7 Epiphany - Sunday

Isaiah 66:7-14,       Jerusalem restored
1 John 3:4-10,       God’s children     
John 10:7-16,       The good shepherd

Judah (the remnant of Israel) was in exile in Babylon when the Lord promised through Isaiah to restore Jerusalem. Jerusalem would be miraculously reborn by the Lord’s power without Judah’s perception of “pregnancy” and without Judah’s efforts and experience of “labor” and “pain.” Those who love Jerusalem and have mourned over her downfall will rejoice and enjoy her restoration. Jerusalem will again nurture and comfort her sons and daughters. The Lord will prosper her and cause the wealth of nations to flow to her like a flooding stream. The Lord will comfort his people in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child. Israel will see and rejoice and flourish, and it will be evident that the hand of the Lord is with his servants.

Every one who sins is guilty of lawlessness, because sin is disobedience of God’s laws. Jesus came to do away with sin, and he is sinless. So no one who abides in Jesus continues to abide in sin. Those who persist in sin have not seen or known Jesus. Don’t be deceived; Jesus is righteous and those who desire to be righteous must follow his example. Righteousness is in doing what is right according to God’s word. Those who continue deliberately in sin are children of Satan, because sin is Satan’s nature.

Jesus came into the world to destroy the works of Satan. No one who is truly born of God (“born-again” by his indwelling Holy Spirit; John 3:3, 5-8) continues to abide in sin because God’s nature abides in him and he cannot continue in sin because he is guided by God’s nature (1 John 3:9; compare 1 John 5:18). So we can tell who are children of God and who are children of Satan; those who do not live according to God’s word or do not love their brother are not born of God.

Jesus said that he is the door to God’s “sheepfold.” All other attempts to enter the “fold” are dishonest. God’s “sheep” do not heed “false shepherds.” Jesus is the door to God’s sheepfold. Those who enter by Jesus will be protected and spiritually nurtured. False shepherds come to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for the sheep and gives his life for them so that they will have abundant life.

The false shepherds are like hired people, who don’t care about the sheep; they’re just doing a job for what they can get out of it, personally. The hireling sees a wolf coming and he abandons the sheep and flees, because he cares only for himself. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he knows each one of his sheep, and his sheep know him in the same way that God the Father knows Jesus and Jesus knows the Father. Jesus has other “sheep” (beside the Jews; i.e. Gentiles). His sheep heed his voice, and they will be one flock with one shepherd.

The history of God’s dealings with Israel has been recorded for our instruction (1 Corinthians 10:11), so we can avoid making the same mistakes. God had lifted his favor and protection from Judah, the remnant of Israel, because Judah had repeatedly disobeyed God’s word, and had refused to listen to God’s prophets calling them to repentance. The Lord punished his people in order to bring them to repentance so that he could restore them to the Promised Land. Israel was “reborn” from exile and restored to the Promised Land by the hand of God.

The Lord had promised at the beginning of the exile to bring them back after seventy years in exile in Babylon, and God fulfilled that promise (Jeremiah 25:12). Seventy years was a virtual life sentence for those who were adults at the time of the deportation, so Israel was physically and spiritually reborn out of exile and restored to the Promised Land.

The exile in Babylon is also deliberately intended by God to be a metaphor and parable (an earthly event which teaches spiritual truth) for life in this world. In a sense we are all in exile in the “Babylon” of this world, because we’ve all sinned (disobeyed God’s word; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). Our lifetime in this world is to be used to seek and learn to be obedient to God (Acts 17:26-27).

Jesus is the “hand of God” who gives us “rebirth” through the gift of his Holy Spirit. Only Jesus can free us from Babylon and bring us back to the Promised Land of God’s eternal kingdom (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right), by the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit. Those who don’t learn to repent and turn to Jesus in obedient trust will die eternally in the “Babylon” of Hell.

Sin is disobedience of God’s word. Jesus came to provide forgiveness of our sins, and to make it possible for us to become obedient to God’s word through his indwelling Holy Spirit. If we trust and obey Jesus’ teachings, he will give us his Holy Spirit within us, who makes it possible for us to resist temptation and to live according to God’s word. Only Jesus gives the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Jesus is the fulfillment, embodiment and example of God’s word in human flesh (John 1:1-5, 14). Jesus shows us how to live in obedience to God’s word and provides the means to do so. Jesus is God’s only provision for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal condemnation and eternal death (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). Jesus is the only door into God’s eternal “sheepfold.” Those who belong to Jesus have come to know Jesus and God’s word personally, from the Bible and from the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. They won’t be deceived by “false shepherds.”  Jesus will protect and spiritually nourish and sustain his “flock” as they abide in Jesus. Jesus has given his life for his “flock” and we receive abundant, eternal life through him by his indwelling Holy Spirit.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

7 Epiphany - Monday

Ruth 1:1-14,       Ruth’s commitment to Naomi
2 Corinthians 1:1-11,       Thanksgiving to God
Matthew 5:1-12,       The Beatitudes

During the time Israel was governed by judges (after Joshua’s death, until the monarchy was established with Saul), there was a famine in Israel so a Jew from Bethlehem named Elimelech took his wife, Naomi, and his two sons, to live in the territory of Moab (east of the Jordan river at the southern part of the Dead Sea, whose people were considered enemies of Israel). Elimelech died in Moab. Naomi stayed in Moab with her two sons, who took Moabite wives named Orpah and Ruth, and then after ten years her two sons died also.

Naomi decided to return to Judah, because she had heard in Moab “that the Lord had visited his people (in Israel) and given them food” (Ruth 1:6). Her daughters-in-law prepared to go with her, but she urged them stay in the land of their people in Moab. Naomi wanted them to be able to remarry and have families, rather than staying widows with Naomi in Judah, so she released them and gave them her blessing although she was sad to be separated from them. Orpah returned to her people, but Ruth decided to stay with Naomi.

Paul was an apostle (one sent with a message; a missionary) of Jesus Christ by the will of God (Acts 9:10-16). Paul was writing to the church at Corinth (in Achaia, one of two Roman territories into which Greece was divided, and where Corinth was located). Paul greeted them in the grace and peace which are in God alone through Jesus Christ, praising God the Father of Jesus Christ and the God of consolation and mercy in Christ. God has mercy on us and consoles us in every affliction so that we may share his consolation and mercy with others. Those who share in the sufferings of Christ will share in his consolation also.

Disciples bear Christ’s suffering so that others, when they patiently endure suffering for the gospel, may experience the same consolation the disciples have received, and that is Paul’s fervent hope for the Corinthian Christians. Paul testified to the power and faithfulness of the Lord to deliver him from almost unbearable persecution in Asia (the Roman province in what is now western Turkey).

God allows his disciples to experience affliction so that they will learn that he is faithful and powerful to deliver and console his disciples, so that they grow in faith to be confident in future afflictions. Paul asked the Corinthians to help by praying for Paul, so that others will give thanks to God for God’s blessings to them in answer to prayer.  

The Beatitudes are the beginning of what is referred to as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:27), which is a synopsis of Jesus’ teaching. It is Jesus’ announcement of the coming Kingdom of God which Jesus came to accomplish. It is addressed to Jesus’ disciples.

The Beatitudes proclaim God’s favor to those who are committed to living within God’s reign. Blessed are those who recognize their spiritual “neediness;” God’s eternal kingdom is open to them. The Lord will comfort and strengthen those who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2). The meek will inherit the earth (Psalm 37:11). Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied (Isaiah 55:1-2; John 4:14; 6:48-51). The merciful will obtain mercy (Matthew 6:12). Those who are “pure in heart” (sincere; not divided in their loyalties) will see God. Those who earnestly work to make peace will be called sons of God. Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake will enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Those who are hated and persecuted for Jesus’ sake are blessed. Those who proclaim Jesus can expect persecution; the world has always persecuted those who proclaim God’s word. Those persecuted for Jesus’ sake can rejoice that they will receive great reward in Heaven.

Naomi and Ruth were both bereft of their loved ones. Ruth chose to remain with Naomi for their mutual consolation. Ruth chose to live among God’s people, and worship and serve the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16-17). Naomi put Ruth’s wellbeing ahead of her own. Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law was rewarded, and so was Naomi’s love of her daughter-in-law.

Naomi helped Ruth remarry to one of Naomi’s successful and wealthy relatives, and God blessed Ruth and gave her (and Naomi; Ruth 4:13-17) a son and heir. Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David (Matthew 1:5-6), “the man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22; Psalm 89:20), and the ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1, 16-17).

Jesus warns his disciples that those who proclaim Jesus will experience persecution. The world persecuted Jesus, and it will persecute Jesus’ disciples. Jesus promises that God will bless those who choose to live in obedience to God. God will console now, in this world, those who are persecuted for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and will give them their ultimate reward in his eternal kingdom.

Paul is the example of the fulfillment of God’s word. He was a faithful disciple and apostle, who willingly suffered persecution for the name and Gospel of Jesus (compare Acts 9:15-16). He testified that those who suffer persecution for the Gospel will experience God’s consolation now, so that we are able to console others who suffer for the sake of the Gospel, and we will receive eternal consolation in Heaven.

“Christians” who aren’t experiencing persecution (or even discomfort) from the world should examine themselves to see if they are faithfully and accurately proclaiming the scriptural, apostolic Gospel. “Christians” who aren’t encountering opposition to the Gospel are “doing something wrong.” Those who are well-thought-of by the world are in opposition to God. Disciples of Jesus must be willing to share Jesus’ suffering for the Gospel. If we want to share the eternal consolation of God in Heaven, we have to be willing to share in Christ’s suffering now in this present lifetime.

God uses suffering and persecution in this temporal lifetime to teach his disciples that he is able to comfort and reward those who are willing to suffer to enter into Christ’s mission to bring forgiveness and salvation from eternal condemnation to the world. I personally testify to that truth. I have experienced sorrow and disappointment for Jesus’ sake, and I have experienced the great consolation and faithfulness of the Lord to heal, restore and sustain me.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

7 Epiphany - Tuesday

Ruth 1:15-22, Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem
2 Corinthians 1:12-22,     Seal and guarantee of the Spirit
Matthew 5:13-20,     Testimony of the Disciples

Naomi tried to convince Ruth to change her mind for Ruth’s happiness and benefit, but Ruth had made up her mind. Ruth said, “Entreat me not 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; where you die I will die and there will I be buried” (Ruth 1:16-17 RSV). Ruth promised with an oath to keep her word. Naomi saw that Ruth had made her decision so they returned to Judah together. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem the barley harvest was beginning.

Paul was proud that he had conducted himself in the world and in the church with holiness and godly sincerity, not relying on worldly wisdom but instead on God’s grace. Paul wrote only what was necessary for the church to understand, so that, in the Day of the Lord their understanding would be complete and they would know the same pride for Paul as Paul had for them.

Paul had hoped to be able to visit the church at Corinth on his way to Macedonia and again on his return. Paul didn’t make plans, like worldly people, according to his whim (but rather by God’s guidance). Paul wasn’t vacillating (in his promise to visit them), nor is the Gospel of Jesus Christ which Paul and his associates preached wavering or uncertain. God is completely faithful. All of God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. “It is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

Matthew 5:1-7:28 is called The Sermon on the Mount. It represents a summary of the basic teachings of Jesus Christ, and it is addressed to his disciples (Matthew 5:1-2). Jesus’ disciples are to be the salt of the earth. In order to do that they must maintain the character of disciples (their “saltiness”); otherwise they will be useless. In the same way, disciples are called to be light.  A true disciple’s nature cannot be hidden, nor can a person be a disciple without producing light. Disciples are to produce the “light” they are intended to produce so that God may be glorified.

Jesus has not come to abolish God’s Law but to fulfill it. Those who teach and demonstrate laxity in obeying any of the commandments will be disgraced in Heaven, but those who obey and teach others to obey God’s commandments will be commended in Heaven. Jesus declared that unless his disciples’ righteousness exceeded that of the scribes (teachers of the Law) and Pharisees (a Jewish faction which advocated the strict observance of the Law) they would never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Naomi, an Israelite from Bethlehem, had been living in Moab (east of the Jordan River and at the southern area east of the Dead Sea). Her husband and two sons had died, and she was preparing to return to Bethlehem. One of her daughters-in-law chose to stay in Moab, but Ruth decided to go with her mother-in-law.

Naomi loved Ruth and wanted what was best for her. She wanted Ruth to stay among her own people and remarry, but Ruth vowed to stay with Naomi. Naomi’s people would become Ruth’s people and her God Ruth’s God. Ruth vowed that even death would not separate them (Ruth 1:17b RSV). Ruth vowed to die where Naomi died, and be buried there with Naomi. Ruth is an example of love and loyalty to God and God’s people that cannot be separated even by physical death, and is an illustration of the love of Christ.

Paul conducted himself with holiness and godly sincerity within the Church and in the world, so that he would not bring shame and reproach upon himself or the Church. Paul was not living according to worldly wisdom, but relying on God’s grace (unmerited favor). Paul was discipling the Corinthian Christians, teaching them what they needed to know to grow to spiritual maturity so that at the Day of the Lord (the Day of Judgment, at Christ’s return) they would have no cause to be ashamed of themselves or of Paul.

Paul had been accused of vacillation by his critics because he had planned to visit Corinth on his way to and from Macedonia, but then changed his plans. Paul wanted them to know that he wasn’t wavering and uncertain, and neither was the Gospel of Jesus Christ which he and his associates preached. Paul’s travel plans were not made by personal whim, but by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Paul trusted that God would establish Paul’s credibility with the Corinthian Christians and they would recognize that Paul’s commission was from God. It was God who had placed his seal (mark of approval) upon Paul by the indwelling Holy Spirit within Paul as a guarantee that Paul was the Lord’s apostle (messenger of the Gospel; God’s word).

Jesus’ disciples are to be “salt” and “light” in this world, and Jesus is the example we are to follow. Disciples must maintain their “saltiness,” living according to Jesus’ teachings, which distinguishes them from those who live according to worldly ways and worldly wisdom. If the world cannot see any difference from themselves in Jesus’ disciples, those disciples are worthless as witnesses to the Gospel. Jesus’ disciples are to be the light of righteousness and truth in the darkness of sin and error of this world, as Jesus taught and exemplified.

Jesus came into this world not to abolish God’s word but to fulfill it. Jesus is the Word of God in human flesh, the fulfillment, embodiment, and exemplification of God’s Word (John 1:1-5, 14). The Old Covenant of Law of Judaism was intended to teach what God wants, to demonstrate that we cannot achieve that apart from God’s help, and to restrain evil until the fulfillment of God’s promised Messiah (Christ, the Savior). 

Jesus came to reveal God’s nature, to become the only sacrifice acceptable to God, once and for all time and people, for the forgiveness of our sins (disobedience of God’s word; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right), and to make possible the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit within his disciples (John 16:7).

A Christian is a disciple of Jesus Christ who has been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit within Jesus’ disciples which purifies us and makes it possible for us to be obedient to God’s word. Only Jesus gives the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Born-again disciples are commissioned by Jesus to make disciples who obey Jesus’ teachings and are born-again by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:45-49; Acts 1:4-5, 8). Only by the Holy Spirit can we be “salt and light.” Only by the Holy Spirit can we testify to the truth of the Gospel. Only by the Holy Spirit can we make born-again disciples of Jesus Christ. The true nature of a “Christian” cannot be hidden. If one is born again, others, if they truly seek to know and do God’s will (John 7:17), will be able see that the disciple is guided by the Holy Spirit and speaks the word of God faithfully, accurately, and fully.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

7 Epiphany - Wednesday

Ruth 2:1-13,    Ruth gleans Boaz’s field
2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17,    Peddlers of the word
Matthew 5:21-26,      Higher righteousness

Ruth, woman of Moab (a nation southeast of the Dead Sea) , the widow of an Israelite son of Naomi, had returned to her Mother-in-law’s hometown of Bethlehem, at the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi had a wealthy kinsman named Boaz. Ruth asked Naomi’s permission to glean from the barley fields. (Jewish Law allowed the poor to glean what was left in the fields after the harvesters had done their work.) Naomi gave her assent. Ruth went, and happened to glean from the fields of Boaz. Boas had come from Bethlehem to his fields.

Boaz greeted his servants with the prayer that the Lord God would be with them, and they responded with the prayer that the Lord would bless Boaz. Boaz asked his overseer who Ruth was, and the overseer replied that she was a woman from Moab who came to Bethlehem with Boaz’ relative Naomi. The overseer told Boaz that she had asked permission to glean the field, and that she was a diligent and hard worker.

Boaz told Ruth to stay close to Boaz’s maidens who were gleaning his fields, so that Ruth would be protected. He told her that when she was thirsty to drink freely from water drawn by his servants.

Ruth knelt and bowed to Boaz, thanking him for the (unmerited, unexpected) kindness shown to a foreigner. Boaz replied that Ruth’s kindness to her widowed mother-in-law had been made known to Boaz; how Ruth had left her homeland and people to come with Naomi. Boaz prayed that the Lord would bless Ruth for what she had done for Naomi. Boaz prayed that the Lord would reward her for seeking refuge under the “wings” of the Lord God of Israel (compare Psalms 91:1-4). Ruth thanked Boaz for his graciousness and comforting, even though she was a foreigner, and not related to him by birth.
 
Paul told the Corinthian Christians that he had refrained from coming to them earlier to spare them from another “painful” visit. It was not that Paul considered himself so much better spiritually than they; Paul’s efforts were for their joy in standing firm in their faith. Paul didn’t want to cause pain to those who were his reason for joy. It was painful for Paul to write a severe letter, but it was done in love for them.

Those in the Corinthian congregation who had caused pain had hurt the Corinthian congregation, and realizing that should be punishment enough. Paul urged the church to forgive and comfort them and reaffirm their love. Paul had written the congregation hoping that their obedience would be confirmed. Paul declared that he had also forgiven the wayward members, and that forgiveness and reconciliation prevent opportunities for Satan to attack and divide the church.

Paul had an opportunity to preach the Gospel in Troas, but Paul was unable to pursue that opportunity because he was worried about Titus (a co-worker), and so Paul went instead to Macedonia. Paul thanked God that in Jesus Christ we are always triumphant (because he has already won the victory at the Cross).  Through his disciples he spreads the “incense” of the knowledge of the Lord everywhere.

We are the offering of incense of Christ to God among the lost and saved of this world. Christ is the fragrance of life to those who are being saved and transformed from physical life to eternal life, but the smell of death to those who are perishing, moving from physical death to eternal death. Paul recognized his human inadequacy for this ministry. “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word; but as men (people) of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17).

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:27) represents a summary of Jesus’ basic teachings. Jesus declared that he had come not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Jesus taught that righteousness is more than keeping the letter of the law. True righteousness is not merely refraining from murder, but from anger and insult, (which might lead to murder, and which kill love and brotherhood).

We will be accountable to God not only for actual murder but for anger and insult also. So if there is enmity between yourself and others, be reconciled with them before you try to approach the Lord. Jesus advises us to be reconciled with our accusers on the way to court, so that we might not be accused before the Judge, and condemned to prison, where there is no release until the penalty has been fully paid.  

Boaz was living in accordance with God’s word. He treated his servants with generosity and fairness, and he cared for and provided for the poor, and for the wellbeing of others.

Paul is another example of godly people who place the best interests of others before their own. Paul didn’t enjoy disciplining the Corinthians, but did so in their best interest. It isn’t loving to allow others to do what we know is spiritually damaging or fatal. Rebuking what is contrary to God’s word makes it possible for others to receive forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jesus taught his disciples to be agents of reconciliation; to proclaim God’s word so that others could receive reconciliation with God before the Day of Judgment. Unless we are reconciled with God through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ before the Day of Judgment, we will be condemned of sin (disobedience of God’s word; John 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10) and have to pay the penalty, which is eternal death (Romans 6:23).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

7 Epiphany - Thursday

Ruth 2:14-23,     The kindness of Boaz to Ruth
2 Corinthians 3:1-18,      The New Covenant
Matthew 5:27-37,      Jesus’ teaching on righteousness

Naomi, a Jewish widow, returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, a Moabite, from the land of Moab (southeast of the Dead Sea).The barley harvest was beginning when they arrived, and a wealthy relative of Naomi’s husband, named Boaz, had a barley field.

Ruth asked her mother-in-law’s permission to glean the barley left by the reapers, hoping to find favor among those overseeing the harvest, and Naomi allowed Ruth to do so. Ruth happened to glean the fields of Boaz. Boaz came out from Bethlehem to the field, and noticing Ruth, he asked his servants who she was. They told him that she was the Moabite maiden who returned with Naomi from Moab. They said she had asked permission to glean, and that she had been a hard worker.

At lunchtime, Boaz invited Ruth to share in the bread and wine and gave her parched grain to eat. She had enough to satisfy her hunger and some left over. When she returned to gleaning, Boaz told his servants to leave a little extra of the harvest for Ruth to glean, and not rebuke her. Ruth continued her gleaning until evening, and then threshed what she gathered. She had harvested more than one-half bushel of threshed barley.

Ruth returned to the city and showed her mother-in-law, Naomi, what she had gleaned, and also gave her the food left over from Ruth’s lunch. Naomi was impressed and asked Ruth whose field she had gleaned. When she learned it was Boaz’ field, Naomi invoked the Lord’s blessing on Boaz because he had not forsaken the living or the dead. She told Ruth that Boaz was a close relative of hers. Ruth told Naomi that Boaz had also protected Ruth from molestation by telling her to stay close to his servants, and Naomi was glad to hear of Boaz’ concern for Ruth’s safety. Ruth continued to glean in Boaz’ fields through the end of the barley and wheat harvests.

Paul does not need to commend himself or have others commend him to people. The Church at Corinth is his commendation from Christ, delivered by Paul, written upon their hearts by the Holy Spirit through the New Covenant [of Grace (unmerited favor) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Matthew 26:26-28; RSV, note g], rather than on the tablets of stone of the old covenant of law. Paul is confident of his commendation and vindication by God through Christ.

Paul doesn’t claim any adequacy of his own for his ministry of the New Covenant but relies entirely on God. The Old Covenant of written law kills (because it cannot free us from sin; it condemns us) but the new covenant gives life by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The old covenant brought a measure of splendor illustrated by the fading splendor of Moses’ face, but the new covenant brings a greater and eternal splendor, so that by comparison, the splendor of the old covenant seems like no splendor at all.

Because of that great hope, we can be very bold, not like Moses who hid the fading splendor in his face with a veil so that Israel would not see it fading. “But their minds were hardened; for to this day, when they read the old covenant (the Old Testament of the Bible) that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their minds; but when a [person] turns to the Lord the veil is removed” (2 Corinthians 3:14-16). The Lord is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:9) and the Spirit frees us (from condemnation under the Law, from eternal death, and from spiritual blindness) so we, with unveiled faces, can behold the glory of the Lord and be changed from the fading glory (of the Old Covenant) to the greater, unfading glory (of the New Covenant); “for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18b RSV).

Jesus taught his disciples that it isn’t sufficient to observe the minimum requirements of God’s Law, or to have the outward appearance of righteousness, without inward obedience. It’s not sufficient to abstain from actual murder or adultery; we must avoid doing things that injure others, or that lead to their injury. Sin has eternally, spiritually deadly consequences. If one had to suffer the loss of an eye or a hand in order to avoid sinning, one would be better off with physical life with disability than eternal destruction in Hell. Divorce is permitted by God’s word because of human sinfulness, but it is contrary to God’s will, and it causes injury to people that God’s command not to commit adultery was intended to prevent.
 
Christian disciples should refrain from using the Lord’s name in any way except to pray, praise or thank him. We should remember that our words and intentions are subject to his will. Any oath we add is only an attempt to give our word more credibility than it deserves. We should do what is right without having to be bound by an oath to do it. Jesus warns that an oath can be used to deceive. He reminds us that God knows all our deeds; we cannot hide anything from him.

Boaz is the example of a man of God, living according to the spirit of God’s word, beyond the letter God’s Law. According to Jewish Law (the Old Testament scriptures), the poor were to be allowed to glean the fields after the harvest, but Boaz went way above and beyond that requirement. He provided Ruth with a full lunch, ordered his servants to protect her from molestation, and told them to be less thorough in their harvesting so that there would plenty for Ruth to glean.

Ruth is the example of a Gentile (non-Jew) not under Jewish Law, but living a life acceptable to God. She was caring and providing for her widowed mother-in-law, and she was an honest and hard worker. God blessed Naomi and Ruth through Boaz, and Boaz’s generosity glorified God.

Paul was not seeking his own glory. His reward was the satisfaction of his ministry at Corinth, but he took no personal credit for it. Paul was just a messenger who delivered the message. It was the Holy Spirit who imprinted the message on the Corinthian Christians’ hearts. Paul has confidence that he will receive commendation and vindication in the Day of the Lord (the Day of Judgment; when Christ returns).

Paul was discipling the Corinthian congregation. The Old Covenant of Law, delivered through Moses, the mediator of the Old Covenant, was a temporary “caretaker” until the Messiah came to establish the New Covenant of Grace (unmerited favor), through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (“Christ” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word, “Messiah,” meaning God’s “anointed”).  

The Law was intended to teach us what God considers right and wrong, to show us that we cannot be right in God’s judgment apart from God’s help through the Savior, Jesus Christ (by his indwelling Holy Spirit), and to restrain evil until Christ’s manifestation. The Old Covenant of Law, written on stone tablets, kills because it convicts all of us of sin (disobedience of God’s word; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1: 8-10), and sentences all of us to eternal death (Romans 6:23). God loves us and doesn’t want any of us to perish eternally, but instead to have eternal life with him in the new, perfect, sin-free eternal kingdom in heaven (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

Jesus came to be the mediator of the New Covenant of Grace through obedient trust in Jesus. Only Jesus gives (“baptizes; “anoints” with) the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). It is possible to know with certainty for oneself whether one has received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2).

Moses’ face glowed supernaturally (compare Jesus’ transfiguration: Matthew 17:1-7) when he had been in God’s presence, and it frightened the Israelites, so Moses began to wear a veil. Paul suggests that the luminescence faded, and that Moses wore the veil to conceal the fading splendor and the impermanence of the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant required repeated sacrifices, because the Law could not keep the people from sinning. Paul also suggests that there is a spiritual veil which lays over the minds of people which hides the splendor of God’s word from them, and is lifted only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus opens the minds of his disciples to understand the Bible (Luke 24:45). At Jesus’ Crucifixion, the veil of the temple, separating the Holy of Holies of God’s presence from the people, was torn in two from top to bottom, at the moment of Jesus’ death (Luke 23:44-45), symbolizing that a new way into God’s presence had been opened through Jesus’ death, as the only sacrifice now acceptable to God, once for all time and all people (who receive it by faith in Jesus; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right), for the forgiveness of our sins.

The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit writes God’s word upon our hearts and is the presence of God within us. The Holy Spirit teaches Jesus’ disciples all things, and brings to our remembrance all Jesus’ teachings (John 14:26; 16:12-15). Jesus is the only way into God’s presence (Acts 4:12; John 14:6) and the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of God’s promise of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life through obedient trust in Jesus Christ. Only by the indwelling Holy Spirit is it possible for us to resist temptation and become obedient to God’s word. Only by his Holy Spirit can we know, serve, and please the Lord.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

7 Epiphany - Friday

Ruth 3:1-18,     Ruth and Boaz
2 Corinthians 4:1-12,     Paul’s ministry
Matthew 5:38-48,      Christian conduct

Naomi and her husband, both Jews, and their two sons, had traveled to Moab to live, and where her husband had later died. Her two sons had taken Moabite women as wives, and the two sons had also died. Naomi had released the two widows of her sons to marry again, and one had chosen to stay in Moab, but the other, Ruth, had chosen to return with Naomi to Bethlehem in Judah.

Naomi loved Ruth and wanted Ruth to remarry so that Ruth would be happy and cared for, so she suggested that Ruth go to Boaz, a near relative of Naomi’s whom Ruth had met while gleaning leftover barley from harvested fields. In that culture, kinsmen had the right and obligation to take, as wife, the widow of their kinsman, so that the kinsman’s genealogy and family inheritance would be preserved. Naomi told Ruth to show her love for Boaz by going to the threshing floor and lying down at his feet after he had gone to sleep. Ruth agreed to do all that Naomi had instructed.

At midnight Boaz was startled to find a woman sleeping at his feet, and asked who she was. She told him her name and that she was his next of kin. Boaz appreciated that Naomi had honored him regardless of wealth, and rather than seeking a young and physically attractive mate. Boaz recognized and complimented Ruth as a woman of worth. Boaz was willing to have her as wife, but realized that the right belonged to someone who was of closer kinship, and allowed that person to have the first choice.

In consideration of Ruth’s honor, Boaz allowed Ruth to stay the night, and to leave in the morning before her presence was known. In the morning, before daylight, Boaz gave Ruth six measures of barley to take to provide for herself and Naomi. Ruth gave the barley to Naomi, and Naomi told Ruth to be patient and wait for the resolution, assuring her that Boaz would resolve the decision that very day.

Paul was thankful for the ministry he had been given by God’s mercy, rather than being discouraged by the suffering he endured for it. He refused to use the gospel for personal advantage or dishonorable purposes and he refused to alter God’s word to make it or himself more popular and attractive. Instead he was committed to declare God’s truth openly and fully and leave its reception to the consciences of his hearers. “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this world (Satan) had blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Chris, who is the likeness of God” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

Paul was not using his ministry to glorify himself but to glorify Jesus as Lord, with Paul as the servant of others for Jesus’ sake. God, who by his word created light to shine in the darkness (Genesis 1:2-3) has created spiritual light in the darkness of the hearts of believers who have come to know the glory of God in Jesus.

But that spiritual treasure is in “earthen vessels” (bodies of flesh; human weakness), to show that our salvation is not our own accomplishment but is by the power of God. Believers experience all kinds of suffering for the gospel but are not overcome by them. We share in Christ’s suffering so that Christ’s life-giving power may be seen working in us. Paul was sharing in the suffering and death of Christ so that others could experience the power of Christ’s life within them.

In the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5:1-7:28), which is an example and summary of Jesus’ teachings, Jesus said that the Old Covenant of Law required an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (Exodus 21:23-24). But Jesus taught that his followers were not to resist an evil person. If someone strikes us on the cheek we should, instead of striking him back, offer the other cheek. If someone robs us of our coat, we should offer our shirt also, instead of retaliating. “If any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (Matthew 5:41). Disciples are to give to those who beg and lend to those who would borrow.
 
According to the Old Covenant of Law one is to love their neighbor and hate their enemy, but Jesus commands his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, because God also blesses good and evil alike with sun, and the just and unjust alike with rain (and all the blessings of Creation and temporal life).
 
Anyone, even tax collectors (hated by Jews for collaborating with the Roman occupying government), sinners (those who do not obey God’s word), and Gentiles (heathens; pagans), will love those who love them and welcome those who welcome them, so we cannot expect any special reward for that. Children of God must be perfect (free from sin and evil), even as our heavenly Father is perfect.

Boaz was a man of God living in accordance with God’s word. He treated his servants with generosity and fairness, and he cared for and provided for the poor, and for the wellbeing of others. He treated others as he would want others to treat him. He didn’t pursue and indulge his self-interest, but instead put the interests of others ahead of his own interests. He fairly gave the closer relative the right to first choice in the matter. He didn’t take advantage of Ruth, but instead protected her honor and gave her grain to provide for herself and Naomi. Boaz went beyond the letter of the Law, fulfilling the spirit of the Law. Boaz’ life glorified God (Ruth 2:20).

Ruth was a foreigner, a Gentile, who had accepted the God of Israel, who loved and worked hard to provide for her widowed mother-in-law. Ruth went beyond what the Law required. Boaz recognized her as a woman of moral worth. Ruth wasn’t motivated by Boaz’ wealth, nor was she seeking a young, good-looking man. She was attracted to Boaz’ goodness and fairness. Ruth’s life also glorified God (Ruth 3:10).

Paul is another example of godly people who place the best interests of others before their own interests. Paul refused to use the Gospel for personal advantage, for financial gain, to manipulate others, or for any dishonorable purpose. He refused to modify the Gospel message to make himself or the Gospel more popular.

Paul taught the full Gospel, not just the parts that make his hearers feel good, and he left their response to the Gospel to the hearer’s conscience. Paul wasn’t using his ministry of the Gospel to glorify himself, but to glorify Jesus Christ. He was willing to endure suffering for the Gospel so that others could experience the new, eternal life, and the power of Christ within them by the indwelling Holy Spirit, through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus.

Paul preached the Gospel faithfully, accurately, and fully. The Gospel is “veiled” only to unbelievers. It’s not that Gospel isn’t adequately proclaimed; those who don’t see the truth of the Gospel have been blinded to the truth by Satan. When one comes to Jesus in obedient trust, Jesus removes the “veil” (2: Corinthians 3:14-15) and heals their spiritual blindness; Jesus opens their minds to understand the Gospel (Luke 24:45; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 RSV).

Boaz and Ruth were living according to Jesus’ teachings, although they lived long before Jesus’ manifestation, because they were living in the spirit of God’s word, beyond the minimum requirements of the letter of the Law.

Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) is the example of a modern, “post-resurrection,” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul was living in accordance with Jesus’ teachings, exemplified by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, although Paul had not known Jesus’ during Jesus’ physical life and ministry on earth. Paul was filled and guided by the Holy Spirit.  Paul was carrying out Jesus’ Great Commission to Jesus’ born-again disciples to make “born-again” disciples, teaching them to obey all that Jesus taught (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus taught and demonstrated God’s word in human flesh (John 1:1-5, 14).

Under the Old Covenant of Law, no one was able to fulfill even the minimum requirements of the Law (Galatians 2:16), and had to offer sacrifices continually to God for forgiveness. Under the New Covenant of Grace (unmerited favor) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus, Jesus’ sacrifice, once for all time and all people (who willingly receive it through faith in Jesus), provides our forgiveness and salvation from eternal condemnation and eternal death, and makes it possible for us to receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who cleanses us of all sin, makes it possible to resist temptation, and to serve and please the Lord (Titus 3:4-6). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).  

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

7 Epiphany - Saturday

Ruth had shown her love for Boaz, and Boaz was willing to marry her, but he was honorable and acknowledged that a closer relative the right to choose first (Ruth 3:1-18). That day Boaz went to the city gate and waited for the kin who had first right to marry Ruth to pass by. When the man came past, Boaz asked him to turn aside and sit and talk, (as was the custom). Boaz also asked ten other men to observe as witnesses.

Boaz told the next of kin that a parcel of land belonging to Ruth’s deceased father-in-law was for sale, and the next of kin had first right to purchase it. The next of kin was interested in purchasing the land, but Boaz told him that the next of kin couldn’t legally purchase it without taking Ruth, a widow, as wife. Under those terms the man was unwilling to buy the land because his family inheritance would be impaired (assuming that Ruth bore children). So the next of kin gave Boaz the right to the land and Ruth.

It was the custom to take off a sandal and hand it to the other party in a transaction to attest to the agreement, and the kin did so, and the ten witnesses were present to attest to the agreement. Boaz purchased the family property of Elimelech and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, who were all deceased, and took Ruth, the widow of Mahlon as his wife, with the purpose of perpetuating the lineage and inheritance of Elimelech and his sons.

The witnesses blessed Ruth and Boaz, praying that the Lord would use their marriage to build up the house of Israel as had Rachael and Leah (the wives of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the mothers of the heads of the twelve tribes). They also prayed that the family of Ruth and Boaz would be like the family of Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah. (Four hundred and sixty-eight “sons” of Perez came back from Babylon with the exiles, led by Zerubbabel, a descendant of Perez, and under whose leadership the rebuilding of the temple was begun.)

Boaz married Ruth and she bore a son and named him Obed. The people declared that Obed would be a restorer of life and a nourisher of Naomi, the mother of Mahlon, Ruth’s deceased first husband, in her old age. Obed was the father of Jesse, and the grandfather of David, the great shepherd-king of Israel, and the ancestor of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:5-6, 16). 

Paul followed the example of faithfulness of the psalmist (Psalms 116:10), who acted upon what he believed in the midst of adversity. Paul was confident that God would raise him and all believers from physical death to eternal life as he has raised Jesus. Paul's suffering is all worthwhile to bring God’s grace to more and more people, increasing their thankful rejoicing so that God will be glorified. So Christians should not become discouraged, even though their physical nature is wasting away, because their spiritual nature is being renewed every day. Present afflictions are slight and brief from the perspective of eternity as we focus not on the visible physical life which is transient but on the invisible spiritual realm which is eternal.

Believers can know with certainty that if the earthly “tent,” the temporary physical body which houses our eternal soul, is destroyed we have a “building,” a solid and reliable eternal body, in heaven. While still in this physical life we long to be in our eternal dwelling; we long to be more fully spiritually clothed than we are in our present physical state, so that what is dying might be “swallowed up” by what is truly and eternally life.

God has prepared us for this very purpose, “and has given us the (Holy) Spirit as a guarantee” (2 Corinthians 5:5). So we can be fully confident, knowing that as long as we’re in this physical life we are not able to experience complete fellowship with the Lord which we would prefer. Here we must live by faith in what we are not yet able to receive and experience. So whether we live or die, our goal is to please the Lord, for we will all be individually accountable to him for what each of us has done in this earthly life.  

Jesus teaches that worship of God must be with sincerity and honesty. Those who act pious for worldly recognition will not receive any benefit from God in heaven. True disciples of Jesus do not call attention to their offerings. Those who give ostentatiously to be praised by men will receive only that. God knows all our inner thoughts and attitudes, so we should give privately, as if our left hand doesn’t know what our right hand is doing. Our giving should be to please the Lord, and the Lord will know and reward us.

The same thing is true of our prayers; those who pray ostentatiously to impress other people will receive only that. The Lord is not impressed with flowery oratory. Jesus told his disciples to pray privately; to go into their room and close the door so that they can pray to God the Father privately, and he will reward us. God already knows what we need before we ask. (See Conditions for Answered Prayer, sidebar, top right)

Ruth and Boaz are examples of Godly people. Ruth had been a foreigner, a Gentile (non-Jew), but she committed to accept the God of Israel as her God. She went above and beyond the “letter” of God’s Law (the minimum requirements of God’s word; the Bible). She, a young widow, gave up her homeland and the possibility of marrying a young man of her own people, to return to Bethlehem in Israel to comfort and support her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. She provided for Naomi as well or better than “seven sons” might have (Ruth 4:15).

Boaz recognized in Ruth a woman of moral worth. Boaz himself was living in accordance with God’s word, and went beyond the minimum requirements. He treated Ruth generously and respectfully. When Ruth revealed her love for Boaz, Boaz didn’t take advantage of the situation with Ruth, or with the closer relative who legally had first right to choose (Ruth 3:1-18). He conducted the legal business with their relative with honor and integrity.

The closer relative was concerned with preserving his family inheritance, and was thus unwilling to accept Ruth. But Boaz was more concerned with the wellbeing of Ruth and her mother-in-law. Boaz’ response was from love rather than self-interest.

The result was that Naomi, Ruth and Boaz were blessed, and the people of Bethlehem glorified the Lord because of them. Ruth bore a son, Obed, through whom God not only restored Naomi’s husband’s family line, and preserved the family inheritance, but used the marriage to build up the house of Israel (Jacob; Ruth 4:12). Obed became the grandfather of King David, and the ancestor of Jesus Christ.

Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) is an example of a modern, “post-resurrection,” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple and apostle (messenger of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ. Paul had experienced personally the resurrection of Jesus Christ from physical death, by the Holy Spirit, on the road to Damascus Acts 9:3-6), and by the personal infilling (“anointing;” “baptism”) of the Holy Spirit by the discipling of Ananias (Acts 9:10-18). Paul had come to know Jesus personally only after Jesus’ ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9-11), through the gift of Jesus’ indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 9:1-20). Paul, like the psalmist, trusted in the invisible spiritual reality of God’s word, and he acted on his beliefs even in times of adversity and persecution.

Paul was willing to suffer in this lifetime to bring God’s grace (unmerited favor; free gift) in Jesus Christ to other people, increasing their thankfulness to God, and glorifying the Lord. Paul was obediently trusting in God’s word, manifested in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, and building up the Church, the New Israel.

Paul had come to know from personal experience that the Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). Through the Holy Spirit within Paul, he was confident that the Lord would raise him from physical death to eternal life (compare Hebrews 2:14-15).

By the indwelling Holy Spirit, Paul had a personal fellowship with the risen Jesus. The gift of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for Jesus to be with each of his disciples individually and personally, no matter where they are, but there is still a degree of separation which cannot be overcome while we still live in this world. The Holy Spirit is only a foretaste and a “down-payment” of our eternal inheritance with Jesus in his eternal kingdom in heaven (2 Corinthians 1:22)

God is not impressed with religious ritual, outward appearance, or insincerity. God knows our every thought and innermost motives. Jesus is the truth of God, who is the (Holy) Spirit (John 14:6), and those who worship God must worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:24).  We must worship God with our entire being, and we cannot truly worship God without the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, because it is only by the Holy Spirit that we can truly praise and glorify God and feel God’s love.

If we do anything in Jesus’ name to receive worldly recognition, to make anyone think we’re “good,” holy, or pious, that worldly recognition will be all we receive, and worldly honor is only momentary; we haven’t truly worshiped or served the Lord. Are we glorifying the Lord in our daily life and building up God’s kingdom?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?