2008-12-11 13:21:00
"Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth" (Matthew 1:5). "But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God'" (Ruth 1:16).
Early this week there was a deadly plane crash in San Diego. Although the pilot was able to eject from the aircraft safely the spiraling jet hit a residential area exploding into flames. In a matter of minutes Dong Yun Yoon lost his wife, two baby daughters, and his mother-in-law; his most precious treasures on this earth. In addition to his overwhelming loss, the home where he had built a family with much love and laughter is now but a rubble of ashes.
He is demonstrating remarkable faith in the midst of his personal devastation and has publicly stated that he doesn't blame the surviving pilot, realizing he did all he could. He expressed eternal confidence, "I believe my wife and two babies and mother-in-law are in heaven with God and I know God is taking care of them." Surrounded by his pastor, siblings, and church members his state of shock and perplexity is seen when he looked to them for direction, "Please tell me how to do it. I don't know what to do."
How does one go about completing a life puzzle with essential pieces that are permanently gone? In the present day our brother Dong Yoon who made his home in San Diego can feel the exact sentiment of Job who made his home in the land of Uz some 4000 years ago. One of the greatest expressions of faith is that which is expressed during times of great hurt and personal loss.
I consider Job's tremendous faith declaration; "I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:25). Today we have on our hearts those, like Dong Yun Yoon, who've had monumental loss. Some of our readers have been dealt a heavy blow to the midsection. The visible acute pain may be over but now you're dealing with the inner lingering turmoil; turmoil that occasionally has round table discussions with the lethal enemy of bitterness or its first cousin, indifference.
Today we look at the third woman mentioned in Matthew's genealogy of Christ which is Ruth (Matthew 1:5). Apart from the book that bears her name this is the only mention of her in the entire Bible. The book of Ruth could have been a narrative of two women, Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi, who fought bitterness. Instead it is a delightful account of the remnant of true faith and goodness. It is a picture of loyalty so esteemed by millions who have read the account that wedding ceremonies, past and present, are often built upon the theme of loyalty as seen in the person of Ruth.
Ruth is a Moabitess belonging to a people who were ancient enemies of the Israelites. The story is set in the time of the judges characterized by a period of religious and moral decadence. But the story of Ruth reflects a temporary time of peace between Israel and Moab, unlike the dark picture that otherwise accounts for the evil period of the judges. She had married an Israelite who earlier had moved to Moab with his family during a time of famine in their homeland. How many of you know his name?
In time Ruth's husband died and she became a widow, along with both her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. What deep heartache these three women surely experienced. Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Israel after the famine lifted. Ruth, with great courage and loyalty, insisted on going with her and thus the classic statement of faith in our daily text. "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."
Over time things went well for Ruth. She married an Israelite, Boaz, and bore a baby son who was a delight to her mother-in-law and a distant great-grandpa to Jesus.
Now Ruth had surely faced one of the greatest enemies of our spiritual progress. We are specifically told that Naomi had fought with bitterness (Ruth 1:20, 21). When we go through tough times we can grow bitter. It can eat at our spiritual life like a deadly cancer as we torment ourselves with questions like "Why me?", "It's not fair", etc.
But God takes our brokenness and builds a bridge of great compassion and comfort to those whose hearts are willing to trust Him. Today, remember the story of Naomi, this distant great-grandma to our Savior. Determine to overcome any trace of bitterness you may be dealing with by God's grace.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, it is in bitterness, revenge and self-pity that we become useless to others and toxic to ourselves. But through expressions of forgiveness and love we are granted inner strength and power beyond ourselves to move forward, and it is there that we find healing and restoration for our wounded souls. May we not live in the past or turn to our own destructive vices but find deliverance and victory through the enduring work of the Holy Spirit that brings comfort, conviction, and cleansing. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Amen.
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