On this Mother’s Day, we turn to the book of Ruth and its beautiful story of redemption. To redeem means to free by the payment of a ransom—deliverance that assumes a desperate plight. In this story, we encounter both the stunning devotion of a woman to her mother-in-law and the greater reality of spiritual redemption that ultimately points us to Christ. Join us as we consider: 1) Naomi’s plight, 2) her redeemer, and 3) how this story speaks to us today.
The law is good. With this declaration of truth, Scripture shows us that God’s law was meant to bless us. But how does the law do this? At least in three ways as they emerge from this text: 1) protection from evil of the fallen world, 2) conviction for sin which leads us to salvation, and 3) sanctification of the believer unto their conformity to Christ. The law was designed to lead us to the Savior to save us and then to train us that we may be like Him in His love for God and love for man.
The burden that drove Paul to write First Timothy was the distractions that could steer the church away from God’s purpose for her, namely, the administration of God which is by faith, the love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Paul opens his letter with a strong appeal to his authority to ensure that Timothy understood the gravity of the issues at hand and that the church would receive Timothy’s leadership in this matter. In this passage, we find four strong encouragements to guide us away from the thousand termites that can eat away at our own walk with the Lord and the maturation of God’s church: 1) avoid speculative ideas, 2) understand our stewardship, 3) pursue godliness, and 4) exude holy love.
In a story like this, one would imagine this hero to be Ruth, who paid a high price to look after Naomi; but she isn’t. If not Ruth, then Boaz would seem to be it. After all, he is repeatedly called the redeemer, the go’el; but he isn’t. The redeemer is the seed, the ultimate David, the Lord Jesus.
The Lord gave the law for our blessing. It leads us to the Savior to save us, then to train us by revealing Christ in all His righteousness that we may like Him love God and love man.
The church in Ephesus was troubled with distractions. So Paul gave Timothy this charge to put an end to the foolish talk bombarding this church: command certain men not to teach strange doctrines derailing them from the purpose of God to sanctify and lead His people to holy love.
God cares for His people by providing faithful shepherds to lead and nurture His church. In Scripture, believers are described as sheep, and church leaders are called to shepherd the flock willingly, eagerly, and not for selfish gain. Their role is not to rule harshly, but to lead by godly example through love for God, obedience to His Word, and faithful living. This lesson reminds us that receiving shepherding care means humbly being part of Christ’s church, learning from faithful leaders, and ultimately looking to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, who will reward faithfulness when He returns.
God cares for His people by providing faithful shepherds to lead and nurture His church. In Scripture, believers are described as sheep, and church leaders are called to shepherd the flock willingly, eagerly, and not for selfish gain. Their role is not to rule harshly, but to lead by godly example through love for God, obedience to His Word, and faithful living. This lesson reminds us that receiving shepherding care means humbly being part of Christ’s church, learning from faithful leaders, and ultimately looking to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, who will reward faithfulness when He returns.
Suffering for Christ is not something strange, but something believers should expect in a fallen world. When Christians face persecution for the sake of righteousness, they are sharing in the sufferings of Christ and are called to rejoice, knowing they are blessed and that God’s Spirit rests upon them. Such trials test and strengthen genuine faith, producing endurance and proving our hope in Him. Rather than being ashamed, believers glorify God, entrust their souls to Him as the righteous Judge, and continue doing what is right. This lesson reminds us that Christians can and should rejoice even in persecution, trusting God’s purposes and His promised glory to come.
Have you ever had the same or similar thing happen to you twice? Today, we’re going to see how Israel experienced just this from God. And how they can remember it!
Have you ever performed a secret spy mission? It’s exciting. It’s dangerous. It’s risky. Today, we will learn about someone who helped in this secret spy mission and how this person ultimately helped God and His people of Israel.
Being a leader is an important job. Being God’s chosen leader for God’s chosen nation of Israel is probably an even bigger job. We’ve seen how God chose and uses Moses to lead Israel already. Now, we will being a new chapter. Let’s see how God choses and uses Joshua to be the new leader of Israel.
