2. QUEEN VASHTI DETHRONED.

AHASUERUS AND VASHTI.

Who was this Persian King that ruled over one hundred and twenty Provinces stretching from India and Ethiopia?

KING AHASUERUS.

Studies have shown him to be XERXES. He was a ruthless man, cruel and most immoral. He possessed a furious temper. He punished and slew many people though innocent of any crime.

It helps us to understand his treatment of gorgeous VASHTI. Her name means,

“BEAUTIFUL WOMAN,” who defied his drunken whim.

He commanded her to expose herself in front of his intoxicated guests. She refused, and at the advice of his High Council, they dethroned her.

This refusal of Vashti was a breach of Persian etiquette. But the King, in a cruel outrage, disgraced her, the one whom he should have protected above all others.

His wife.’

The queen’s refusal was courageous and fully justified.

Though we can understand that her rebuff in public to one who was an absolute Monarch and vain glorious to the extreme must have felt humiliated and exasperated as was richly deserved.

Read more of this account in,

Chapter 1:1-22.

The Removal of Vashti’s Crown.

Sometimes you have to stand alone for what you believe and suffer the consequences.

What happened to this dear Queen, we do not know. When we stand alone for what is right, the Lord will bless the outcome.

Vashti, though judged and condemned, denounced and utterly rejected, she would live the rest of her life with a clear conscience.

I am sure the Lord would have given her a rich, satisfying life. Dear friend,

DO RIGHT TILL THE STARS FALL. DO RIGHT TO THE LAST CALL. DO RIGHT WHEN NO ONE WILL STAND BY YOU. JUST DO RIGHT!!

You are ‘never’ alone. The Lord is with you, and He will vindicate you.

God may have a different direction for you, better than the previous one. God is no man’s debtor, and He always has something or someone better ahead for you.

YOU ALWAYS WIN IN THE END… THE BIBLE SAYS SO!

Hand all your doubts, worries, and fears over to Him. Then saturate yourself in the Word of God. Decide with your free will to trust His promises over all the thoughts satan uses to defeat you.
IN CHRIST I AM INVINCIBLE!

“WE ARE MORE THAN A CONQUERORS. THROUGH HIM WHO WHO LOVED US SO. THE CHRIST WHO DWELLS WITHIN US, IS THE GREATEST POWER WE KNOW. HE WILL FIGHT BESIDE YOU, THOUGH THE ENEMY BE GREAT.”

“WHO CAN STAND AGAINST US, HES THE CAPTAIN OF OUR FATE.”

THEN WE WILL CONQUER NEVER FEAR, SO LET THE BATTLE RAGE. HE HAS PROMISED TO BE NEAR, UNTIL THE END OF THE AGE.

“WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS; THE CHRIST WHO DWELLS WITH US IS THE GREATEST POWER WE KNOW!!” (A song that I love to sing).

IT REALLY WORKS!

Amen.

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Blessings!

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Bless you.

1. THE LIFE OF QUEEN ESTHER.

THE BOOK.

Covering this book may take some time as there are crucial Characters mentioned here. Each person has something to teach us

Before we look at the main characters in this true story, we note that God is not mentioned in this book. But you will see He is in the shadows watching over His own.

One Commentator has recommended that we should read the whole book twice! Will you?

The story is a crisis, a drama. It’s not fiction but fact. The author set it on the stage of natural history, and it centers around real people.

We will look at five figures;

AHASUERUS, The Persian Monarch;

VASHTI, The deposed Queen;

WICKED HAMAN, The Jew hater;

MORDECAI, The Jewish leader;

ESTHER, Who became the Queen.

The events occur in Susa, the principal Persian capital, and cover twelve years.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK is to demonstrate the PROVIDENTIAL CARE of God over His People.

There are no supernatural miracles as we see in other books.

We see:

PROVIDENTIAL OVERRULING, as distinct from SUPERNATURAL INTERVENTION.

PROVIDENCE comes from the Latin word.

‘PROVISO’ PRO… meaning ‘BEFORE’

And ‘VIDIESO’ is interpreted as. ‘I SEE.’

SO PROVIDENCE means… ‘FORESIGHT.’

God is the only one with foresight, so He has Foreknowledge, and He uses His Power over all the Works of His Hands.

I am not going to answer the critics about the non-mention of God. It is established in history that God is involved in the outworking of all circumstances and all people involved in preserving the Jewish Nation.

Through this drama, l hope you catch the realization that for you, Roms 28:8 is a great Scripture to learn and study to give you the confidence that, through the bad times, though brutal and unrelenting circumstances, what Paul said is actual.

”FOR WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO ARE THE CALLED, ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.” Romans 8:28.

WHY?

“THAT WE WOULD, THROUGH TOUGH TIMES,  BE CONFORMED  TO THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST.”  verse 29.

God’s purpose for allowing all kinds of trials and temptations is to:

MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS!

Satan may use them for evil, but when you are yielded and surrendered. God turns it for good and brings glory to Himself, where it belongs.

We must trust God in the dark. We must trust God when we lose control.

We must trust God when we do not understand why. Trust Him under Persecution. Poverty. Disappointment. Guilt and Shame. Sickness, sorrow, and Pain.

Becoming a Christian does not exempt you from suffering.

With Christ in your life and its complications, you are never alone. He is ‘always‘ with you and will ‘never abandon you.

He still cures your sickness and wipes away your tears of grief and sorrow.

“After you have suffered a while, He will strengthen, help and settle you.”

Praise His Glorious Name!

Without you even knowing it, He molds you into a perfect vessel of honour.

You come out with more strength, faith and patience, love, and forgiveness. You have been changed into His likeness and image.

PRAISE GOD!

Keep Blooming for Jesus!

To comment: Heather Dalzell. SMS. 6104 17 545 814

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What Beauty.

1. THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH.

A GEM OF A BOOK.

Nehemiah is a gem of a book in the spiritual sense, teaching us how, under Nehemiah’s leadership, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt by those who had returned to rebuild Jerusalem.

Also, he instructed the people once more in the Law given to Israel by Moses. Ezra, as we learned in our previous study, drastically corrected the people from their intermarriage practices and pending idolatry due to the influence of those heathen people who worshipped another god rather than the Lord God of Israel.

And now, when Nehemiah came to Jerusalem, another twelve years after Ezra, circumstances were far from reassuring. The walls and gates of Jerusalem were in ruins, and the people were in great trouble and distress.

The poorer people were mortgaging some of their families to better-off Jews (verses 3-5.) There was also a laxity toward Sabbath keeping and other covenant obligations.

ESRA WAS A BOOK OF RESTORATION. NEHEMIAH A BOOK OF RECONSTRUCTION.

THE NEXT BOOK OF ESTHER IS A BOOK OF PRESERVATION.

As we watch this strong, earnest, godly hero, Nehemiah, in the first part of the book, he rebuilds the walls and the gates against the opposition of his adversaries.

Then, in the book’s second part, he resists the compromise and laxity of the Jews and conspires with great enthusiasm.

There is a tremendous spiritual message for us as Christians if we take heed.

THERE IS NO WINNING WITHOUT WORKING AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

WITHOUT SPIRITUAL OPPOSITION. THERE IS NO OPEN DOOR.

THERE IS NO OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE LORD. WITHOUT MANY ADVERSARIES TO OBSTRUCT OUR ENTERING IT.

Please read:

1 Corinthians 16:9.

Here, Paul mentions the many adversaries against the Gospel.

When God commands you to share the gospel of Salvation with a problematic person, the warfare begins in your mind; you find every reason possible why you cannot do it.

Tear down those walls of resistance with the blood of Jesus and do as He commands.

If you ‘do not’ share the gospel and warn the wicked of death and hell, their blood is on your head. 

Nehemiah stands out conspicuously as a man of action, a man of faith, a man of courage, and a man of action.

Pray, “Lord, make me intensely spiritual but keep me perfectly natural and thoroughly practical.”

The trials and tribulations you endure, God will use to bring out the best in you. The things you felt were breaking you were making you. We only discover this when we look back.

I encourage you to read the whole book of Nehemiah in one sitting. It is full of beautiful outcomes when God leads us.

He was a Cupbearer, a Wall Builder, and became a Governor.

He sought the Lord through prayer and fasting.

There is a greater awareness of God and His power when you fast and pray.

We don’t fast and pray to obtain something from Him but to become ‘more like Him.’ (The Image of His Son.)

Plain Speaking…

Nehemiah’s enemies were Sanballat and Tobiah. He was scorned, despised, hated, and threatened.

He just kept on praying and kept on building! “Hear our God,” he prays; “For we are despised.”

“So we built the wall … for the people had a mind to work.”

The best way to meet scorn is not by counter-scorn.

Their hatred began to make them look smaller and smaller and more stupid as the walls of Jerusalem grew higher and higher.

The best way you can overcome the Worlds scorn is to pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit and His anointing to empower you to keep on striving to win souls for Christ!

As Governor Nehemiah’s downrightness and forthrightness stand out in this role of governing Israel. We may disagree with his methods of handling difficult people and situations. His motives were clear as noon and sound as a bell.

Look at his outstanding qualities here-

Clear thinking,

A firm dealing with Israel in a God-honouring way.

There are many lessons for us to learn from his impeccable life.

1. God is Sovereign over all difficulties.

2. God’s presence in every place.

3. God hears and answers each sudden call.

Dear Christian, the Lord is with you every place you go. He hears every SOS of your soul, every cry for strength, every prayer for guidance, and every secret known only by you.

Every day keep in touch with Him again and again. He will keep your heart steady, and you will experience the mind of Christ. Then you can do what He has called you to with peace, confidence, and joy.

It will bring a thousand streams of blessings into your life from the hills of God.

I love Nehemiah’s answer to those of his enemies who tried in devious ways to obstruct the rebuilding of the walls.

“I CANNOT COME DOWN; I AM DOING A GREAT WORK FOR THE LORD!!”

Allow this to echo in your heart as you face your opposing enemies.

Hallelujah, the walls are completed. The Jews now begin to rebuild themselves.

To comment: Heather Dalzell SMS 0417 545 814

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Building for God.

So build your life upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

1. EZRA, THE PRIEST OF GOD.

THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL!

The restoration of the Jews happened under the edict of Cyrus, the King of Persia.

Again Israel had turned her back on the One True God. He who had brought her out of Egypt and placed her in the Land of Promise to live in other people’s houses they had not built in a land that flowed with milk and honey.

In this chosen place, they rebelled against God and did not obey His Law or Commandments. (How it grieved God so.)

They worshipped other gods and bowed down to them, the gods of the nations they did not drive out as God commanded.

They married their women and gave their daughters as wives. These sins included adultery and idolatry, a regular practice of the heathen.

Child sacrifice to a worthless idol. A detestable practice abhorred by GOD!

Over and over, God warned them through His Prophets of impending punishment from the North, and they would be carried away to Babylon as captives foretold by Jeremiah the Prophet. 

Jeremiah 10: 7-10.

With all this, there was a Promise of return. The Median Persian Empire! Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon, succeeded by Cyrus, the King of Persia, who now ruled the whole country. During this time, the book of Ezra opens.

Ezra, the priest, sent to Judah to right some wrongs.

God stirred up Cyrus to proclaim to permit the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, yet to remain under his rule.

Cyrus’s proclamation was remarkable:

“JEHOVAH, the God of Heaven, has given me all the Kingdoms of this earth and charged me to build Him a House at Jerusalem which is in Judah.”

“JEHOVAH THE GOD OF ISRAEL, HE IS THE GOD.”

What I find unique and exciting is that this mandate was prophesied over 200 yrs earlier by Isaiah the prophet. King Cyrus was named in this foretelling as the one who would make this massive change for Israel.

Keep this in your mind.

GOD HAD “CAST THEM OUT.” He did not “CAST THEM OFF!” Nor does He cast off you.

He made a WAY and a RETURN and a RESTORATION for all who would avail themselves of it.

These speak deep comfort concerning the restoration of Christian Believers who become bewitched by this Present Evil World or snared by satan’s devices and fall into backsliding.

How close are you to God? What does it mean to backslide?

It means: You have not made time to spend with Him by reading His Word and spending time in prayer and worship. Also, not including Him in every decision of your life.

He longs for you to allow Him to be an integral part of your plans, goals, dreams, and desires. It saddens Him to see you so busy with more essential things of this world than He.

It is similar to a married couple who are so entangled in different interests and are like ‘ships in the night’, just passing life apart from the intimacy they onetime enjoyed. They are leaving themselves open to all kinds of temptation and worldly attractions.

Falling into sin always has its consequences and causes much grief.

Ezra pleads with the people. ” Return to the Lord your God.”

God always makes a way of return and restoration if you return to Him. He pleads with you in the book of Malachi.

“RETURN TO ME, AND I WILL RETURN TO YOU” Translated: “IF YOU WILL TAKE ONE STEP TOWARD ME AND I WILL TAKE ONE STEP TOWARD YOU.”

When you turn back to the LORD, you turn back into His BLESSING, PEACE, AND PERSONAL SATISFACTION.

Sometimes if we remain stubborn and strong-willed, God has to use extreme measures to draw us back.

GOD IS TENDER-HEARTED AND FULL OF GRACE. HE IS PLEADING, “COME HOME! MY DEAR CHILD, COME HOME, BACK TO GOD, NOW!”

It would help immensely if you forsook your backslidings, returned and repented, and surrendered your life afresh to Him. You will prosper in every area of your life.

We all have a free will to choose to:

“LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART, SOUL, AND ALL OF YOUR BEING.”

Amen.

To comment:Heather Dalzell SMS 0417 545 814

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Blessed are you.

No 11. THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS.

THE BOOK OF THE DISPERSION.

The great empires of East Assyria, Babylon, and Persia will almost exclusively occupy our attention. They all alike exercised the most significant influence upon the destiny of ancient Israel.

In the records of those great World Kingdoms, the confirmations are so numerous and so convincing that the critics have to confess that here at least,

THE BIBLE IS RECOGNISED AS HISTORY!

The critic must retire confounded and ashamed.

Israel, at this point, has become steeped in infidelity and moral degradation until, finally, the measure of their wickedness becomes full, and judgment falls upon them.

Pitiless foes wreak havoc and vengeance upon them and drag them from their land into the land of captivity. In chapter 25, we see Jerusalem sacked, the Temple burnt, and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) entering detention, from which only a remnant returned.

Though the captivities were a hundred years apart, they are associated together as one captivity called,

THE DISPERSION.

We cannot read the second book of Kings without remembering the words of Solomon’s proverb.

“THE WAY OF THE TRANSGRESSOR IS HARD”

Then Paul’s words, “THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH.”

It is demonstrated nationally and declared justice for all to see and notice. SINNING despite warning brings RUIN without REMEDY.

Abused privileges bring increased PENALTIES.

The deeper the GUILT, the heavier the STROKE.

PEOPLE MAY RESIST CORRECTION, BUT THEY CAN NOT ESCAPE RETRIBUTION.

Keep this verse ever before your eyes,

“WHATSOEVER A MAN SHALL SOW, (or a nation) THAT WHICH HE SHALL ALSO REAP.”

In 2nd Kings, we see Israel hauled through the streets behind the chariot wheels of their heathen conquerors; we cannot indeed fail to see that the central message of this book is that:

WILLFUL SIN BRINGS A WOEFUL END!

We note that in the second book of Kings, 17 Kings rule for 250 years (over the ten tribes of Israel). Judah, who had only 10 Kings, continued for 390 years from when they split from Israel.

EACH KING, CHARACTERIZED BY THE STANDARD SET BY KING DAVID, FELL SHORT.

Speaking of Solomon: “His heart was not perfect before the Lord, as David, his father. 1 Kings. 11:4.

Read about King Asa.

1 King 25:11.

“Asa did not do that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father.”

Despite his sins, which marred his life, David’s trust in God, his general Integrity and his zeal for Divine honor, and his responsibility as a king under God made him be called,

“A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART”

And as the pattern for those who would succeed him. Through many troubled times, God preserved David’s line of Kings. Come with me into the lives of those whom God protected to carry out His Will for Israel and, finally, down to us.

1. Jehosheba, the daughter of Jehoram, saved JOASH. 2 Kings 11: 1-3.

God intervened and healed Hezekiah when he was sick unto death. 2 Kings 20: 1-10.

3. God continued to preserve the line through Nathan the Prophet.

4. After the Captivity, the line continues with Zerubbabel, under whose leadership they rebuilt the temple. Zerubbabel preserved the genealogical line of David down to the birth of JESUS CHRIST THE LORD.

Who is David’s Son in whom the Davidic line is NEVER ENDING, EVERLASTING, CONSTANTLY, NEVER TO BE INTERRUPTED!

Jesus, by His second coming, will set up David’s throne on this earth in the city of Jerusalem in fulfillment of the Covenant promise made with David by God long ago.

He is the true HEIR according to the Scriptures in both the OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS!

JESUS IS KING! JESUS IS KING! TRUE KING OF ISRAEL;

DAVID’S GREAT-SON; HOPE OF THE FATHERS;

HEIR TO THE THRONE;

LION OF JUDAH;

LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN;

TRUE KING OF ISRAEL;

YET HE SHALL REIGN.

JESUS IS KING! JESUS IS KING!

….. J S Baxter.

IS JESUS THE KING OF YOUR LIFE?

You must confess Him as Lord of your spirit, soul, and body. Allow him to rule in every area of your life. It will help if you put aside your selfish ways. Paul preached in the book of Galatians.

“MY OLD SELF IS CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST.”

Choose Right!

“IT IS NO LONGER THAT I LIVE, BUT CHRIST THAT LIVES IN ME.”

Galatians 2:20.

Yes, we must reckon (count) ourselves dead indeed unto sin and alive unto Christ.

With Paul, we declare: “I DIE DAILY” TO MY SELFISH WAYS.”

The promise of a victorious life will follow when you submit to Christ’s Lordship.

“KING OF MY LIFE, I CROWN HIM NOW, THINE THE GLORY BE. MAKE MY LIFE A LIVING SACRIFICE, CRUCIFIED FOR THEE.”

Amen.

4. THE BOOK OF RUTH.

A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN.

“THE WEDDING OF BOAZ AND RUTH.” Beautiful RUTH, adorned in her Fine White Linen wedding garment (sewn by Naomi, of course), made her way to handsome Boaz’s side. A stunning couple indeed!

This part is so Romantic! It was an outdoor celebration to accommodate the whole town, and they were there! Filling the air with Joy and excitement!

Naomi was beside herself with pure joy at the Goodness of God. Yes,

THE LORD GOD HAD JOINED THEM IN MATRIMONY in the tenderest of love, yet following Jewish tradition and requirements of the Law.

Ruth was now “GRAFTED IN” to GOD’S PEOPLE. Her marriage to Boaz signifies.GOD’S MERCY and GRACE! This story BEGAN with famine, death, and so much grief and ENDED with FULLNESS, NEW LIFE, and much rejoicing!

So Ruth and Boaz lived happily joined together by God.

Of course we cannot forget to mention…

THE BABY!!

Scripture tells us, “Boaz took Ruth as his wife, and went in unto her ( made sexual love), and the Lord caused her to conceive, and she bore him a son.”

Oh, how precious 💞 is that.

He was the Father of Jessie…

The Father of King David…

The Ancestor of JESUS CHRIST.

The Saviour of the World. 🌎

This lovely story has its thanks to Naomi, who in a foreign land was able to call forth love and a confession of God like that of RUTH as pure as the 🌹 Rose of Sharon, and led her to know the,

‘TRUE and LIVING LORD.’

Dearest reader… His eyes are upon you! Your END will be better than your BEGINNING!

ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SINGLE.

“THERE IS HOPE IN THE END… AND YOUR EXPECTATION SHALL NOT CUT OFF (disappointed).”

1. Choose wisely.

2. Be led by the Holy Spirit.

3. Only marry a committed Christian ✝️.

4. Partner with one who loves God and His Word… And obedient to it.

5. A person, with whom you can pray and read the Bible. Rather than just physical attraction.

6. And take time to get to know each other.

7. Choose one who has a servant’s heart and sweet spirit, and possesses a sense of humour.

8. Love each other with a pure heart fervently.

So my advice is…

❤️ LOVE GOD.

❤️ LOVE YOURSELF.

❤️ LOVE YOUR GOD-GIVEN MATE THROUGH GOOD AND BAD TIMES, TOTALLY AND ETERNALLY DEPENDENT UPON THE LORD JESUS WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR YOU.

Then you will enjoy the Promised land He has for you.

I waited for 37 years to meet my God given man…

IT WAS WORTH EVERY MOMENT OF WAITING!!!

RICH BLESSINGS UPON YOU. H.DALZELL.

To comment: HEATHER DALZELL.

SMS Heather Dalzell 041754581

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Amen. It really happens!

2. THE BOOK OF RUTH.

NAOMI RETURNS HOME.

ORPHA RETURNS TO MOAB.

TEN YEARS HAVE PASSED. Naomi heard Israel was flourishing and decided to return to her old country. Both daughters-in-law have come to love her and wish to go with her. They have learned that the true God of Israel is faithful to His promises!

Naomi refused their wishes, so Orpha decided to retrace her steps back to the land of Moab to find safety and security in her parents’ home and perhaps new love. Ruth clung to Naomi and begged her not to send her away, but only permit death to part them. There were, of course, many tears shed between them (see chapter 1:16). With tears flowing freely from her eyes, Ruth said to her dear mother-in-law,

“Please don’t ask me to leave you,  your people shall be my people and your God shall me my God.”

“Where you travel, I shall travel and where you shall live, I shall live.”

Ruth, had grown to love Naomi and was willing to forgo everything for the widowed Naomi’s sake.

Naomi relented, as she saw that Ruth had embraced the Lord God of Israel! So, both women make the arduous journey back to Israel. An adventure for Ruth; yet Namoni was reliving some problematic memories from her past.

Upon arrival, the whole city was moved because of them. Imagine the buzz, the gossip! “A woman, thought to be deceased, turning up again, would you believe it, accompanied by a heathen!”

Some of Naomi’s friends hardly recognised her, since grief had left its mark upon her beautiful face. “Call me Mara!meaning bitter”, she retorted.

These words that Naomi asked them to speak over her were “death Words”, not “Life Words” They were spoken out of grief and bitterness of soul.

Unbeknown to Naomi,

GOD HAD FOR HER A WONDERFUL FUTURE AND A HOPE.

(Jeremiah 29:11)

Also, a delightful plan, not only for her but, of course, for precious Ruth.

“IN RETURNING AND IN REST SHALL BE YOUR COMFORT”This is a lovely verse for you to personalise. If you have knowingly or unknowingly wandered far from God spiritually, Jesus is waiting to welcome you.

This is a lovely verse for you to personalise. If you have knowingly or unknowingly wandered far from God spiritually, Jesus is waiting to welcome you.

He is so willing to forgive and grant you a fresh start, as if you had never wandered in the first place!

What a wonderful SAVIOUR is JESUS OUR LORD!

Would you like to pray this prayer of repentance?

“I’VE WANDERED FAR AWAY FROM GOD, NOW I’M COMING HOME.

THE PATHS OF SIN TOO LONG I’VE TROD. PLEASE FORGIVE ME.

LORD, I’M COMING HOME.”

COMING HOME, COMING HOME, NEVER MORE TO ROAM.

LORD, I’M COMING HOME.

The Father is waiting with outstretched arms awaiting your homecoming…

Please come home now.

He is patiently waiting just for you.

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3. THE BOOK OF RUTH. Ruth Encounters Boaz.

Naomi found that she was quite destitute upon her arrival at home in Jerusalem, even to the point of having no food for herself or Ruth.

So, she reluctantly sent a most willing Ruth out to glean among the untoward reapers working in the fields of grain.


Ruth, a modest, somewhat shy and beautiful woman, was easy prey for the rough reapers, who could easily molest her. Nervously, but bravely, she gleaned alone, well behind the other reapers.
But her protective, loving Father in Heaven had guided her to the part of the field belonging to BOAZ.

I love the way He greeted his reapers.

“The LORD BE WITH YOU,” and they would answer him.

“THE LORD BLESS YOU.”

Shouldn’t we greet each other in the same way?
There is power in a blessing from our lips!
He soon inquires after Ruth, and the men explain who she is.

Boaz is a wealthy Kingsman and an honourable man. He takes real steps to protect her, for the whole Harvest!
Once the harvest is over, an obvious attachment is developing between Ruth and Boaz.

Yet Boaz has not done anything about it,
much to Naomi’s frustration!

Every day, she would ask Ruth, “Has anything happened between the two of you yet?

Ruth would sigh and reply. “No-o-o, not yet.” Then she would run from the house to the fields to avoid any more questions from her mother-in-law.

So, dear Naomi devises a modest plan to discover Boaz’s intentions.
The Jewish Law states: “If a man marries a woman, and he dies, then his Brother must give shelter to his Widow.”

Now, Boaz is Ruth’s

deceased husband’s Brother.

BOAZ IS MALON’S BROTHER!
(How cool is this!)

But there is one complication yet to be considered. There is a nearer Kingsman!
We will need to consider him further in the story.

The story so far:

Under the careful instructions of Naomi, Ruth crept softly into Boaz’s resting place. She had dressed beautifully for the occasion, carefully adorning her soft, long, shiny, flowing hair, and wearing her most expensive Perfume.

@

She was gorgeous!!
She nestled under the corner of his robe… though quiet as a mouse, her 💓 heart was beating (wildly and loudly!) as she was afraid she would awaken him.

Eventually, she settled down inside her mind and, in her calmness, slipped off to sleep. She thought to herself, half smiling… “Praise God, he had some WINE!”

BUT AT MIDNIGHT BOAZ AWOKE… HE SUDDENLY BECAME AWARE… and said, “Oh, there’s a woman at my feet.”

He also could sense a delightful fragrance permeating the air.

STARTLED! he gasped,

“WHO are YOU?”

He could see her form, as it was still quite dark.

At that moment, Ruth revealed herself and shared that he is her King’s man. She looked into his soft, gentle brown eyes and proposed marriage!

No mucking around here!!

He assured her that he would do all that she desired because she is a woman of…

STRENGTH…

WORTH…

BRAVERY…

AND…

CAPABILITY.

(What a lovely man!)

So consenting to her request, he invited her to stay at his feet the rest of the night and to leave while it was still dark.

THEN HE PLACED HIS GARMENT OVER HER HEAD…
This was a confirmation by law that he would take on the role of a Husband.

So, Boaz gave Ruth six measures of Barley, which was a message to Naomi that he would take the appropriate steps toward a legal Marriage.

I can almost see Ruth… Skipping and laughing, and singing praises to Jehovah as she makes her way back home… into the embraces of an expectant, wise Naomi.

They were so elated and excited that they danced in circles, laughed, sang, and cried tears of joy well into the night.

Boaz, without delay, contacts the nearest of kin in the presence of the Elders and Witnesses at the city gate.

Meanwhile, Naomi gave Ruth some good advice:

“SIT STILL, MY DAUGHTER, DO NOTHING” and SEE HOW THE MATTER WILL TURN OUT!”

Ruth 3:18.

This is good advice for us as well. We must learn not to run ahead of God, Read.

Psalm 37:1-6. It is particularly fitting for us today…

TO SIT STILL!

“BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD!”

Psalm 46:10 is another great verse for you to personalise.

Now back to Boaz… The unnamed Kingsman, an anxious and nervous man, was also too afraid that he would suffer the same fate as Mahlon and Chilion (death) if he married a Moabite Woman.

He exclaimed, “I might die!” So he declined!

Boaz forfeited the property, worth $9,700, which had once belonged to Mahlon.
No problem!

As BOAZ was…VERY, RICH! And truly RUTH was his… MOST “PRIZED POSSESSION.”

Dear friend, Jesus is your King and Redeemer. He will restore to you all that was broken, lost, stolen, wasted and unwanted.

ALL HE ASKS FOR IS YOUR TOTAL OBEDIENCE!!

Are you willing to be obedient to Him this day?

Amen.

1. THE BOOK OF RUTH. GRAFTED IN.

This lovely book opens with the words.

“Now it came to pass in the days when the Judges ruled,”

and was written in truly tragic days.

The Book of Ruth is a Priceless Gem found in an unlikely place.
It centres upon Ruth and Boaz and is quite a contrast to the book of Judges.

Amidst moral deterioration, the story of Ruth conveys noble love and godly Chivalry.

She was a … “GLORIOUS ROSE🌹BLOOMING IN AN ARID DESERT.”

Now into our story… We learn of a young Moabite woman, now widowed, who sacrificed herself for her Hebrew Mother-in-law, Naomi.

It is a true story. The individuals mentioned are found in Jewish Genealogical records.
We also see a Moabite connection in the Genealogy of King David.

This book is devoted to a woman named Ruth.

Her book is a Love Story.
Incredibly, it is not about romantic love between Ruth and Boaz in romantic terms, but you sense that love is blossoming.

It is a Love of a “Woman for a Woman.” It’s the story of a young wife’s passionate and devoted love for her MOTHER-IN-LAW!
(it still happens!)

It is based on the truth that Christ has made Himself of every Nation, people of pure and unselfish love for Himself! Which is acceptable in the sight of God. It invites anyone to come and put their trust under the wings of Jehovah. That blessing is not only for the Jew but for the Gentile alike.

THE STORY…
There was a severe famine in the land, and Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, sought a temporary residence in Moab. He took his wife Naomi and their two sons with him:
Mahlon, meaning (Invalid)
and Chilion (sick and pining)

It was not a good decision, as the father and both his sons died in the Land of Moab and never returned to the Covenant Land of Israel.
The two young men had married Moabite women, forbidden by Jewish Law.

See Deuteronomy. Chapter Three, following…

What can we learn from the story so far?

Sometimes we make decisions based on what is convenient for us, or easier at the moment, instead of seeking…

THE LORD AS TO WHAT IS RIGHT!

You can ask yourself in your difficult situation,

“WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?”

Not always does this workout, and the results are tragic, when we choose to do things without consulting the Lord.

We, as Christians, would be wise to live by God’s Word, which has been given to us.

We are BLESSED if we…as Ruth and Naomi were blessed because they were obedient to the Lord.

“WALK NOT IN THE COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY.”
“NOR STAND IN THE WAY OF SINNERS,” NOR SIT IN THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL,”

Read the whole Psalm… It will encourage you.

Psalm 2:1-6.

Yes, the Word of God should be our chief delight, our path of obedience, for when we delight in Him and His wonderful promises.

“We shall have the desires of our ❤️ heart.”

Psalm 37:4.

“Commit your way unto the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. ”

.❤️

When you are without God in your life, you are without hope in this world, 🌎 and for your future.

So many people are dissatisfied with life, disillusioned, and in despair.
They have no aspirations or plans to work toward. Bored, sick, and tired, and they glumly say:

“What will be, will be. “Yawn!”

A LIFE LIVED IN THE WILL OF GOD IS…

EXCITING!

SATISFYING!

PROSPEROUS!

HEALTHY!

STRONG!

Look at 3 JOHN 2.

“BELOVED, I WISH ABOVE ALL THINGS THAT YOU WILL PROSPER AND BE IN HEALTH, EVEN AS YOUR SOUL PROSPERS.”

Let us not choose to do what is convenient at the time.

“CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE, BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE (Family) 👪 WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!” Joshua 24:15.

Amen.

5. THE BOOK  OF RUTH. “Joy Comes in the Morning.”

Here we are at the final revelation of a beautiful and true story, not only of Ruth but also of Naomi.

The love of God is shed abroad into the hearts of the two most unlikely people.

A Jew and a Moabite!

A Mother-in-Law and her Daughter-in-Law!

Yes Naomi is now experiencing the real meaning of her Name, “Pleasant”

No more bitter and somewhat angry, now in her old age, she is full and delighted. She is blessed with a new purpose. To care Lovingly for Ruth and baby OBED! 

I love the blessings the women (now her friends) speak over her.

“May this child be a restorer of life to you, a nourisher and support in your old age? For your daughter-in-law  who loves you, is “Better” to you than seven sons, who have been born to him.”

You also, dear reader, should not forget to encourage the elderly with words of BLESSING.

THEY NEED ENCOURAGEMENT More than many others.

Some are lonely, isolated, confused, and neglected!

“WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT. BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING.” 

For those of you who are disappointed with life. These are some promises you may claim and apply to your circumstances. God wants the best for you, and as you put your trust in Him, you will not be disappointed.

THE CENTRAL FACT IS THAT…

Ruth the Moabite, shut out by Law, is admitted by Grace into Israel and into the Kingdom of God.

This could be you, if so…

Know that the, “GRACE OF GOD IS UPON YOU.”

It does not matter to God about your colour, race, family background, or your sinful past.

When you come into the Family of God and into the presence of the Great King of Kings, and you come through the way He provided, the Way of the Cross! You are most welcome, loved and accepted.

This invitation is open to everyone.

Ask Jesus today to save your soul. Here is a simple prayer you can pray.

“LORD JESUS, THANKYOU FOR DYING FOR ME THAT I MAY LIVE ETERNALLY.

I AM A SINNER. I ASK YOU TO FORGIVE ME AND SAVE MY SOUL.

I GIVE MY LIFE TO YOU .PLEASE USE ME TO BRING HONOUR AND GLORY TO YOUR NAME.

Amen.

To comment: SMS Heather Dalzell
0417545814.

To support this ministry: Gmail heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com

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