The helpless come home
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Introduction:
Today we are celebrating the first week of advent.
A season encompassing the four Sundays before Christmas.
It is a time of reflection and remembrance of the birth of our Savior.
It is also a time for gaining perspective on life and refocusing on what is important, our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ!
Facts:
The introductory verses tell us much about God’s judgment and mercy:
While settled in Moab, she lost her husband and two sons.
husband and two sons.
One daughter-in-law refuses to leave her and follows her back home.
So an Israelite and a Moabite embark on a journey to Bethlehem.
The time of this book corresponds to the time of the Judges.
Humbled and poor, they seek mercy and acceptance.
The time of judges is a bleak time for Israel. The famine that causes Elimelech and Naomi to leave Jerusalem is a result of God’s judgment upon Israel.
The death of Elimelech is a result of God’s judgment for their moving to Moab.
The death of Naomi’s husband and sons is also part of God’s judgment.
The death of Naomi’s sons is a result of their marrying moabite women.
But the mercy of God is always extended to those who come to Him.
Bethlehem is central place of the events in Ruth, and it’s prominence in the Life of our Lord is no coincidence.
Insights:
I marvel at the placement of the book of Ruth in the scriptures:
The book of Ruth is no exception.
This first chapter of Ruth demonstrates vividly the reason and need for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The countless parallels to the events of Mary and Joseph’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem is astounding, as well does the place (Bethlehem), provide an important introduction to the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I marvel at the placement of the book of Ruth in the scriptures:
For one thing it bridges the gap between judges ruling and Kings.
It sets the scene for prophets like Samuel who is a type of the Messiah.
It directs our attention and sets up the narrative perfectly for king David, the kingly example of Christ.
It directs our attention to the place of Bethlehem, the city of David, the place of the birth of our Lord.
I. Bethlehem is a refuge for wanderers.
I. Bethlehem is a refuge for wanderers.
Naomi may have wandered in disobedience to God, looking for satisfaction in the wrong places, but nothing prevented her from returning!
The place that God wants us to be is in Bethlehem! Not the physical place but the spiritual.
How far have you wandered weary soul?
Are you tired of wandering in the wilderness of this world?
Come back to Bethlehem and find rest, because that’s where Jesus is.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
II. Bethlehem is where healing begins.
II. Bethlehem is where healing begins.
II. Bethlehem is where healing begins.
II. Bethlehem is where healing begins.
The whole city came out to meet Naomi and Ruth!
They were not criticizing, judging, or ridiculing Naomi!
They were happy to see her!
“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”” (, NKJV)
Today, you can find healing in Bethlehem, because that’s where the great physician is.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
III. Bethlehem is a place of nourishment.
III. Bethlehem is a place of nourishment.
The name means "house of bread".
It was here that Naomi and Ruth, An Israelite and a gentile together as family, find sustenance.
Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
“Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (, NKJV)
IV. Bethlehem is a place of fruitfulness.
IV. Bethlehem is a place of fruitfulness.
It is no coincidence that Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at the beginning of Barley Harvest.
God not only knows where we need to be, but what we need!
He, and He alone can supply all your need!
Not your selfish wants!
But your need!
Naomi and Elimelech went out because of the famine. With no faith, they relied on circumstances to meet their needs.
But Naomi returns poor and bitter, and without her husband or sons, while those who stayed in Bethlehem have all they need.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
““I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (, NKJV)
Conclusion:
Naomi did not find what she was looking for in Moab!
Rather, she found poverty, loss, and heartache!
But in Bethlehem she found hope!
Are you tired of the emptiness this world provides?
There is great hope in Jesus, and He waits for you to come to Him!