"A New Start" (a sermon on John 3:1-21)

We have a character here named Nicodemus. Despite being a Jewish religious leader, he did not yet understand where his Scriptures pointed. Nicodemus was still in the dark. We are led to this conclusion because we are specifically told he came to Jesus “by night”. People will often come out at night, when daytime hours would clearly expose them and their life choices (refer v.19-20). John’s Gospel has a continuing theme throughout of light and darkness. People who were living in the “darkness” would be confronted by Jesus who was the “light”.

Nicodemus did have some appreciation for Jesus. He saw Jesus as a teacher and a miracle-worker. Changing water into wine at a wedding feast, and throwing people out of the temple who were disrupting worship, were seen as signs that Jesus carried the presence of God. In this, Nicodemus would have been well ahead of the rest of the Pharisees who were lining themselves up against Jesus. Here was a seeker! But perhaps this was more of an intellectual quest … more of the head than of the heart. Therefore Jesus didn’t present Nicodemus with a complete theology of who he was, but rather cut to the chase – he went to the personal … Jesus turned to Nicodemus’ own (greatest) need.

Whoever Jesus was, and surely Nicodemus was on the right track, the question is … how this is going to affect Nicodemus personally? It’s how each of us handle this good news deep into our personhood that is most important. We can argue about this or that as our mind carries us through various points of teaching, however this is all secondary to the work God wants to do within us. It is possible for a person to believe in the existence of God, and also in the worthiness of God’s law, but still remain the dark! How is this so??? They lack a personal relationship with God!!!

This would be the type of personal relationship in which one gets to know God, and personally experience all of what God wants to give to a person. A proper spiritual pursuit leads to a personal relationship with one’s creator. The terminology Jesus uses (in verse 3), depending on how this is translated, is being “born from above”, or “born anew” or “born again”. [in verse 8 add “born of the Spirit”.] What does it really mean to be “born again”? Now Nicodemus really has something of worth to ponder! This all suggests a new start!

Why (the need for) a new start?! The human state is often such that a minor repair or a ‘band-aid’ will never do! The wound is too great. A temporary repair job is just that … temporary. Sometimes we might just layer more and more things on to ourselves, to try to make ourselves feel better – e.g. activities, “works”, material goods, food, relationships. Yet the problem goes way too deep to be helped by any of these. We don’t need a ‘band-aid’, but an operation! We really need to strip everything back.

Nicodemus himself queries all this. This was new territory. This was unique thinking. Could you re-enter your mother’s womb and start again as a baby? No! We cannot reverse what has come before … the facts and history of our physical lives remain. This is a spiritual re-birth! We remain human as we were born human. We remain the physical age we are. But something deep and spiritual happens, meaning that we nonetheless have a new start. And such is the power of the Spirit, that a rebirth like this can change so much. Being “born anew” is not a reversal, but rather a spiritual revolution.

This was radical, and Nicodemus couldn’t quite get his head around it. Nicodemus brings the question, “How can these things be” (v.9)? In response to this Jesus sort of tees off on those who should have known better (v.9-12) … the religious “teachers” of the day, that seem to be resistant or unwilling to respond. Change! Humility! Not easy, when one has become so set in their ways! Yet human need is so plain to see!! The question Nicodemus put (v.9), gave Jesus the opportunity to address all those who were unprepared to step into the light … in his time, and beyond his time.

The answer … to be “born anew”! Where does being “born anew” begin?? Well, of course, it’s not really a ‘where’, but a ‘who’! Being “born again” begins with the person who was “lifted up” (v.14). This “lifting up” refers first to the “Son of Man” Jesus being lifted up onto a cross by a sinful humanity who did not recognise their visitation from God. This “lifting up” also refers to the way in which God glorifies, honours and exalts Jesus for his willing sacrifice for all humanity … that we see in the resurrection.

What we need to do is identify ourselves with this act of love and grace on the cross, and admit that this was for me! Then, as we experience forgiveness and cleansing, we are also able to participate in Jesus’ resurrected life. We are given a human identity at our first birth, the second birth brings a new identity closely aligned to Jesus (along with new citizenship papers)! Our new papers are marked, ‘citizen of the Kingdom of God’ (refer v.3).

This whole process is so beautifully and famously expressed in John 3:16. What does it mean to “believe” in Jesus?? It does not mean just intellectual assent to certain facts. To “believe” means to accept and appreciate all of what Jesus brings to a life. To “believe” means to completely buy into something, and to stake your life on its credibility. To “believe” is to wholly commit your life over to Jesus. To “believe” is to say ‘YES’ to God’s grace! To “believe” is to receive the offer of forgiveness, and then pass on that forgiveness to others. To “believe” is to follow in the Jesus way, seeking to emulate how he lived (in compassion and liberation). This all takes enough humility to accept we need help. And this all originates out of God’s enormous heart of love.

Where does being “born anew” lead?? Eternal life!! “Eternal life” is often misunderstood as meaning ongoing life after earthly death. This is part of it, but not where it begins. “Eternal life”, which really means “life in all its fullness”, begins in the here and now when we experience this new birth. “Eternal life” is living NOW in the assured and unending presence of God. We have already said that what we can embrace is the resurrected life of Jesus in all its victory (over negativity and death). We participate in the process of becoming like Christ (recovering that image of God that we were born into), by following Jesus now. We anticipate life in heaven, by living as citizens of heaven now.

How can we really appreciate this “eternal life” in the present??? In (corporate) worship; through participation in Jesus-centred community (where all the gifts of the Spirit are shared in the common good); in mutual encouragement and care; in service of our neighbour; through alleviating injustice; by expressing joy and peace in knowing Jesus. Sure cracks will appear – we remain human … vulnerable and fallible. Rough edges will emerge under pressure. Our progress can stall from time to time under life’s testing. Ultimately though, a fresh birth experience in Jesus has the potential of overcoming all past failures and hurts – break the chains that bind – and cause us to dance.

If we reflect back to our study of Ruth, we will remember how Naomi was broken and empty through the losses that she experienced. Having first been encouraged by the loving-kindness of Ruth, Naomi was then given, through her “kinsman-redeemer” Boaz, all that would make her life new again – land and descendants. Jesus is our “kinsman-redeemer”, in that when our life was lost to other interests, or struggling in guilt and shame, Jesus offers us a new start, where he takes all our burdens upon himself, and gives us a whole new way of living.

We see in verses 18-19 that people bring negative judgment or condemnation upon themselves for ignoring the light or resisting believing in Jesus. This is judgment by one’s own decision! This is because their (“evil”) deeds or their life-style reveals that they prefer the darkness. Or it may just be because, for any number of reasons, they just cannot come to terms with believing in the person and character of Jesus. Such a shame!! Such statements, rather than leading us to any sort of feelings of vindication or superiority, should actually move us and motivate us. For, “God so loved the world” – this is our blueprint too! Verse 17 says it all! Jesus came that none might be lost!!

If Nicodemus was willing, Jesus would take him on the journey of being “born anew”, from darkness to light, from night-time to morning. What further do we hear about Nicodemus? In chapter 7, Nicodemus courageously raises concerns about the Pharisees' blanket rejection of Jesus, suggesting that Jesus should be given a better hearing (7:50-51). And in chapter 19, Nicodemus assisted with Jesus’ burial after his crucifixion. I think these are telling words (John 19:38-40):

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews.

We see here a generous act of love beyond the norm. One imagines that the response of Nicodemus had moved from the head to the heart. What about us? Where are we on this journey?? Resisting? Or opening ourselves to something new?? Thinking about God and Jesus in an intellectual sense … just with the mind? Or opening all our lives to Jesus’ great gift of “eternal life – life in all its fullness”??

Ruth part three: "A New Future" (Ruth chapters 3 & 4)

1.     The Story So Far …

Naomi with her husband and two sons had previously moved from Judah to Moab because of a famine. First Naomi’s husband dies, followed later by the death of both her sons. Naomi is just left with her two Moabite daughters-in-law, and is in desperate grief. The famine ends in Judah, so Naomi sets off home to Bethlehem in Judah, with her daughter-in law Ruth determined to “cling” to Naomi. We reflected on the “loving-kindness” that was so extensively expressed in chapter one, especially in Ruth’s strong commitment to the well-being of Naomi.

Then when the young foreign woman Ruth is seeking food, and finds her way to the fields gleaning leftover grain, she is discovered there by a prosperous and well-regarded landowner in Boaz (who also happened to be a relative of Naomi). For Ruth, Boaz remarkably provides protection, wise advice and more access to food in his field than would ever have been expected. This was truly a blessing for Ruth – a sense of coming under the refuge of God’s wings. We reflected in chapter two, about the generous welcome and awesome hospitality that Boaz provided for this newly arrived foreign woman.

In both the “loving-kindness” of Ruth, and the extraordinary generosity of Boaz, we reflected that such attitudes and expressions come right out of the heart of God. And as we are called to be agents of God (and followers of Jesus), “loving-kindness” and warm generosity are attitudes and expressions that we are meant to emulate. And sometimes, as we have seen in the early chapters of Ruth, such expressions of love are often needed as against what might have become normal practice (i.e. fear, selfishness and exclusion).

2.     The Dilemma

Yet, Naomi, having moved back to Bethlehem, following the death of her husband and two sons, was still a destitute widow. Despite the kindness of Ruth, in returning with Naomi and providing food for her … Naomi’s life was still in tatters.

Ruth, despite having the love of her mother-in-law Naomi, and now the extraordinary generosity of Boaz, in allowing Ruth unlimited access to his fields and their bounty … Ruth remains another widow in limbo.

Is there a real way forward for either Naomi or Ruth? Given their respective losses, is there any way that life can feel fully blessed again for them??

What about any sense of human depletion? What about any of us? Can there still be a future when life has hit a brick wall??

3.     The Kinsman-Redeemer

Underlying chapters 3 & 4 is this role of the ‘next-of-kin’. Understanding all this is a little illusive – it’s not fully clear and things changed over time. It seems there was a parcel of land in Judah to be inherited from Naomi’s husband Elimelech. Because Naomi and Elimelech had been in Moab up until the time of Elimelech’s death, that land in Judah may have been sold off or leased out for someone else to farm (or otherwise surrendered and utilised by others). One could not leave land idle having moved away. Different to our time, such a sale or arrangement only applied until the time when a family member could buy this land back i.e. redeem it. Alternatively, this land may be, due to Naomi’s current poverty, up for sale now, but with a preference for a relative to purchase it (rather than having to be redeemed from another in the future). In any case, family property was never sold off permanently, ownership ultimately rested within a certain family line, who had the right to buy it back (if it had been temporarily let go).

A ‘next-of kin’ or close relative would be needed to do whatever it took to redeem that land for its original owner. In this case, responsibility would initially be with Elimelech’s closest known relative, and then if necessary pass down the chain. This role had become known as the ‘kinsman-redeemer’. There was also another role to perform for this so-called ‘kinsman-redeemer’ – a far more personal role. This ‘kinsman-redeemer’ could also make arrangements for the line of his relative/s, in this case Elimelech and Naomi, to be continued. As Naomi would have been too old to bear children, this ‘kinsman-redeemer’ could still fulfil this role by marrying Ruth, taking the role of Ruth’s deceased husband who had been Elimelech and Naomi’s son. Culturally speaking, any child from this marriage would be seen as providing an heir for Naomi.

4.     Overview of Chapters 3 & 4

Naomi thought that Boaz might be that “kinsman-redeemer”; she clearly hoped this would be the case. Naomi, then, thought that it would be a good idea for Ruth to make Boaz understand that, if he was of such a mind, she [Ruth] would be happy to have Boaz as her husband. Certainly Naomi had a scheme going to attract Boaz to Ruth … we might raise our eyebrows a bit, but her heart was in the right place, and Ruth was willing to go along with it (trusting Naomi’s judgment). This was something akin to throwing herself at Boaz; yet Boaz didn’t need too much convincing, while at the same time having honourable intentions. From Ruth’s side, she certainly wanted to do what was best for Naomi, and provide some security and descendants for her (if that was at all possible).

So not any man for Ruth, but rather the right man (for all concerned)! Ruth could have provided her own descendants through marrying any young man willing and available, but she could only address Naomi’s need of a male heir to inherit her deceased husband’s responsibilities, if she married a close relative of Naomi. This level of loving concern and kindness is behind Boaz’s comment to Ruth in 3:10: “May you be blessed by the Lord; this last instance of your loyalty is better than the first; you have not gone after young men, rich or poor”.

Often being kind on a one-off basis is not that much of an issue, but continuing on with that kindness through challenging and self-sacrificing circumstances can really mark a person out. Ruth’s level of loving-kindness is crowned with this sense of loyalty (or selfless devotion)! Ruth continues to respond to Naomi’s feelings of emptiness, in the most active of ways.

Boaz, ever the gentleman, was NOT going to take advantage of the situation, as he was already aware that there was someone else who was a closer relative, and that this person may be prepared to be the “kinsman-redeemer”. There is no doubt that Boaz wanted the role, and wanted to be Ruth’s husband, but he had to go through the right channels. Boaz assures Ruth that he will act in her best interests, and also protects her reputation from any accusation of impropriety.

Boaz didn’t waste any time seeking to make contact, and again we see the hand of God in this, as that ‘closer relative’ “came passing by” (4:1). When this closer relative was unwilling to take on this “kinsman-redeemer” role in all its implications and responsibilities, then the way was clear for Boaz. This other relative was willing to redeem the land, but not take on the further responsibility of Ruth and producing a descendant. It seems that the financial implications, given his current situation, may have been too great (4:6). But we know, as the reader, that Boaz was the man of God’s choosing!

5.     A New Future

Boaz and Ruth plan to marry, and despite Boaz marrying a Moabite women, the community are able to add their blessing and celebrate (4:11-12). Perhaps this is because both Ruth and Boaz have great integrity, and have expressed such caring devotion to Naomi. Soon following their marriage, a son whose name was Obed was born. And Naomi, who had lost her sons, was now given the opportunity of participating in the upbringing of this new boy, who would be considered her descendent (refer 4:16). And not only Naomi’s descendent, but through the line of Boaz, Obed would be the grandfather of David, ultimately leading to Jesus (through Joseph).

Boaz was no doubt a very happy man. And Ruth would now have a secure future in Judah. But the biggest turnaround of all … was for Naomi. She was deeply and desperately depressed and grieving when she first returned to Judah. The community heard her cries: I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty; why call me Naomi when the Lord has dealt harshly with me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me? (1:21). Naomi was at her lowest point, even doubting the loving-kindness of God.

But now she has a descendant! Her prior emptiness caused by the death of her husband and sons, and the state in which this left her, has been alleviated. Life cannot actually be put into reverse, former loses remain abiding tragedies – but a new future, with new opportunity, can open up. We may need to live with the consequences of our past actions, but we do NOT have to live as a prisoner to them. Praise God! Naomi’s grief was displayed for the whole community to see, but now this same community can celebrate a huge turnaround.

The loving-kindness of God, sometimes doubted, has been made real through the actions of Ruth and of Boaz. Naomi’s empty life has been filled. No longer “Mara” (meaning ‘bitter’), Naomi is “Naomi” (i.e. ‘pleasant’) again! When there was no other source of hope, and where human resources had reached an end – God’s loving-kindness prevailed. As it turned out, God had NOT abandoned Naomi, as she had thought, far from it! There is a new completeness to Naomi’s experience of life (“Ruth is more to you than seven sons” – 4:15b).

Turnarounds in our lives can indeed stir the community around us, and that is why we need to tell the stories publicly of what God has been doing in our lives. Naomi’s community said (4:14-15):

Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.

6.     Our New Future

This is a model for a turnaround and a new future that all human beings can experience. This is especially the case in a spiritual sense, where, at the moment we think we might have lost God, God offers us the grace that brings forgiveness and defeats guilt and shame. We learn again that our home can be with God. This is where we belong, this is where we are accepted, this is where we are valued. When the criminal on the cross next to Jesus was at a complete loss, he humbly sought the grace of Jesus, and Jesus responded to him, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). There is another turnaround!

This spiritual renewal can then travel to all aspects of our lives, meaning that those troublesome facets of our lives … emotional, relational, behavioural and physical … can all be touched by the transforming power of God. This is surely a great model of the possibilities before us, right here and right now, as the child born to Ruth and Boaz, named in their joy by the whole community as Obed (meaning ‘servant’), was the grandfather of David, whose earthly line would progress through to Jesus himself. As Boaz was “kinsman-redeemer” for Naomi; so Jesus is “kinsman-redeemer’ for each of us.

Just like in Naomi’s case with Boaz, our redemption comes through someone else’s faithfulness. Jesus takes that role of closest relative, that no one else can or would (take), and returns to us what has been lost. Jesus offers to redeem us. Jesus, in a once-for-all loving sacrifice, buys back what was sold off to other interests, or lost seemingly without hope of return. In this way, lives are brought back to the heart of Creator God. In the case of Jesus, one act of redemption leads to the redemption of the whole world.

Now this new future, this complete turnaround can be our personal experience – it has been mine, and I trust it has been yours. Yet, our new future doesn’t end there, it is just the beginning. For our new future is (or, should be) a foretaste of what each and everybody’s new future could be. When Naomi’s life was in tatters the community around her in Bethlehem noticed. We have now seen the community rejoicing when Naomi’s life became transformed and God-filled once again. They were stirred! So it can be today!

Ruth 2 - "A Generous Welcome"

1.     The Story So Far …

Naomi with husband and two sons moved from Judah to Moab because of a famine. Husband dies, then later both sons die, and Naomi is just left with her two daughters-in-law. Famine ends in Judah, so Naomi sets out with Ruth and Orpah to return home. Along the way, Naomi realises that her daughters-in-law may be better off in their birthplace of Moab and tries to send them back … eventually Orpah agrees to return, but Ruth will hear none of it and “clings” to Naomi. Just as well too, for soon is revealed the depth of Naomi’s pain and grief.

And this is what really captured my imagination! As Naomi returns to Bethlehem supported by Ruth, the local community is “stirred”. What does this mean? A clearly distraught Naomi supported by a young foreign woman! Even though Naomi feels that God has abandoned her, she enters her home town of Bethlehem with the evidence right beside her, that she has been afforded a special measure of loving-kindness. This was a remarkable scene.

What grabs your attention in chapter 2??

2.     Finding the Place to Be (v.1-3)

At chapter 2 verse 2, we see that Ruth was willing to go out and work; indeed this would have been necessary, to support herself and Naomi. Naomi supported Ruth in this initiative. They were both hoping that there would be some kind and compassionate person in the fields who would make Ruth’s endeavours to gain food successful. Sometimes we take on a new job and it works out well; other times, not so! But we can always be hopeful, and it is surely better to be positive, than to go into something new with a negative mindset. Yet, Ruth would likely have concerns as a young foreign woman in the fields amongst strangers, especially the men. How would she be received?! There is the later suggestion of danger or exclusion in certain fields.

* This is the dilemma of anyone moving into the unknown: new country, new community, new situation!

I wonder what it is like having the idea of coming to church, or responding to an invitation to a church activity, without knowing too many of the people, and not having an understanding of the culture one is entering, and being unsure concerning the level of welcome that will be received!?! There might be those who have a sense of need, even spiritual need, or who are experiencing tough times, but fear whether they will be accepted or not (within a new or different community of people).

In such a field there would those cutting with hand sickles teamed with those bundling up the sheaves. The background to Ruth’s endeavour, was that when a field was being harvested like this, the workers would leave behind bits and pieces, and not be too pedantic about collecting everything up. This was because the landowner was probably more well-off than most, and the poor or ‘landless’ would be able to follow behind and pick up the grain (and be able to make a meal out of it). So the grain at the edges of the field might be left, and the workers wouldn’t be concerned about other bits that were accidentally missed along the way. How often this was practiced we can’t know – there were likely to be landowners hostile to foreigners; but obviously Ruth was hopeful concerning the field that she went to.

We might sense that Ruth was seeking some Divine guidance so that she would arrive in the right field. Usually there would have been one very large field, divided into areas belonging to various owners … but where to go?! Back in verse 1, we are introduced to the character of Boaz, and the situation of him being a rich relative of Naomi; this verse suggesting to us that we should expect some positive outcomes ahead. We then read in verse 3 that, “As it happened, [Ruth] came to the … field belonging to Boaz”! “As it happened”!! As we proactively seek God’s lamp over our path, a lot of good things might happen; or at the very least, we will be where God would have us be – which is the place of ultimate blessing.

We know that from this moment, Ruth’s fortunes, so to speak, turn around (for the better). But we haven’t yet got to the part where we see the quality and impact of the welcome and hospitality that Boaz provided that lay behind this.

3.     A Kindness Hero

If Ruth was our ‘kindness hero’ last week, then Boaz is this week! Boaz was clearly one who practiced kindness towards the poor, allowing people in need to walk behind his “reapers”, and making sure these “reapers” left enough behind to make it worth their while. As well as this, Boaz clearly had a great reputation and relationship with his workforce – refer verse 4. He obviously treated his workers well, as he brought his spirituality into his management of people. Boaz probably gained kudos and respect for his attitude to the less fortunate. When he suddenly arrived at the field, as verse 4 suggests, he found his workers being industrious and commended them. These workers had clearly also been cooperative with people in situations like Ruth, and we might sense that they had acquired such consideration from the fine example of Boaz.

Who was this new woman asked Boaz! He was to find out that she was the Moabite woman who had emigrated to Bethlehem with his relative Naomi. Do you sense God’s hand in all this! The prospects for Ruth coming to Judah as a stranger may have been frightening, but God had already provided. And Boaz was to be the (chosen) instrument of blessing. Boaz also found out that this Ruth had approached his field humbly seeking permission, and had been working all morning without rest. His welcome and consideration of Ruth was complete. Boaz went on to suggest to Ruth that she should stay in his field, because clearly she would be safe there, and Boaz would make sure there was to be more than enough left around to meet her needs.

Why was Boaz favouring her in this way, Ruth wondered out loud. ‘I’m not from here … I don’t really belong’! Ruth actually fell with her face to the ground in wonder (refer verse 10). We mentioned last week that people from Moab were not well thought of in Judah … quite the opposite! They were tainted, they had a different religion, they could taint us … according to common opinion. They should be shunned, it was thought. Not by Boaz though! And especially not … on the evidence of Ruth’s loving-kindness to Naomi (refer verses 11-12). Far from shunning Ruth, Boaz announces a blessing upon her (verse 12). [We might wonder if something has happened behind the scenes and Naomi has already put in a good word for Ruth with her relative Boaz!]

* Also, we notice that Boaz has thought about Ruth's own personal loss!

In any case, well over and above what would be considered normal, Boaz provided for Ruth. First, the water that was offered, which would have come from the supply that the other workers would have taken the trouble to draw from the village well and bring to the field. Some might have raised their eyebrows, but for Boaz this was just a natural thing to do. Then, when it came to the lunch break, Boaz raised Ruth’s status in Judah, by inviting her to “sit beside” his own workers and eat with them. And just like with Jesus’ miracle of feeding the five thousand, rather than there being a shortage, there was food left over (refer verse 14).

Grace was abounding for Ruth. You would imagine that there might have been the more hardhearted or prejudiced few there that day, who might have resented this affirming treatment of Moabite Ruth; some who would seek to protect their own interests at the cost of newcomers. But Boaz seemed to just keep pressing the point!

4.     Generous Welcome

We remember that the loving-kindness that Ruth has showed Naomi, and that Boaz has shown Ruth, is like the loving-kindness that God continually shows us: generous, sacrificial, in solidarity with our human need. This is the loving-kindness that we all received from Jesus. This is the loving-kindness that we are all expected to offer to those seeking and needing a welcome and caring hospitality. When we ourselves have already received this from God, who are we to hold it back from others!?!

We think of all those people forced to cross borders looking for a new home. We think of all those who have become stranded in refugee camps or detention centres experiencing less and less hope. We think of all the difficulty and complexity of all this, but then are caused to think about this generous sense of welcome that comes out of the heart of God. And we wonder who needs a generous welcome within our own neighbourhood!?

It’s sad that Ruth was threatened by this move from Moab to Judah. It’s disturbing that the reader of chapter one, would have feared for Ruth on her arrival in Bethlehem. It should not have been this way! Boaz teaches us this. Boaz responds as a person of God would naturally respond. Boaz goes on to give Ruth even easier and more generous access to the sheaves of wheat, so there would be some for her mother-in-law Naomi as well. As Boaz told his workers to allow Ruth access to the “standing sheaves” (v.15), again, her status, her level of acceptance, and her prospects are lifted. This was a tremendous outcome for Ruth, and there was even more blessing to come.

In verse 12, Boaz incisively states that Ruth had moved from Moab to Judah, under the refuge of God’s wings. And it was Boaz himself that confirmed God’s loving-kindness to Ruth, in the extraordinary level of encouraging and practical welcome he provided. Boaz also personally saw to Ruth’s protection, first in his own field amongst his own workforce, and then by making it unnecessary to go anywhere else to get help. I think we could agree with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, who in 2012 said: “More and more people are forced to flee in search of refuge. Together we must care for some of the most vulnerable people in the world, people who have been uprooted and dispossessed, people who need our support to rebuild their lives and to restore their vision of the future.”

Happily, the “Welcome to Australia” movement, founded by South Australian pastor Brad Chilcott, has been very proactive in providing welcome and hospitality to many hundreds of newcomers. And many here have been supporting Andy and Jan’s efforts in terms of resettling Chin refugees from Burma . As a church we have been supporting, in a number of ways, a family originally from Sri Lanka with various needs. And, on another front, there has been great financial support recently for the Zoe’s Hope project, so that a community in Zambia can have simple access to clean water. We know that this is not a side issue to the Gospel … this activity is central to the Gospel.

5.     God’s Agency

Boaz blessed Ruth (v.12) and said, “May the Lord reward you for your deeds [i.e. of kindness to Naomi] … the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge”. When she heard this, Ruth knew that it was to be Boaz himself that would be an agent of God’s blessing to her. Ruth replied to Boaz (in verse 13), as anyone would reply, “May I continue to find favour in your sight … for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants”. This was a welcome that reached out beyond one people group, across an artificial boundary that the complexity of life had thrown up. May we continue to be a party to many coming under the refuge of God’s wings.

We sense how Ruth would become such an asset to Judah – a model of the “unexpected asset” (J Waldron). We need to be able to offer a sincere welcome with open minds and hearts, sometimes against the tide of our comfort levels (and also common opinion).

Where might I or you fit into this narrative? Am I the shy newcomer like Ruth, aware of my possible level of difference, knowing that without assistance I am unlikely to survive? Will I put in a good word for others as Naomi may have done? Or am I the well-resourced employer like Boaz, who has great power for good or for evil in the way in which I treat those working for me? I can set a good culture of fairness and kindness, or I can promote a sort of dog-eat-dog survival of the fittest! What will happen when the shy newcomer enters my workspace?? How will they be treated? As that shy newcomer in need of support, how will I act in response to the kindness I receive? Even if we are not in any of these situations, what is it about Ruth or Boaz that inspires us? In whatever role we have, and from whatever situation we come from, how can we make a positive difference in others, and how can we build community?

Where is God in all this? Doesn’t all loving-kindness begin with God! Doesn’t God seek to carry all of us, throughout the whole world, under His wings! Isn’t there a welcome for us all! Aren’t each of us asked to live out this loving-kindness and welcome as agents of God!

Ruth part one - "Kindness through Hard Times" (Ruth 1:1-22)

1.     Introduction

This was how this woman Naomi felt about her life! Look at verse 21. Naomi had left Bethlehem in Judah for Moab, with a husband and two sons, ten years earlier, and now returned with seemingly nothing. She was really depressed! And because of the Hebrew mind thinking that everything that happens (good or bad) comes from God, this set Naomi up for her relationship with God to be particularly strained (if not diminished). When things are going well, we can easily suggest that God only works for our good. Sometimes though, when things are traumatic, and we have been taught about an all-powerful God, it’s understandable that our faith is shaken. Reassurance is needed. Love is needed. When life takes tragic turns, God often chooses to use a human touch to restore people’s equilibrium. This was the case here, as Ruth touches the life of Naomi.

2.     Changing Names

There was a sense of Divine guidance in heading off to more prosperous Moab (modern day Jordan), and then returning to Judah (southern kingdom of Israel) when food had been restored to that land. However, between these trips, Naomi had lost her husband and two sons. We are not told how or why! But we do get the sense that these were great losses and probably premature, and thus a real shock to Naomi.

We can tell that Naomi has been a lovely person, given her caring relationships with her daughters-in-law. She clearly appreciated how they had been good wives to her sons (v. 8). Despite her own despair and loss, Naomi thought kindly about her daughters-in-law. Such love is seen in how these feelings were reciprocated (v.9b, 14a) – in tears at the very thought of separation. Such care clearly made Ruth particularly responsive to Naomi’s God (v.16b). Despite how she felt about her own future, Naomi believed that her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, would be best served in Moab (with their own people). Naomi certainly had a heart for these two younger women.

However, Naomi also sensed herself changing in personality and knew that her life was falling apart (refer verse 20). She wanted to be no longer known under the name of Naomi (which suggested sweetness), but rather now “Mara” (suggesting bitterness). Here is sadness, loneliness, hurt, grief, pain and depression; with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

3.     Ruth’s Response

This deep change, through grief, is what Ruth recognised in Naomi. Maybe the other daughter-in-law Orpah saw it too, but not as clearly and perhaps was not quite as emotionally moved. The text is not critical of Orpah; perhaps because it was her particular destiny to return to Moab and marry there (just as Naomi thought it to be). Naomi repeatedly suggested that Ruth, also, should not carry on with her to Bethlehem, but rather return to Moab with Orpah. For Ruth would know no-one in Bethlehem, she would be a young foreign widow, and thus would NOT have it easy.

Naomi explains that she has no hope of another husband herself, she would be too old anyway to produce other sons, and even if she could – the age gap would be too great to be of any help to Ruth. It may have been part of Naomi’s faith decline, that she did not see any positive possibilities in Ruth migrating to Judah. Ruth could have, without too much regret, returned to the house of her own mother, and fitted back into a more comfortable existence. Naomi’s advice did make a lot of sense, but Ruth would hear none of it!!

No one would have blamed Ruth for doing what would have been customary and sensible. But instead, Ruth sensed a real responsibility to stay with her mother-in-law. Clearly Naomi had wanted the company (and an on-going relationship), as she had started out with her daughters-in-law before it occurred to her she should send them back. This was perhaps a clue (or a cue) that Ruth had carefully picked up on.

The idea of acting kindly was introduced in verse 8b, where Naomi sought to bless Ruth with the Lord’s kindness. This blessing was on the basis of how Ruth had already treated Naomi and her family. You might see that acts of kindness are reciprocated and build a dynamic where kindness (rather than selfishness) becomes the norm. Ruth is kind to her mother-in-law, Naomi is kind as a result, and now Ruth really puts kindness into action (on behalf of Naomi). We shall see that the whole book of Ruth is a testimony to “kindness” (and provides a forerunner for the ultimate loving-kindness of Jesus).

Ruth will now continue demonstrating such kindness in her decision to stay with Naomi. The Hebrew word “khesed” here refers to kindness that goes well beyond anything the law requires or what might be deemed normal. This is kindness, over and above – down the extra mile. “Khesed”, or ‘loving-kindness’, is thoroughly loyal – and is an act of solidarity. We might easily overlook the fact that Ruth herself had lost a husband; and given that there had been no children, her marriage may well have been cut very short! Whatever grief Ruth was feeling herself, this drew her closer towards Naomi’s grief.

4.     A Sense of Call

We may conclude, that this feeling of real responsibility that Ruth had … was a call from God – a fairly clear leading, a bit of a ‘no-brainer’, based on an existing relationship with another person in acute and deep need. Sometimes we might wonder what God would have us do (and we are looking fairly far-afield), when the answer is right smack-bang in front of us. You could just imagine, as you read this text, Ruth being side-by-side with Naomi, an arm around her, guiding her home to Bethlehem. We read, Ruth “clung” to Naomi (v.14b)! This commitment was spelt out in the following verses (16-17a). Resistance on the part of Naomi became futile (v.18); such was the sincerity and integrity of Ruth’s commitment.

With “loving-kindness” often comes personal sacrifice. [Just think of Jesus leaving the perfect communal harmony of heaven to live in the fragile environment on earth and die a torturous death on a cross.] Ruth was committing herself to a new country with a different culture (never to return to Moab), to a new home and a new community (come what may), and a total allegiance to Naomi’s God (who she had no background understanding of). The reader is reminded in verse 22 that Ruth is a “Moabite”, which suggests her future may not be easy (in Judah).

Moab was NOT a country well regarded in Judah; there was a long history of animosity here. Deuteronomy evens bans the descendants of Moabites to the tenth generation entering the assembly of the Lord (23:3), leading to a view that God was disinterested in such people. But clearly, when a nation comes to have a face, and a personality, and living breath, things are different!

How will all this go for Ruth? We’ll find that out in chapter two.

5.     Back in Bethlehem

When Naomi with Ruth returned and walked into the town together, we read that, “the whole town was stirred because of them” (v.19). What do you think this was about?? A reaction to how Naomi looked, maybe!?! “Is this Naomi?”, they said. Certainly she was older, but perhaps there was more to see in her appearance. Perhaps this ‘buzz’ or reaction was more about a young foreign woman holding Naomi’s hand as she returns home! What does this mean? It was a Moabite woman, who Naomi was allowing to be her close companion (all the way back here in Bethlehem). Widowed, bereft of her children, needy; yet supported in this unusual way. Breathtaking! Maybe, shocking!! Certainly a moving scene, nonetheless! Did the crowd also recognise the potential prejudice, poverty, and lack of welcome, that Ruth was walking into?!

Naomi explains everything – the way she looks … well, life has not treated her well; and Ruth “clinging to her” … well, such is Naomi’s situation, that she is going to need help. And it is Ruth who has showed the loving-kindness that is currently required! Perhaps despite Naomi’s cutting estimate of God, the townsfolk may actually conclude that God has lovingly provided for Naomi nonetheless … through the kind ministrations of Ruth. This is “stirring” stuff!

6.     The Place of Grief

When Naomi spoke about the way she had felt abandoned and afflicted by God, these words came from a deep place of pain and grief. I don’t think we would doubt Naomi’s faith, just come to further understand the power of loss. We sense that Naomi with her husband had trustingly followed God’s leading previously into the unknown foreign territory of Moab and settled there. We know that Naomi believed in a God of “loving-kindness”, and that this graceful consideration would even be available to Moabite women such as Naomi’s daughters-in-law (v.9). Naomi had shown such great character in being willing to relieve Ruth and Orpah of any responsibility to her, and give them their freedom to find security (in Moab). Such selflessness comes from a deep connection to God.

Naomi, through her loss, was in pain, but could yet be restored to full health and faith! And it was Ruth who could provide the radical kindness and solidarity to be God’s channel of care and blessing. It was actually in the safety of her relationship with Ruth that Naomi was able to divulge and verbalise the way she was really feeling. With Ruth’s friendship, and God’s nearness, Naomi would be able to work through her grief at her own pace, toward a satisfactory outcome in time.

One could imagine that Ruth would have avoided the use of trite clichés, like: everything happens for a reason, or, all things work together for good, or, keep your chin up, or, count your blessings; rather just being there and listening to Naomi’s pain, anger, and feelings of emptiness. Naomi and Ruth would weep together. One could also imagine Ruth gently speaking into Naomi’s life at appropriate times, helping Naomi guard against any further bitterness building up. This was a heavy commitment being made by Ruth (vs.16-17), especially given the depth of Naomi’s grief. This could involve Ruth in supporting Naomi through a long period of depression, and possibly significant care through Naomi’s elderly years. Who knows!?!

What happens for Naomi? We will see in chapter four.

7.     Conclusion – The Source of Grace

God has been at work raising up Ruth to be a supporter for Naomi. We, like Ruth, can be supporters of others, whether they be suffering grief or struggling in any other way. There are plenty of opportunities where kindness to others will make a significant difference. We are able to love our neighbour because God has first loved us. Sometimes we love our neighbour because they have already been kind to us. Sometimes we will love our neighbour because no one else is being kind to them. Sometimes we will be kind to another because they have been nasty to us! We know that we prove our love for God, through our activities of kindness. Kindness is often sacrificial. Kindness is expressed in solidarity. Kindness crosses boundaries of race, religion and social status. Kindness sometimes involves risk.

God must have been preparing Ruth ahead of time, given Ruth’s radical and intuitive response to the situation of Naomi. Ruth may not have had much background in the Hebrew religion, but it is clearly evident that there was a vital goodness seeded within her. It may have appeared that Ruth needed to find God in Judah, but it seems God had already found Ruth in Moab. How is God preparing us for future acts of kindness? Are we aware of such preparation happening? Are we more liable to be like Ruth now, than we were previously?

We look at the outstanding faithfulness of Ruth here, and are caused to praise God. And Ruth actually points towards the loving-kindness of God. Ultimately it is God who wants to comfort us, encourage us and restore us. Often God does this through other people, but as God is personal – we can go straight to the source. When we can no longer walk, we can be carried in the arms of Jesus. Jesus will cling to us, just as Ruth clung to Naomi.

I am carried in the arms of grace and love Divine,

I am held by hands of healing, washed by water pure;

Lifting up my heavy heart, held in grace scarred hands,

I am carried in the arms of grace and love Divine (Geoff Bullock).

Don’t miss an opportunity of connecting with the ultimate source of loving-kindness!

The broken mended, night has ended, lost and lonely, lost no more;

For I am carried in the arms of grace and love Divine.

Pending Research - Relating to God No Longer

Many people speak of family members or friends who no longer go to church or pray or seek God. Some call this "back-sliding". And no matter what they do, or how consistently they present a message that God is still relevant, this all seems to fall on deaf ears. I have an untested theory, that such people need a new faith entirely - attempts to rekindle something that now hardly exists will NOT work. Can you help me with my thinking and research on this? Two reasons why trying to rekindle the past will NOT work in my opinion: (i) there are bad experiences unalterably attached to faith of the past; (ii) the faith of the past, if it does not exist in reality today, was likely borrowed (from say a parent) and was more about people-pleasing, than it was real. So why won't the "back-sliders" (a term I'm not really comfortable with) return? Because there is nothing substantial to return to, or, what they might return to is so tarnished in hypocrisy, abuse or neglect, nothing could be further from their mind. Please contact me at warrenhodge@optusnet.com.au if you have any insight on these matters. Thanks.

"Lighting the Path Ahead" (Psalm 119:105-112)

Life is full of decisions! We’ve all made some good ones, and we’ve all made some bad ones. Those bad decisions … why were they bad? We might have just suited ourselves! We might have had insufficient information. We might have acted too hastily. We might have ignored something or someone that we should have taken into account. Maybe we should have discussed it more.

The Bible teaches, specifically in Proverbs 3:5, that we should NOT solely rely on our own understanding; suggesting that decisions based only on our own insight, mental processes and limited knowledge, are far from fool-proof. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. For it is only God who sees and knows the complete big picture of life happening around us. And it is God alone who ultimately knows what is best for each of us.

So, the better decisions would be made with some Divine help. Which brings us to Psalm 119, specifically verses 105-112. Decisions are usually about how we will act in the context of upcoming events. Will we do this or not? Will we do this, or alternatively, do that? Will we go here or go there? What guides us? Psalm 119 verse 105 says: Your [i.e. God’s] Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. To go forward without the lamp shining, would be like using that puzzling piece of equipment without reading the instruction manual, or like trying to put together that jigsaw puzzle without referring to the picture on the box … who knows how that will turn out!

How can we define God’s Word? Perhaps best is God’s revelation to us (collectively)! When this psalm was written, the ‘Torah’ would have been in view, i.e. the first five books of the Old Testament. These days we would sense that there are another 61 authentic inspired books for us to refer to. Within these vast books there is a variety of types of literature: from the historical to the poetic to the prophetic, from evangelical gospels to occasional letters; all from inspired human minds and hearts placed in the service of God.

When we get to John’s Gospel, there is the Greek word ‘Logos’, which means: the self-communication of God (to the Hebrew mind), and the rational principle of all reality (to the Greek mind). This is translated “Word”, and then identified in a person … Jesus. This fits with how I identified Jesus last week … as the ‘person on which the whole of life turns’. The ultimate revelation of God is Jesus, and we not only have the opportunity of a relationship with Jesus, but we also have the inspired works of the Bible (Gospels, Paul’s letters, even OT prophets) that speak all about Jesus. So here is decision-making help par excellence!

When we say we are referring to God’s Word, this probably should mean that we are referring to the testimony of the Bible and how that is seen in the life and ministry of Jesus. Then the following verses of Psalm 119 put more flesh on these bones.

I first note the expression of need in verse 107 – “I am severely afflicted”. Then the sense of fragility in verse 109 – “I hold my life in my hand continually”. Each day, by the actions we take or fail to take, we have the power to destabilise our own lives! WE ARE TINKLING WITH THE FABRIC OF OUR LIVES EVERY DAY!! Then if that is not threatening enough, we have a sense of opposition (or even malice) in verse 110 – “The wicked have laid a snare [or trap] for me”.

Then I note some other features of the mindset of the psalmist … positive mindsets: an openness to God in verse 108, and testimony to a deeply personal and life-giving experience (in God’s Word) in verse 111. It is through God’s Word (the self-revelation of God) that we truly come to know God exactly the way God is.

And then, there is a determination and commitment expressed in verse 106 that would hold us in good stead and help us be consistent. To “swear an oath” was a serious thing, often taken publicly and with witnesses. It would be like a covenant, say like marriage vows; this is a publicly stated commitment to God (which should not be broken). The psalmist says, “I have sworn an oath … and then gone back on it”!!?! NO! “I have sworn an oath and confirmed it [in my everyday decision-making]”. There are similar sentiments/covenants expressed in verses 109b, 110b and 112. Indeed this verse 112 has that determination to “perform” in the best way possible, according to God’s Word, all the way!

God has given each of us FREEWILL to decide … not only whether we will accept God’s gift of grace, but also in what ways we will use this gift. To properly reflect on and implement God’s Word, means that we use this FREEDOM wisely (and that our use of this freedom will only be good for the other people around us). God’s Word gives us ethical parameters. God’s Word can guide us through effectively carrying out the activities of the day. The mind inspired by God’s Word can solve many a problem within human community. As we are well attuned, God’s Word will point out dangers, and enlighten us to opportunities. The alternative is to fall down into the pits of our own digging!

A thorough understanding of God’s Word leads to a life that represents God in the world. We can grow into thinking the way God thinks, and respond as Jesus would respond. Michael Wilcock, in his commentary, wrote that we have here in these verses … “a resolve to outface [our] challenges”! Through attention to God’s Word (remembering this hinges around Jesus) we can actually thrive and flourish!! The more we delve into God’s Word (i.e. the Bible as it points to Jesus), the more likely it is our decisions will be good ones!

So it is … that we need light to head down the sometimes dark passages. We are NOT talking about single texts (out of context) addressing particular issues, so much as talking about the sum of the available revelation addressing all aspects of our lives! Occasional and reactive reading will not be as effective as consistent and deeply thoughtful study. Can the words on the page address the life situations flashing through our mind? We should be expectant that we will meet God in our reading, and willing to respond to whatever we learn. Group reading for many will be more life-changing than individual reading, because often this brings a greater accountability to action. Reflective bible study can lead to healthy interactive community living. The small voice of God’s Spirit can teach and reveal all sorts of crucial insights, as we give due attention.

The “lamp” referred to in verse 105 would be something like a small oil lamp which gave just enough light so that a person could find their footing down a dark passage (and thus wouldn’t miss their way). So this “lamp” will shine on our present circumstances, allowing us to take one step at a time towards our best destination. We don’t rush ahead of where the light is shining. If we leave our “lamp” behind or turn it off mid-journey, then who knows where we will finish up!

Sometimes we don’t need to know our destination – it might be too much to get our head fully around, we just need to know the next right step. The trickiness of decision-making is well expressed in another proverb: “Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right, but in the end it is the way to death” (Proverbs 16:25). Because life is often so volatile and full of changing circumstances, we need to be light on our feet, effectively adjusting, deftly following that small glimmer of light before us, to make sure we stay on track with God.

We are so well resourced. First we have the Bible. Then we have so many books and commentaries written helping us to understand the historical background and the original languages of the Bible. Then we have Jesus, God’s ultimate Word, who not only explains the intent of the Bible, but lives it out in all integrity. We have prayer to help us engage with God’s Word. Then we have each other, and the wealth of how our life experiences interact with the Bible’s themes and teachings, leading to even more resources through which we can sense guidance.

May this be a great year of following the light and walking in God’s ways. May we all experience following Jesus into great opportunities of serving and blessing others. Together, may we have great influence for good in the communities around where we live. May people come to know Jesus, receive his salvation, and begin to experience life in all it fullness. Amen!