coming to visit them. Martha’s home gave JESUS a place for HIM to rest HIS head and find comfort, plus Martha was a good cook.

Let’s read Luke 10:38-42:

38 While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.[15] Other mss omit into her home 39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s[16] Other mss read at Jesus’ feet and was listening to what He said.[17] Lit to His word or message 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”[18] Or tell her to help me 41 The Lord[19] Other mss read Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice,[20] Lit has chosen the good part and it will not be taken away from her.”

JESUS is traveling with HIS disciples and they enter into a village called Bethany. Bethany is about two (2) miles from Jerusalem. A woman named Martha invites them into her home. The house is Martha’s and Martha has a sister named Mary. We also know that Martha has a brother named Lazarus, whom JESUS later raised from the dead. Martha is the oldest of the siblings.

Martha is a person who loves to open up her home to others and share what she has.

Luke tells us that Martha “also” loves to sit at JESUS’ feet and hear HIM teach. Notice in verse 39 the word “also”. So both Martha and Mary loved to sit at JESUS’ feet.

It was custom for a disciple to sit at the feet of a teacher to listen and learn. The Apostle Paul sat at the feet of Gamaliel (guh-MAY-lih-el), a teacher of the law, before he became a Christian.

The word for “listen” used here suggests continuous listening. You know when either the radio or television is on and you are listening while you work. Then all of a sudden you hear something that you really want to hear. What do we do? We leave what we are doing and go listen so we will not miss a word of what is being said. I think this must have happened to Mary.

Martha being the eldest and it being her home, the responsibility of the house fell upon her shoulders. We see this when the frustration of the work load overwhelms Martha.

Martha does not go to Mary but to JESUS to vent her frustration. Was Martha frustrated with all she had to do or was it because she could not listen to what JESUS was teaching? Was it her way of saying “Okay JESUS, stop teaching so Mary can come help me?”

Let’s look at the rest of verse 40. Notice Luke tells us that Martha says, “My sister has left me to serve alone.” The implication is, Mary had been helping Martha but she had chosen to stop and go back to listen to JESUS. If we back up a few words we see that Martha says, “Don’t YOU care?” To me this shows a bit of frustration with JESUS. It seems in her mind she is thinking, “Gee JESUS surely YOU can see there is work to be done and YOU either need to stop teaching or tell Mary to go help me. After all I am doing all of this for YOU and YOUR disciples!”

Martha wants JESUS to tell Mary to help her.
JESUS responds to Martha by calling her name twice, “Martha, Martha.” I can hear the tender voice of JESUS saying Martha’s name. I think the utterance of her name by JESUS alone calmed Martha down. She knew she had gotten JESUS’ attention. So she is listening.

Martha you are a wonderful host but you are trying to out do yourself. All that you are trying to do is not necessary. Martha you need to determine what is more important in life, making a big spread of food or feeding your soul. Martha you need to check your heart and your motives. Your sister has made that choice and she has chosen correctly.

We can reflect back to last week’s lesson when Paul tells the Philippians in Philippians 1:10 “determine what really matters.”

Sure food needed to be prepared and things needed to be done but in contrast of choosing between the good and the best, spending time with JESUS was the best choice. The physical would be gone in a few hours but the spiritual would last a lifetime.

It is easy for us to get so busy doing good things that we miss the best. We need to take time to ask our LORD to reveal to us if we are letting the good things we do rob us of the best.

Often it is our ego that gets in the way. We seek the praise of people and work very hard to get that praise through our many activities.

As JESUS looked at Martha and Mary, HE saw their hearts. Both wanted to listen to HIM teach but Martha also wanted to have everything just right. There is nothing wrong with wanting every thing just right but be careful and not go overboard. Keep your priorities in order. Life is all about choices. We all have to make sure we do not get so busy that we do not have time to meet with our LORD to learn from HIM the great spiritual truths only HE can reveal.

Let’s read John 12:1-8:

1 Six days before the • Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus[1] Other mss read Lazarus who died was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for Him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of fragrant oil—pure and expensive nard—anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was about to betray Him), said, 5 “Why wasn’t this fragrant oil sold for 300 • denarii[2] This amount was about a year’s wages for a common worker. and given to the poor?” 6 He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it. 7 Jesus answered, “Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of My burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”

We fast forward to six (6) days before JESUS will be crucified. During the time between JESUS’ first visit to the home of Martha, Lazarus got sick and died. Word was sent to JESUS that Lazarus was sick. But JESUS delayed two (2) days before going to HIS friends. Lazarus was dead when JESUS arrived in Bethany. In fact Lazarus had been dead for four (4) days when JESUS arrived. Lazarus being dead for four (4) days was important. The Jews believed that when a person died their soul stayed close to the body for three days. The FATHER instructed JESUS to wait because the disciples, Martha, Mary and many Jews needed to know that JESUS is the resurrection and the life and has the power over death. (John Chapter 11gives the account of this story.)

JESUS raised Lazarus from the dead. Both JESUS and Lazarus became very popular.

Martha has a dinner party in celebration of JESUS raising Lazarus from the dead. She is working away as usual. Lazarus is reclining at the table with JESUS. Reclining was the usual manner in which they ate. They would recline on a mat on the floor, leaning on their side with their feet sticking out away from the table. This would make the feet of JESUS available for Mary to anoint.

Mary, we think with Martha’s approval, takes a flask of very expensive perfume called “Nard” and anoints the feet of JESUS.
Mary then wipes HIS feet using her hair.

Nard was imported from India and came from the roots of the nard plant. The pure oil was placed in an alabaster flask and sealed. You had to break the neck of the flask to open it. Nard was not a household oil but has generally used in the preparation of a dead body. It was expensive as we learn from the scripture. In fact the roughly 12 ounces in the flask or one (1) pound that Mary used to anoint JESUS’ feet was about a years wage for a servant.

Mary wipes JESUS’ feet with her hair. This shows her love and devotion to JESUS. A woman would never let her hair down in public. If she did it sent a message that she was an immoral woman. In this case Mary expressed her deep love for CHRIST by letting her hair down and stooping to a servant’s position to wipe HIS feet using her hair. (A servant would not use their hair to wipe a person’s feet. But the job of washing a person’s feet was the job of a servant.)

Then we see that no expression of gratitude goes unnoticed some approving and some disapproving. There is often a party pooper in every crowd. Judas has to throw cold water on a very tender moment of Mary expressing her gratitude to JESUS.

We see the heart of Judas. He has a greedy and selfish heart. He is also a thief.

JESUS comes to the rescue of Mary and puts her expression of gratitude into perspective. Mary is preparing ME for MY burial. JESUS in essence is saying keep your priorities straight. It is important to care for the poor but there is a time you need to focus upon the best and Mary is doing that. In fact this moment will be remembered down through the ages.

JESUS looks upon the heart of each person. HE knows our intent. Martha had a good heart but she let things get into the way of doing the best. She wanted to be with JESUS but she also knew things had to get done. She let the physical things of life take priority over the spiritual. Mary had a heart that wanted to be with JESUS every moment she could. She wanted to listen and learn. Judas had a deceitful heart.

So what can we learn from this lesson. We know we have to do certain things. It is a fact of life. I think the key is that we must balance the things in life. We can get so busy doing that we neglect our spiritual time. We can devote ourselves to all spiritual time and neglect the physical.

We need to pray and ask the LORD to help us have such a relationship with HIM that HE will focus our life so that we accomplish the best of both the physical and the spiritual needs in our life. The right relationship with CHRIST will result in the proper balance in our life between the physical things we have to do and our spiritual growth.

Lydia: Willing Service - Acts 16 & Philippians 1:1-11 - May 21, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Lydia: Willing Service – May 21, 2006

This is lesson three (3) in our series, “Godly Women of Devotion.”

Background and focus scripture: Acts 16:11-15, 40; Philippians 1:1-11. (Acts 16:16-40 at the end of the lesson for background.)

Lydia is a well known lady among Christians. She is a business woman who has done very well for herself and shares her wealth. She is a seller of purple dyes and cloth. She is a Gentile and comes from the area known as Lydia which we know today as Turkey. Lydia is likely not her personal name. Some Bible scholars have speculated that her personal name is either Euodia or Syntyche (Philippians 4:2).

Lydia is from the city of Thyatira (thigh-uh-TIE-ruh). Thyatira had water which was especially suitable for achieving a brilliant and permanent color to the cloth when it is dyed.

Paul refers to Lydia as a “worshiper of GOD.” Such a reference usually meant that she was a Proselyte to Judaism.

Lydia had traveled a long way from home to sell her products in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia which is mountainous country north of Greece. Thyatira is located about 250 miles southeast of Philippi.

Our study will feature Lydia with a focus on the first church she helped establish in Europe (Philippi) and the church’s partnership with Paul. Paul uses a word “koinonia” which means fellowship or partnership. We need to have "Koinonia" in our churches today as a part of our nature as Christians in the body of CHRIST. The concept of koinonia is the church functions as a body. Our body is made up of many parts, yet we function as one. If we hit our finger with a hammer then our entire body responds to the pain. Often, when a fellow Christian experiences a problem, we are quick to criticize. Our response should be to go to the aid of, pray with, stand along side, as the LORD directs. Equally when there is good news, the entire body feels the joy. Our physical body functions so that every part of the body functions in the best interest of the entire body.

Let’s read Acts 16:6-10: Paul, Timothy, Silas and Doctor Luke Guided to Europe.
Evangelization of Europe
6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in the province of • Asia. 7 When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, bypassing Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 During the night a vision appeared to Paul: a Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 After he had seen the vision, we[2] The use of we in this passage probably indicates that the author Luke is joining Paul’s missionary team here. immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to evangelize them.

GOD changes Paul’s direction and sends the team to Macedonia.

This is why we must have an intimate, trusting relationship with CHRIST. When HE speaks through the HOLY SPIRIT, how we respond depends upon the relationship we have with CHRIST - confident, trusting, doubtful, questioning, reluctant, obedient or any number of other responses depend upon what we know about CHRIST through our relationship with HIM.

Paul does not hesitate and is obedient and sets out for Macedonia.

Let’s read Acts 16:11-16:
Lydia’s Conversion
11 Then, setting sail from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, the next day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, a Roman colony, which is a leading city of that district of Macedonia. We stayed in that city for a number of days. 13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate by the river, where we thought there was a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women gathered there. 14 A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was spoken by Paul. 15 After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Paul and his team (Silas, Timothy and Luke) are led via Samothrace (SAM-uh-thrays), Neapolis (nee-AP-oh-lus) and a ten (10) mile walk along an east-west highway called Via Egnatia to Philippi. Philippi mined copper and gold and it came under Roman rule in 168 BC.

They arrived in Philippi a few days before the Sabbath. Paul’s routine was when he arrived in a city; he looked for the local synagogue to preach the gospel. In order for an area to have a synagogue, there needed to be at least ten (10) Jewish male heads of households. Philippi was a popular retirement city for those who had served in the Roman Army.

We see from our scripture Philippi does not have a synagogue but Paul learns there is a group of women meeting down by the river. No men but women. Lydia is one of those women, “who worshipped GOD.” As stated earlier, this meant she was a Jewish Proselyte. She and the other women were seeking GOD. GOD promises that all who seek HIM will find HIM. GOD changed Paul’s direction to reveal JESUS to these ladies.
We learn that Lydia is a business woman from Thyatira who deals in purple cloth. Paul presents CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT reveals CHRIST to her. She asks JESUS into her heart and HE comes into her life in a mighty way. Not only does she accept CHRIST but she made sure all her household was presented the gospel of CHRIST. Lydia being an astute business woman knew the real thing when she saw it or heard it. She had been searching for GOD and she knew she had found HIM in JESUS. She immediately wanted all the people around her to know about this great find. Lydia and her household were baptized.

Lydia was a woman of means and she shared her means with others. In verse 15, we see that she invited Paul and his team to stay with her in her house. This meant she had a house large enough to accommodate the group and enough personnel to take care of them. It seems Paul may have been a little hesitant at first but Lydia knew how to get a decision. She may have thought for a brief moment that her being a Gentile, just maybe Paul did not want to come to her house.

I think this is priceless, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” End of discussion! Paul and team stayed with Lydia. This became the first church in Europe.

Much happens to Paul and his team during their stay in Philippi.
v Lydia becomes a Christian and establishes the first church in her home in Philippi.
v Paul encounters a slave girl whose masters were using her to make a profit from her because of an evil spirit within her. Paul delivers her from the evil spirit which upsets the girl’s masters because he destroyed their business but saved a young lady.
v As a result of casting the evil spirit out of the girl Paul and Silas are arrested and thrown into jail. Here is the first time we hear the tune “Jail House Rock.” Paul and Silas are in jail singing and then there is an earthquake. Paul’s and Silas’s shackles are released but they remain in jail. Their action result in the salvation of the jailer and his household.
v The city officials are embarrassed when they find out Paul and Silas are Roman citizens.
v Once they are released from jail they go to Lydia’s house where the church members have gathered.

The scripture, Acts 16: 16-40, captures these events and is copied at the end of this lesson.

Let’s read Acts 16:40 and Philippians 1:3-8:

40 After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and departed.

Philippians 1:3-8:

Introduction or Greeting as Paul begins his letter to the Church at Philippi.
1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,[1] Ac 16:12–40; 20:3–6 including the • overseers and deacons. 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,[2] Or for your every remembrance of me 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you[3] Or work among you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart,[4] Or because you have me in your heart and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I deeply miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Once Paul and Silas leave jail, they go to Lydia’s house. The fact that Luke mentions the brethren are there indicates that Lydia has established a church in her house. I am sure Paul tells them how GOD is so awesome. That through the circumstances they had encountered, GOD increased the number of believer’s in Philippi through their arrest and being thrown into jail. As a result a jailer and his household are now believer’s and will be joining the newly formed church. Paul’s story had to give courage to the new believer’s to go and tell the good news of JESUS.
Paul and the team leave Philippi. Paul maintains contact with the church at Philippi. In about ten (10) years Paul, while under house arrest in Rome, writes his letter to the Philippians.

Paul gives his greeting and we learn that the church has matured in CHRIST. Paul addresses the letter to all the saints including the overseers (Officers in the Church or Elders) and deacons (servants or those who serve). The church Lydia helped to establish is still going strong ten (10) years later and has been a consistent partner with Paul throughout these years.

Paul loves this church and its people because they have been faithful to CHRIST as expressed in their partnering with him from the first day he met them until now, ten (10) years later. It has been a joy to Paul to watch them grow and mature spiritually and he keeps them in his prayers.

There is much joy when you see an individual or a group of people who have accepted CHRIST as their SAVIOR grow, mature and live a consistent Christian life. Paul is saying every time you enter my mind, I think of you and pray for you.
Once we accept CHRIST as our SAVIOR and allow HIM to direct our lives, we are on a spiritual journey. When we were born our parents did not take us home, throw us in the crib, tells us that the milk was in the refrigerator, and the diapers were in the closet. NO! They had to care for us and nurture us until we grew and became self-sufficient.
The same is true once we are born into the family of GOD. It is a spiritual journey, a process of growth and maturing in CHRIST. It is all about relationship - Spending quality time with our FATHER through JESUS, read and study HIS word, talk to GOD through prayer, fellowship with Christians, serve as HE leads us to serve, build a healthy confidence in HIM by serving HIM and much more. Think of all the investment that has been made in us by those who loved and cared for us in order for us to be able to relate to this world in a healthy, productive manner.

As our life was shaped by the things, people and circumstances in our physical lives, so are our spiritual lives shaped. If we have been under sound teaching and know GOD through a healthy relationship with HIM through the enlightenment of the HOLY SPIRIT, then we grow and mature spiritually in a healthy manner. If we have been exposed or decide on our own what GOD is and isn’t, then we could have an unhealthy relationship with GOD.

We need to ask GOD to reveal to us our spiritual condition and to show us what needs to be changed in our lives to have a genuine, healthy, loving, intimate relationship with HIM.

The process of salvation involves justification, sanctification and glorification through GRACE. The final act of salvation is when we are fully redeemed and receive our glorified bodies.

Paul tells his friends that he misses them and they are partners with him in all that he is doing for CHRIST.
CHRIST tells us that even a cup of cold water will not go unnoticed when we serve him. When we support others in their calling to serve CHRIST, we also enter into a partnership with them and are in essence working along with them. Giving is important but it not a substitute for us getting involved as lead by the HOLY SPIRIT. Priorities are important and Paul addresses priorities as we continue.

Let’s read Philippians 1:9-11:

9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in[5] Or until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that [comes]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Paul is telling them not to loose their first love. Keep their eyes upon JESUS, continue to grow in knowledge and discernment so that they will have a purpose driven life and a purpose driven church focused upon the things that really matter.

We as Christians think that being busy equates to our Christian growth or spirituality. Often we are so busy, we neglect quality time with our LORD to build and maintain our relationship with HIM. Paul makes it clear to the Philippians, “Who you are in CHRIST is what really matters. Stay focused upon your relationship with CHRIST. Stay grafted in CHRIST, WHO is the vine, so that you will be a healthy branch manifesting the fruit of the SPIRIT, in your lives, as you obey the call of CHRIST to serve HIM. JESUS said “Apart from ME, you can do nothing.””

What really matters to you and to me? Are we overloaded doing the good things that we miss out on doing the best?

Ask the HOLY SPIRIT to review the priorities in our lives and to help us focus on that which really matters.

Acts 16:16-40:
Paul and Silas in Prison
16 Once, as we were on our way to prayer, a slave girl met us who had a spirit of prediction[3] Or a spirit by which she predicted the future and made a large profit for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 As she followed Paul and us she cried out, “These men are the slaves of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you[4] Other mss read us the way of salvation.” 18 And she did this for many days. But Paul was greatly aggravated, and turning to the spirit, said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out right away.[5] Lit out this hour 19 When her owners saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. 20 And bringing them before the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are seriously disturbing our city. They are Jews, 21 and are promoting customs that are not legal for us as Romans to adopt or practice.” 22 Then the mob joined in the attack against them, and the chief magistrates stripped off their clothes and ordered them to be beaten with rods. 23 After they had inflicted many blows on them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to keep them securely guarded. 24 Receiving such an order, he put them into the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks.

A Midnight Deliverance
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison open, he drew his sword and was going to kill himself, since he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Don’t harm yourself, because all of us are here!” 29 Then the jailer[6] Lit Then he called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he escorted them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the message of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house. 33 He took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized. 34 He brought them up into his house, set a meal before them, and rejoiced because he had believed God with his entire household.

An Official Apology
35 When daylight came, the chief magistrates sent the police to say, “Release those men!” 36 The jailer reported these words to Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released. So come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They beat us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now are they going to smuggle us out secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out!” 38 Then the police reported these words to the magistrates. And they were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas[7] Lit heard they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them, and escorting them out, they urged them to leave town. 40 After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and departed.

Hannah: Determined Devotion - 1 Samuel 1-2 - May 14, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Hannah: Determined Devotion – May 14, 2006

This is lesson two (2) in our series, “Godly Women of Devotion.”

Our background scripture is 1 Samuel 1-2

Our focus scripture is 1 Samuel 1:1-2, 6-7, 10-13, 15-18, 20, 27-2:2 (I am using 1 Samuel 1:1-28; 2:1-2)

It is amazing to me what the LORD revealed about this scripture. My prayer is that the HOLY SPIRIT will enlighten each one of you as we explore the hand of GOD at work in the life of Hannah. HIS work in Hannah’s life can give us a glimpse into HIS work in our life or the lives of others. We do not discover GOD’S work through our intellect but GOD reveals HIS work to us.

Last week we studied Ruth and saw how the right choice in her life produced an eternal blessing through her ancestry, JESUS. In this week’s lesson we see that Hannah has a choice. She wants a child and she chooses to go to GOD in prayer and ask HIM for a son. She chooses to make a vow with GOD if HE will grant her a son she will give him back to GOD to serve HIM all of his life. GOD knows Hannah’s heart and knows she means what she says.

Many of us make promises to GOD under certain circumstances, only to forget about our promise when we get what we want.

I recall the story of a man flying on an airplane in a severe thunder storm. The man promised GOD if HE would get him safely back onto the ground, he would give HIM half of his wealth. A priest happened to overhear the man make the promise. When the plane landed safely and as they were getting off the plane, the priest came over to the man and told him that he hoped he would make good on his promise to GOD. Oh, the man replied, “I made GOD an even better deal. I told HIM if I ever got back onto another plane, I would give all my wealth to HIM.” We tend to deal with GOD. Hannah made good on her promise to GOD.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:1-6:

1 There was a man from Ramathaim-zophim (ray-muh-thay-im-ZOR-fim) in[1] Or from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim (EE-fra-ihm).[2] Jos 17:14–18 His name was Elkanah (el-KAY-nuh) son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives, the first named Hannah and the second Peninnah (pih-NIN-uh). Peninnah had children, but Hannah was childless. 3 This man would go up from his town every year to worship and to sacrifice[3] Ex 23:14–17 to the Lord of • Hosts at Shiloh,[4] Jos 18:1 where Eli’s two sons, Hophni (HAHF-nigh) and Phinehas (FIN-ih-huhs), were the Lord’s priests. 4 Whenever Elkanah offered a sacrifice, he always gave portions of the meat[5] Dt 12:17–18 to his wife Peninnah and to each of her sons and daughters. 5 But he gave a double[6] Or gave only one; Hb obscure portion to Hannah, for he loved her even though the Lord had kept her from conceiving. 6 Her rival would taunt her severely just to provoke her, because the Lord had kept Hannah from conceiving. 7 Whenever she went up to the Lord’s house, her rival taunted her in this way every year. Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why are you troubled? Am I not better to you than 10 sons?”

The LORD is going to let us see HIS hand at work in the life of Hannah. Hannah means “gracious” or “graciousness.” Hannah is a very determined woman.

The situation is Hannah is wife number one (1) of Elkanah (el-KAY-nuh) and they are childless.

Wife number two (2) is Peninnah (pih-NIN-uh) of Elkanah and she and Elkanah had children both sons and daughters.

Children were considered a blessing from GOD and for a woman to be childless was traumatic for her. On top of the stigma of not having a child, Hannah was ridiculed by wife number 2, Peninnah, for being childless. Since, Peninnah can have children by Elkanah, Hannah knows being childless rests with her. Talk about pressure, that is pressure! No wonder poor Hannah could not conceive.

Elkanah worships GOD and once a year took his entire family to worship GOD in Shiloh. This was the first permanent location of the Tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.

Judge/Priest Eli was the Priest in charge at Shiloh along with his two (2) sons. Eli was a faithful man to GOD but he was a poor father. His two (2) sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were doing evil. The sons were sleeping with the women who came to the Tabernacle to worship. They also took the meat which was to be offered as a sacrifice to GOD, before it was dedicated. This situation with Eli and his two (2) sons is important and fits into GOD’S plan for Hannah.

Elkanah loved Hannah. After the sacrifice is made a portion of the meat is available for the worshipers to eat. Elkanah gave a portion of the meat to Peninnah and her children and a double portion of meat to Hannah. Can’t you hear Peninnah mouthing off, “Sure Elkanah give Hannah a double portion because she needs something to help her get pregnant!” Peninnah taunted Hannah to the point Hannah is in tears and cannot eat.

Elkanah tells Hannah he is better to her than ten (10) sons. The ideal Jewish family is either seven (7) or (10) sons. It would have been better if Elkanah had told Hannah that she was better to him than ten (10) sons.

Also, another possible point fueling Peninnah’s taunting of Hannah could be that Elkanah spent more alone time with Hannah in an effort to get her to conceive, than he did with Peninnah.

So we see the situation, it is not good and very frustrating to both women and especially to Hannah.

My original thought was that Hannah was so uptight she could not get pregnant. So I questioned if it was GOD not allowing her to conceive or her attitude. The LORD revealed it was HIM. Hannah being uptight may have been the way GOD used to keep Hannah from conceiving until everything was in place for Hannah to conceive. It was GOD that closed her womb until the exact time she was to conceive. We will explore this further later on.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:9-18:

9 Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh.[7] LXX adds and presented herself before the Lord Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s tabernacle. 10 Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears. 11 Making a vow, she pleaded, “Lord of Hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son,[8] Lit a seed of men I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.”[9] Lit and no razor will go up on his head [10] Nm 6:5; Jdg 13:5; 16:7 12 While she was praying in the Lord’s presence, Eli watched her lips. 13 Hannah was speaking to herself,[11] Lit to her heart and although her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and scolded her, “How long are you going to be drunk? Get rid of your wine!” 15 “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven’t had any wine or beer; I’ve been pouring out my heart before the Lord. 16 Don’t think of me as a wicked woman;[12] 1 Sm 2:12 I’ve been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment.” 17 Eli responded, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you’ve requested from Him.” 18 “May your servant find favor with you,” she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer appeared downcast.[13] Lit and her face was not to her again

Elkanah and all his family are in Shiloh worshiping. Poor Hannah is distraught. She cannot eat and gets up from the table and goes to pray. The Priest Eli is sitting at the entrance to the Tabernacle. Hannah is pouring her heart out to the LORD in prayer.

Hannah is a faithful, Godly woman and she is the only woman mentioned in scripture to go to the Tabernacle to seek GOD. She is the only woman in the Old Testament whose prayer is recorded, to make a vow and use the covenant name of Yahweh as much. She uses a term in her prayer that has not been used in the Bible up to this time. She refers to the LORD as the “LORD of Hosts” which means Army or Almighty. She viewed GOD as being able to do anything and she was petitioning HIM for a miracle. She wants GOD to give her a son and if so, she will give that son back to HIM. Hannah has strong faith in GOD.

In Jewish tradition, the first born son is dedicated to GOD but the child remains at home. It was more of a formality. Hannah said if GOD would give her a son, she would allow her son to be raised by the Priests and be totally committed to GOD. She would see to it that he never cut his hair, which is part of the Nazirite vow.
Now we see the reason GOD closed the womb of Hannah. It was closed until she was willing to give the child to GOD. GOD had a plan to shape the future of the Nation of Israel through her child. Eli’s sons were evil and did not qualify to do GOD’S work. GOD had a plan to replace them with the child born to Hannah and Elkanah. GOD wanted Eli to raise the child and teach him.

As Hannah prayed Eli could not hear her words, which is important to remember but he can see her lips move. So Eli knows she is saying something.
Now flash back, Eli’s sons were known to consort with the women coming to the Tabernacle. Eli knew there was consumption of alcohol by his sons and the women visiting the Tabernacle. So Eli’s conclusion could have been, this woman has been mingling with my sons and is drunk. Eli tells her so. To the horror of Hannah, she says NO, you are mistaken. This accusation breaks Hannah’s heart. She knows what Eli is thinking and she sets him straight that she is not a wicked woman. Eli realizes Hannah is not drunk and has not done what he had originally thought. I think he is somewhat taken back by his presumption. Her remarks certainly got Eli’s attention. Remember Eli does not know what Hannah has prayed and asked of the LORD. I think Eli feels embarrassed that he wrongly accused Hannah and concludes she is a faithful woman. And whatever she has asked of the LORD was very important to her, so he joins with her, asking GOD to grant her request.

This confirmation by Eli is exactly what she needs to hear. Now, she does not know that Eli did not hear what she had asked of the LORD. Did she assume that Eli had heard and joined in with her to petition GOD to grant her a son? We do not know, but we do know when she left the Tabernacle her burden was lifted and she had a new, confident outlook on life. Hannah leaves making a statement to Eli, “May your servant find favor with you.” I think she is saying, in due time you will see that GOD will vindicate me by granting me a son. You will see me again when GOD answers my prayer, I bring my son back to you to fulfill the vow I made to GOD. Eli did not know what she had requested of GOD but in time he would know.
This is somewhat of a second chance for Eli to be the kind of father he should have been to his two (2) sons.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:19-28:

Samuel’s Birth and Dedication

19 The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow and to worship the Lord. Afterwards, they returned home to Ramah. Then Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her.[14] 1 Sm 1:11; Gn 8:1; 30:22 20 After some time,[15] Lit In the turning of the days Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel,[16] Possibly a wordplay for requested from God because [she said]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , “I requested him from the Lord.” 21 When Elkanah and all his household went up to make the annual sacrifice and his vow offering to the Lord, 22 Hannah did not go and explained to her husband, “After the child is weaned, I’ll take him to appear in the Lord’s presence and to stay there permanently.” 23 Her husband Elkanah replied, “Do what you think is best,[17] Lit what is good in your eyes and stay here until you’ve weaned him. May the Lord confirm your[18] DSS, LXX, Syr; MT reads His word.”[19] Nm 30:13 So Hannah stayed there and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 When she had weaned him, she took him with her to Shiloh, as well as a three-year-old bull,[20] DSS, LXX, Syr; MT reads Shiloh with three bulls two and one-half gallons[21] Lit bull and an ephah of flour, and a jar of wine.[22] Nm 15:9–10 Though the boy was [still]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. young,[23] Lit And the youth was a youth she took him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull and brought the boy to Eli. 26 “Please, my lord,” she said, “as sure as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this boy, and since the Lord gave me what I asked Him for,[24] 1 Sm 1:17,20 28 I now give the boy to the Lord. For as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.”[25] 1 Sm 1:11 Then he[26] DSS read she; some Hb mss, Syr, Vg read they bowed and worshiped the Lord there.[27] LXX reads Then she left him there before the Lord

Elkanah and Hannah return home and she conceives. A son is born and Hannah names him Samuel. When Hannah weans Samuel who could have been between 3 and 5 years old, she took Samuel back to Shiloh. Elkanah is in agreement with her. Hannah takes Samuel to Eli and reminds him “I am the woman who stood beside you praying.” I am the woman you thought was drunk, do you remember? When we put our foot in our mouth, we always remember. I think GOD used that incident with Eli as a marker in Eli’s life so he would recall that moment without hesitation. Eli must have thought to himself, “You bet I remember and I will never forget it as long as I live.” That is exactly what GOD wanted him to do, to remember. This child Hannah was bringing to him was an answer to prayer. GOD’S hand was upon this child from the very beginning. So Eli had better pay close attention. Hannah is saying to Eli, this boy is the answer to my prayer, which you confirmed with me. I promised GOD if HE would give me a son, I would give him back to HIM. Eli knew she had been very passionate in her prayer and knew that GOD had answered her prayer. Now he knew what she had asked of the LORD.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 2:1-2:

Hannah’s Triumphant Prayer

1 Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord; my • horn is lifted up by the Lord.[1] Ps 75:4–5,10; 92:10 My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. 2 There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God.[2] 2 Sm 7:22; Ps 18:31

Compare the prayer of Hannah to the song of Mary, the mother of JESUS.

Luke 1:46-55:

46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of[21] Or soul magnifies the Lord,[22] 1 Sm 2:1–10 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48 because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His • slave. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 because the Mighty One[23] Ps 89:8; Zph 3:17 has done great things for me, and His name is holy. 50 His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him. 51 He has done a mighty deed with His arm; He has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; 52 He has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. 53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, mindful of His mercy,[24] Because He remembered His mercy; see Ps 98:3 55 just as He spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham and his descendants[25] Or offspring; lit seed forever.

Was Mary influenced by the prayer of Hannah, which was recorded about 1000 years earlier? Did the story of Hannah give Mary courage to be obedient to serve GOD, even as a pregnant young virgin? We do not know but both women were servants of the Most High, GOD Almighty, and the LORD of Hosts.

Hannah was vindicated by GOD and she rejoiced. GOD blesses Hannah and Elkanah with more children. But GOD needed Samuel to be dedicated to HIM to serve HIM as a priest.

Last week we studied about Ruth and Boaz being brought together by GOD to produce Obed, who produced Jesse, who produced David. David is the eighth son of Jesse.

GOD wanted Hannah and Elkanah to produce Samuel at the right time so he could be used by GOD to mark the end of the period of judges and to anoint the first two (2) kings of Israel, Saul and David.

Eli’s sons disqualified themselves from being GOD’S servants. GOD needed a person dedicated to serve HIM. Hannah had to be brought to the point that she would give her child to GOD. GOD had a plan, but needed a dedicated person HE could trust and rely upon to be obedient to HIM to carry out HIS plan. That person is Samuel, the last Judge of Israel.

Have you ever wondered why GOD seems to delay in the request we make of HIM? HIS timing is always perfect according to HIS plan. We must trust and wait upon the LORD.

When Hannah left the Tabernacle the day she poured out her heart to GOD, she was sure GOD had heard her and was willing to accept whatever answer GOD had for her. She knew GOD would answer, just not how or when HE would answer. She rested in that fact and returned home with a smile on her face and great confidence in her heart. GOD was in control. Hannah had an encounter with GOD. After the birth of Samuel Hannah birthed three (3) additional sons and two (2) daughters.

Ruth: Gracious Caring - Ruth 1; 2; 4 - May 7, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Ruth: Gracious Caring – May 7, 2006

This begins a new series of study, “Godly Women of Devotion.”

May 7 – Ruth: Gracious Caring – The Book of Ruth

May 14 – Hannah: Determined Devotion – 1 Samuel

May 21 – Lydia: Willing Service – Acts and Philippians

May 28 – Mary (Sister of Martha and Lazarus) – Luke and John

Our scripture is Ruth 1:15-18; 2:2-7, 10-12; 4:13-17.

Let’s examine the book of Ruth from a broad view. When I saw this study I asked the LORD to reveal to me what HE wanted us to see in the study of Ruth. Well HE did. It is a foreshadow of JESUS as our redeemer.

First let’s look at the structure of the Book of Ruth.

1. Ruth’s Decision to remain with Naomi. Ruth 1:1-18
2. Ruth’s Devotion to care for Naomi. Ruth 1:19-2:23
3. Ruth’s Request for redemption by Boaz. Ruth 3:1-18
4. Ruth’s Reward of redemption by Boaz. Ruth 4:1-22

First we are not sure of the earthly author of the Book of Ruth. It is believed that the Prophet Samuel may have written it. It was written about 990 BC after David the great-grandson of Ruth was King of Judah.

Ruth’s life is an example of the care and providence of GOD. Ruth was a vital part of GOD’S plan and purpose for the redemption of mankind. It is through her line and Boaz’s line that JESUS was born. GOD needed to get Ruth from the far country of Moab into the household of Boaz and give birth to Obed who would father Jesse, who in turn fathered David.
Ruth’s journey gives us a glimpse of salvation which would come through a future descendant, JESUS. Ruth was faced with decisions. She made the decision to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi and to be loyal to her. By doing so she had to renounce her heritage and embrace the GOD of Naomi and the culture of Naomi.

By being obedient to the care of Naomi, Ruth was led to a rewarding relationship with Boaz which resulted in an ancestry which would glorify GOD and redeem mankind through the birth, sinless life, death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. We have the opportunity to read about the journey of Ruth as GOD brings her to exactly where HE wants her to be. Little did she know what GOD had in store for her.

Our nature can be a help or a hindrance to us in serving our LORD. Orpah had to choose as well. She chose to stay where she was and to possibly return to the gods she had worshipped.

As we study Ruth’s journey keep this brief overview in mind and ask GOD to reveal to you the joy of seeing HIS hand at work in the life of Ruth. Think of Boaz as a foreshadow of JESUS. Boaz was Ruth's redeemer and JESUS is the redeemer of all mankind. JESUS is our redeemer and Boaz was Ruth’s redeemer. Boaz’s steps were ordered by GOD, as well as Ruth’s steps. Both had willing and caring hearts. GOD looks upon the heart.

Ruth is a Gentile and lives in the land of Moab. The name “Ruth” means “friendship.” Ruth certainly lived up to her name as we see captured in the beautiful statement in our first scripture, which is also used in many marriage ceremonies.

Let’s read Ruth 1:15-18:

15 Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.”
16 But Ruth replied: Do not persuade me to leave you or go back and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do this to me,[11] A solemn oath formula; 1 Sm 3:17; 2 Sm 3:9,35; 1 Kg 2:23; 2 Kg 6:31 and even more, if anything but death separates you and me. 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to persuade her.

We see determination and commitment. This is exactly what GOD wants us to do when we accept JESUS as our SAVIOR. It is a life long journey; wherever HE leads we will follow. Notice that Ruth fully embraces the GOD of Naomi, “Yahweh” and has confidence in HIM. Naomi must have been a GODLY woman to be an example to her daughter-in-law. Ruth had been raised worshipping wooden and stone images. The Moabites worshipped a number of gods but their main god is Chemosh (KEE-mahsh).

Naomi had followed her husband, Elimelech (ih-LIM-uh-lek) to Moab when a famine hit Judah. Some might view Elimelech’s decision to leave Judah as a lack of faith by not trusting GOD to take care of him and his family. There is no evidence that this is the case. However some Jews would interpret the fact that Elimelech and his two (2) sons died in a foreign land as a judgment from GOD. The fact that both sons married Moabite women was a sin against the Mosaic Law.

Since we know the rest of the story, it seems it was GOD’S plan to urge Elimelech to travel to Moab, since Ruth is vital to the ancestry of JESUS. It is also interesting that in the distant past, the Moabites had a connection with the Israelites because Moab was the son of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. However the Moabites did not worship the GOD of Abraham.

Elimelech and Naomi had two (2) sons, possibly twins. One son is named Mahlon (MA-lahn) which means “the sickly one” or “invalid” and he married Ruth. The other son is named Chilion (KIL-ih-ahn) which means “the pinning one” or “wasting away” and he married Orpah (AWR pah). The husband’s names were likely related to their condition at birth.
Imagine being married to a husband named “invalid” or “wasting away.” No comments. Don’t rename your husbands!

After living in Moab for about ten (10) years, Mahlon and Chilion died. Neither Ruth nor Orpah had children by either of Naomi’s sons. Naomi is a widow in a foreign land with nothing. Both daughters-in-law have a choice, stay in Moab or go to Israel with Naomi.

Orpah decides to remain in Moab. Naomi urges Ruth to stay with her sister-in-law. Ruth makes her decision to go with Naomi.

Ruth’s decision to commit herself to Naomi is:
v Voluntary
v Total
v Unconditional

Isn’t this the type of commitment a bride and groom make to each other? This is what GOD wants us to do when we commit our life to CHRIST. This is the commitment we make as a caregiver to our spouse, family member or friend.

Let’s read Ruth 2:2-7:

2 Ruth the Moabitess asked Naomi, “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone who allows me to?” Naomi answered her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So Ruth left and entered the field to gather [grain]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. behind the harvesters. She happened[3] Pr 16:33; 20:24 to be in the portion of land belonging to Boaz, who was from Elimelech’s family. 4 Later, when Boaz arrived from Bethlehem, he said to the harvesters, “The Lord be with you.” “The Lord bless you,” they replied. 5 Boaz asked his servant who was in charge of the harvesters, “Whose young woman is this?” 6 The servant answered, “She is the young Moabite woman who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab. 7 She asked, ‘Will you let me gather fallen grain among the bundles behind the harvesters?’ She came and has remained from early morning until now, except that she rested a little in the shelter.”[4] LXX reads until evening she has not stopped in the field; Vg reads now and she did not return to the house; Hb uncertain

They arrive at their destination. Guess where it is they have arrived? None other than Bethlehem. Bethlehem means “House of Bread” because they grew wheat and barley in that area. What do we know about Bethlehem? You got it, JESUS was born in Bethlehem. The Bread of Life was born in the “House of Bread.”

We see that Ruth asked Naomi to let her go into the fields to gather behind someone who allows her to gather the fallen grain behind her.

According to Mosaic Law found in Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22 and Deuteronomy 24:19, once the Israelites had gathered grain into their arms and it should fall to the ground, they could not pick it up again. The principle was for the land owner to show compassion to the poor, aliens, widows and orphans. Further, the field workers were not to harvest the corners of the fields leaving them for this unfortunate group of people. Not every land owner followed this law but most did, which reflected the character of the land owner.

Ruth, just by accident, chose the field of Boaz. No! GOD chose the field and directed Ruth to it. Did they know GOD’S plan? No.

Ruth’s journey began with her decision to leave Moab with Naomi. Often it is only in retrospect that we can see how GOD has guided our life to the point that HE wants us to be to serve HIM. As HIS children we are all on a journey and we may still be on a journey to where GOD’S wants us to be.

Naomi tried to talk Ruth out of going back to Israel with her but Ruth was persistent. Persistence pays off in prayer and in serving our LORD.

Notice the order. Boaz spots Ruth. He checks her out first through a servant he trusted, his foreman. Boaz wanted to determine her marital status. The foreman connects Ruth to Naomi his kin. So Ruth is family.

Verse 7 tells us that Ruth asks if she could follow behind the harvester. She did not just jump in and do it because the law said so. This tells a great deal about a person, even though one has the right to do something; it is always good to make sure you get permission. I think this impressed Boaz. She asked before she started to gather the dropped grain.

The foreman reports back to Boaz that she is no slacker, she is a hard worker. When we work, we are always to work as unto the LORD. It is the LORD we need to please not our boss. If we please the LORD, we will please the boss.

This is true with any relationship. When our relationship with our LORD is what it should be, all our other relationships will fall into proper place along with the proper attitude toward others.

One interesting fact about Boaz, “Do you know who Boaz’s mother is?” None other than, Rahab the harlot from Jericho. Rahab, a Gentile, had protected the Jewish spies who had come on a reconnaissance mission. (Joshua 2: 1-14 copied at the end of the lesson.)

So Boaz is the son of a prostitute who does well for himself. He is used by GOD in HIS plan to redeem mankind through his bloodline and his mother’s bloodline because both are ancestors of JESUS. How about that!

Boaz is a kind and honorable man. We see this in Ruth 2:6-9 as he goes to Ruth and tells her:

8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter.[5] Lit Haven‘t you heard, my daughter? Don’t go and gather [grain]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. in another field, and don’t leave this one, but stay here close to my young women. 9 See which field they are harvesting, and follow [them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. . Haven’t I ordered the young men not to touch you?[6] Either sexual or physical harassment When you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”

I think we see the budding of a romance! Some speculate that Boaz was an eligible rich bachelor, who had some age on him. Ruth was a younger, pretty female and there is speculation that Boaz did not think she would be interested in an older man.

What happens next?

Let’s read Ruth 2:10-12:

10 She bowed with her face to the ground and said to him, “Why are you so kind to notice me, although I am a foreigner?” 11 Boaz answered her, “Everything you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband’s death has been fully reported to me: [how]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. you left your father and mother, and the land of your birth, and [how]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. you came to a people you didn’t previously know. 12 May the Lord reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

Bowing was to show respect for Boaz. It was routine for people to bow before royalty. Ruth is very gracious toward Boaz for looking out for her. (The Bible tells us at the end of time every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD.)

Boaz reveals that he knew a lot about her, he had done his homework. He was very impressed that Ruth had committed herself to Naomi when she did not have to. He also learned she was a widow just like Naomi. Then Boaz asks that GOD bless her. This shows that Boaz recognized that she worshipped the GOD of Israel. Little did he know that her blessing from GOD would come from him. Isn’t GOD great! GOD is our refuge and strength, just keep on plugging along.

Let’s read Ruth 2:13-20:

14 At mealtime Boaz told her, “Come over here and have some bread and dip it in the vinegar sauce.” So she sat beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain. She ate and was satisfied and had [some]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. left over. 15 When she got up to gather [grain]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , Boaz ordered his young men, “Be sure to let her gather [grain]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. among the bundles, and don’t humiliate her. 16 Pull out [some]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. stalks from the bundles for her and leave [them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. for her to gather. Don’t rebuke her.” 17 So Ruth gathered [grain]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. in the field until evening. She beat out what she had gathered, and it was about 26 quarts[8] Lit about an ephah of barley. 18 She picked up [the grain]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. and went into the city, where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. Then she brought out what she had left over from her meal and gave [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to her. 19 Then her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you gather [barley]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. today, and where did you work? May [the Lord]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. bless the man who noticed you.” Ruth told her mother-in-law about the men she had worked [with]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. and said, “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz.” 20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the Lord, who has not forsaken his[9] Or His kindness to the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our • family redeemers.”

But there is another relative next in line before Boaz for Elimelech’s and Mahlon’s land and Ruth.

The Levirate Law means “husbands brother”. This law states, when a woman’s husband dies and the husband did not have an heir, then the widow could ask her husband’s brother to be as a husband to her to produce a male child to carry on the name of the deceased husband. If the widow’s husband did not have a brother then the next of kin would be a candidate to produce an heir with her. In the case of Ruth, her husband’s brother had died, so the next of kin was eligible to be called upon to be her “redeemer.”

Naomi has a plan to get Boaz interested in Ruth. Naomi is confident Boaz will know how to deal with the relative next in line eligible for Elimelech and Mahlon’s property and Ruth.

Boaz deals with the matter according to the Levirate Law. Boaz tells the next of kin that Elimelech and Mahlon’s land is for sale and asks if he wants to purchase it? Yes! Boaz then tells him that is fine but when you purchase the land you will also get Mahlon’s widow, the Moabite, for the purpose of producing an heir. The man refuses.

It has been speculated that the man already had land and possibly children. If he took Ruth as his wife he would be obligated to try to produce a child with her. Producing a child with Ruth would mean the child would share in the inheritance of the total estate of the man at his death. He did not want to take a chance of diluting the inheritance for his heirs by another woman. Did he already have other children? We do not know. All we know is that he declines the offer.

This refusal terminates his right as next of kin to “redeem” Ruth and paves the way for Boaz to “redeem” Ruth by her becoming his wife. Boaz had already made his intentions very clear to the next of kin that he would take Ruth as his wife if he gave up his right to her. Ruth 4:1-12 captures this event and is copied at the end of the lesson.

Notice the order and the steps taken. It was as the Levirate Law required and above board. What did Boaz see in Ruth?

Boaz knew Ruth’s heart! He knew her character! He fell head over heels in love with her. He knew she was loyal, faithful, caring, unselfish and a hard worker. The key is GOD had plans for their offspring to redeem mankind about 1,000 years later.

The way is clear for Boaz to take Ruth as his wife.

Let’s read Ruth 4:13-17:

13 Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he was intimate with her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name be famous in Israel. 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. Indeed, your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and took care of him. 17 The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed.[11] = Servant He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Life is never an accident when we are willing to serve GOD. HE orders our steps.

Romans 8:28-30:

28 We know that all things work together[16] Other mss read that God works together in all things for the good[17] The ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those He foreknew[18] From eternity God knew His people and entered into a personal relationship with them He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

Verse 28 – Things are not the driver in life but GOD is in all things working for good for those who love GOD. We all make mistakes and are accountable for those mistakes. But when we are GOD’S child and we love GOD, HE is working to make the best come from our life mistakes, messes and all.

Think for a minute about the Israelites. When GOD delivered them from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites walked with GOD, saw the miracles HE performed, got disgruntled with GOD, walked with GOD again, lost confidence in GOD, wandered in the wilderness for forty (40) years, then entered into the Promised Land, the place GOD wanted them forty (40) years earlier. Even Moses disobeyed GOD and struck the rock rather than speaking to the rock for water. GOD told Moses; sorry you will not enter the Promised Land because you disobeyed ME. I will let you see it but you will not go there. Sin has consequences.

Moses did go to heaven when he died, which is our eternal destination. In the meantime we can dwell in the Promised Land of experiencing the joy and power of the HOLY SPIRIT and GOD’S presence in our life.

Compare the Israelites journey to Ruth and her journey. She is faithful, obedient, humble, caring and willing to serve. Her steps were ordered by GOD and she arrived in the arms of her “redeemer”, Boaz, which produced JESUS, “The Redeemer” for all mankind.

Life is much the same way. We can kick and scream along our life’s journey, all the way to the place where GOD wants us to be to experience HIM. Or we can yield ourselves to HIM and be obedient and HE will direct our paths to the place HE wants us to be.

It is all about relationship. Do we love GOD and want to please HIM or do we struggle with GOD?

When we have a loving, intimate relationship with GOD, it produces the right relationship with others.

Naomi means “pleasant.” When Naomi returned to Bethlehem she said she had changed her name to Mara, which means “bitter.” Naomi was bitter toward GOD for the death of her husband, two (2) sons and no heir to carry on the family name. When Obed (means to serve) was born the women referred to her as Naomi. Her joy had been restored through the birth of Obed.

Joshua 2:1-14 - Spies Sent to Jericho
1 Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two men as spies from Acacia Grove,[1] Or from Shittim saying, “Go and scout the land, especially Jericho.” So they left, and they came to the house of a woman, a prostitute named Rahab, and stayed there. 2 The king of Jericho was told, “Look, some of the Israelite men have come here tonight to investigate the land.” 3 Then the king of Jericho sent [word]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they came to investigate the entire land.” 4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I didn’t know where they were from. 5 At nightfall, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I don’t know where they were going. Chase after them quickly, and you can catch up with them!” 6 But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had arranged on the roof. 7 The men pursued them along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they left to pursue them, the gate was shut.
The Promise to Rahab
8 Before the men fell asleep, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that dread of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you.[2] Or land panics at your approach 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the • Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt,[3] Ex 14:21–30 and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you • completely destroyed[4] Nm 21:23–30, 33–35; Dt 2:32–34; 3:1–3 across the Jordan. 11 When we heard this, we lost heart, and everyone’s courage failed[5] Lit and spirit no longer remained in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below. 12 Now please swear to me by the Lord that you will also show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you.[6] Lit to your father‘s house Give me a sure sign[7] Or a sign of truth 13 that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and save us from death.” 14 The men answered her, “[We will give]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. our lives for yours. If you don’t report our mission, we will show kindness and faithfulness to you when the Lord gives us the land.”
Ruth 4:1-12:
1 Boaz went to the • gate [of the town]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. [1] Ru 3:11 and sat down there. Soon, the family redeemer Boaz had spoken about[2] Ru 3:12 came by. Boaz called him by name and said, “Come[3] Lit Boaz said so-and-so come over here and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. 2 Then Boaz took 10 men of the city’s elders and said, “Sit here.” And they sat down. 3 He said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling a piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. 4 I thought I should inform you:[4] Lit should uncover your ear, saying Buy [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , do so. But if you do[5] Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr, Vg; other Hb mss read if he does not want to redeem [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , tell me, so that I will know, because there isn’t anyone other than you to redeem [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , and I am next after you.” “I want to redeem [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ,” he answered. 5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you will also acquire[6] Vg; MT reads Naomi and from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the deceased man, to perpetuate the man’s name on his property.”[7] Gn 38:6–11; Lv 25:23–34; Dt 25:5–10 6 The redeemer replied, “I can’t redeem [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. myself, or I will ruin my [own]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I can’t redeem it.” 7 At an earlier period in Israel, a man removed his sandal[8] Dt 25:9 and gave [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to the other party in order to make any matter [legally]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. binding concerning the right of redemption or the exchange of property. This was [the method of]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. legally binding a transaction in Israel. 8 So the redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy back [the property]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. yourself.” 9 Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi everything that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. 10 I will also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to perpetuate the deceased man’s name on his property,[9] Ru 4:5 so that his name will not disappear among his relatives or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.” 11 The elders and all the people who were at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is entering your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built the house of Israel. May you be powerful in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem. 12 May your house become like the house of Perez, the son Tamar bore to Judah,[10] Gn 38 because of the offspring the Lord will give you by this young woman.”

Ruth’s Journey Moab to Bethlehem/Boaz

v Ruth’s Decision to remain with Naomi. Ruth 1:1-18
v Ruth’s Devotion to care for Naomi. Ruth 1:19-2:23
v Ruth’s Request for redemption by Boaz. Ruth 3:1-18
v Ruth’s Reward of redemption by Boaz. Ruth 4:1-22

GOD’S Deliverance of the Israelites From Slavery in Egypt and Their Journey From Egypt to the Promised Land (A Foreshadow of Salvation Through JESUS).


GOD’S Deliverance of Ruth from Moab and Her gods to Her Redeemer Boaz (A Foreshadow of Salvation JESUS being our Redeemer).

All People Have A Journey To Salvation.
GOD Calls, The HOLY SPIRIT Works Within and Urges A Person To Accept CHRIST As Their SAVIOR and LORD. The Decision Is Still Ours To Make. Once We Accept CHRIST As Our SAVIOR We Are Still On A Journey Of Building A Relationship With Our LORD.

Getting to Know HIM In A More Loving, Intimate Way Is Our Choice.

As With Any Journey It Is A Step At A Time, Moment By Moment, Day By Day, Year By Year Until We Meet HIM Face To Face.

Then We Will Know HIM and Be Like HIM.