INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Jesus Christ as an Intercessor
By Gladys McElmore
Jesus is the best of all God’s creations! He supersedes the value of all Old Testament persons or sacrifices. The author is unknown, but the book is thought to have been written by Jewish Christians. Remember that Jesus was Jewish. In the Roman Empire, Jews could practice their faith freely without fear of persecution. Christianity was, at this time, a first century religion that was unapproved. Those who
INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Boaz Became a Godly Father
By Gladys McElmore
During the 1100s BC, Boaz, who was a Hebrew in Bethlehem, never dreamed that he would have become the great-grandfather of a King! Did God prepare Boaz to become a family man? God positioned Boaz as an in-law in a family where there was an opportunity for him to have been a kinsman-redeemer who made incredible differences in Ruth’s life. God in His infinite wisdom and with the supplemental relief provided by Boaz caused a new life to evolve for Ruth, a widow. Be sure to read chapter 3 and evaluate Ruth’s mother-in-law’s match-making tactics. Her plans definitely promoted a new family life with Boaz as a godly father.
Interestingly enough, long term happiness and an enhanced life that glorified God in the book of Ruth has many messages for us today. We can all follow the life-changing wisdom of the Bible when seeking to make decisions that affect our families. God’s plans outweigh our expectations and He uses us to accomplish much within His will. Before marriage, Boaz noticed how kind Ruth was to her mother-in-law, how she appreciated his assistance and his willingness to share with others. Boaz befriended and married Ruth.