CLOSE EN-COUNTERS
by Jack Davis
“ENS” THAT REALLY COUNT
Thank God for the multiplied blessings of believing. We, by faith, may become a part of our dear Lord’s IN OR EN CROWD. This is of far more worth, beyond all comparison, to being a part of any “jet” set. This is being part of the “LET SET.”
Enclosed – safely in the Father’s hand. “My Father, which gave them Me is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand” – John 10:29. Colossians 3:3 tells us that our “life is hid with Christ in God.” Peter speaks of those who believe, being “kept by the power of God” – I Pet. 1:5. It is truly comforting to know that the One who controls the winds and the waves has us securely in His care. “A garden enclosed is My sister, My spouse” – Song of Sol. 4:12. It is so very important that we realize that we are apprehended first and foremost for His pleasure. Because of His work in His garden, He has pre-eminent right to the first enjoyment of the fruit. Then it is because of yieldedness to Him that our lives also are a blessing to others.
Engraven – by God, in His hands. “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, They may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me” – Isa. 49:15-16. God here uses the natural instinct of divinely given motherhood, to amplify His compassion for His people. As we consider created motherhood with natural affections, we are made to realize that mothers of almost every species seem to automatically risk their lives for their offspring. A mother forgetting her child is not probable but possible. But with God, His constancy is such that for Him to forget His own is not probable nor possible. We are upon His hands in marks of indelible grace, so that neither time nor eternity will erase.
Enrolled – in God’s book. What better place to be on record. The Apostle Paul wrote of those “whose names are in the book of life: – Phil. 4:3. In Hebrews 12:23, he speaks of those “which are written in heaven;” this is no doubt, the highest register in the universe. We also are comforted with the precious thought of being written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Encouraged – in His service. “And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD” – II Chron. 35:2. God saw to their encouragement. Here the king encouraged the priests. In whatever our ministry, we each need this from our faithful Father. As we are in training now as kings and priests, He uses us to encourage on another. After the death of Moses, Joshua was told repeatedly to be “strong and of a good courage: – Josh. 1:6. The Lord encouraged him to go on, in His will, and to go in and possess the land. We are told to be “steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” – I Cor. 15:58. Paul wrote, “Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” – Gal. 6:9. We are also told, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward” – Heb. 10:35.
Encamped – about by His angels. “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them” – Psa. 34:7. “He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone” – Psa. 91:11-12. Jesus indicated, while on His way to the Cross, that He could have called twelve legions of angels to His aid. Angel encampment around the Lord’s people is well illustrated in II Kings 6. Elisha had been telling the king of Israel the secret battle plans of the king of Syria, and thus those plans failed. Therefore, the king of Syria sent a great host with chariots and horses to take Elisha captive. When they had surrounded the city and Elisha’s servant saw them, he was afraid. Elisha then encouraged him saying. “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” – II Kings 6:16-17.
Enlightened – from the Father, by the Spirit, through the Son. Oh, how our loving heavenly Father longs to reveal so many wonderful things to His children about Himself. We would mention here just three very important aspects of Divine enlightenment, in relation to His people. God greatly desires that we know in the heart the reality of these – HIS CALLING, HIS INHERITANCE, HIS POWER. “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe: – Eph. 1:17-19. If you will meditate on God’s Word, “think on theses things,” the eyes of your heart will be opened to deep and precious treasures.
Endued – with the Holy Spirit, the Divine enablement, “…behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” – Lk. 24:49. This blessed endue-ment is to array, invest, or equip with the supernatural force, that makes us different. This miraculous ability is the power by which God’s will and work are performed in us, making us what He wants us to be. Now, not all believers go this far with God for this much. Nevertheless, their unbelief does not make God’s provision or promise any less true, but less practical in their experience. Thank God, they who believe and receive go on in the enjoyment of faith’s blessedness.
Engaged – to God’s Son to be the wife of the Lamb – II Cor. 11:1-3. It is the Apostle Paul’s place and privilege, by his abundant bridal revelation, to make this espousal. He has set before the whole Body of Christ this glorious offer; and, as His Bride, we may reign conjointly with Him. Jesus Christ, is going to present unto Himself a glorious company of people without spot or wrinkle. But Paul, in His “folly,” certainly had reason for “godly jealously.” Some even in that day were leaving that first love, And not continuing in the faith: but were being “moved away from the hope of the Gospel” – Col. 1:23. There were those who were “giving heed to seducing spirits,” taking other headships. Some were being morally and spiritually blinded by lust – cravings against God’s will and Word.
Thank God, the Gospel of Christ is presented in simplicity. But Satan still uses his subtlety, which appeals to the intellectual pride of man. He would becloud and blind from perception and purpose of the highest order, from the light of the glory of the Gospel. He cannot take the life of the believer; but, buy deception, he would beguile to lead away from single-minded faithfulness and single-hearted devotion that are pure and undefiled. So we are making the choice. Will you believe Him for these blessings? Will you accept this espousal and go all the way with Him” Oh, receive Him and honour Him as Lord, respect His Headship, rejoice in His Lordship.
J. D.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
THE LAST DAYS
by Anita Clark
"In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt [Nile] unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hitties, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites" Genesis 15:18-21.
The above Scripture is known as the Palestinian Covenant. The ancient people who lived in the land of Canaan were to be destroyed by the Israelites when they came in to possess the land. According to the edict of the LORD this covenant is an everlasting one. Israel has never possessed all of this territory that is given unto them by the Covenant, but one day they will, when Jesus Christ is recognized by Israel as their Messiah at the end of the tribulation and the one thousand years reign of Christ commences.
For the last six months there has been Peace talks going on, to try to get an accord between Israel and the Palestinians. One of the main Palestinian goals is to divide the land of Israel, so that they will have the majority of the West Bank and all of the Gaza. The situation is very lopsided with Israel being required to make all the concessions. The date set for the treaty to be signed is April 29, 2014.
Recently, there are some threats against Israel which are very disturbing. These threats against Israel pressuring them to sign the treaty by the deadline are multiple and all detrimental to the Israelis. First, the European Union has threatened to bring more trade sanctions against Israel if they don’t sign by the date designated, placing greater embargos against Israeli goods, and even their association with the EU. "Should Israel be blamed for failure to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians, the EU is considering cancelling its association agreement with Jerusalem, which serves as the legal basis for Israeli-EU ties. Israeli Finance Minister Yair Lapid said recently "This would reduce exports by NIS 3.5 billion, harming the annual GDP by NIS 1.5 billion and causing 1,400 layoffs in Israel." The cancellation of this agreement with EU created in 1995 would be an enormous step backward for Israel because Europe accounts for 33% of Israel’s foreign trade. If Mr. Lapis is right or not, he further states, "if the boycott is a very partial one, the Israeli economy will retreat, the cost of living will rise, budgets for education, health, welfare and security will have to be cut." (Jerusalem Post)
Second, the United States is putting pressure on Israel, stating that Israel could be isolated from other nations of the world if they don’t sign the treaty by April 29th. Since the U.S. is Israel’s main supporter, and are determined to get this peace deal, it looks like they will have their way.
Third, in November, 2012 The United Nations recognized the Palestinian State in the eyes of the world as a non-member observer state, and recognizes Israel as an occupying force. President Mahmood Abbas is threatening to bring charges against Israel in The International World Court claiming war crimes and occupation by Israel of Palestinian rightful land immediately if a peace deal is not signed by Israel. Israel would like to avoid this if possible. All these things makes one wonder if this treaty is the covenant spoken of in the Bible in Daniel 9:27.
ONCE SECRET PALESTINIAN- ISRAELI SECRET PEACE TALKS - LEAKING – This is a headline From the Middle East paper - World. According to Karl Vick /Tel Aviv, "The talks that began 6 months ago in near total secrecy are now producing a stream of leaks so steady, they might as well be public." These talks have been going on for six months, and have not produced much. Israel wants to be recognized by the Palestinians as a Jewish state. There has been no acceptance of this so far by President Abbas. The Palestinians have previously demanded the right of return for all the displaced Arabs who fled Israel in 1948, when Israel declared statehood and the war for Independence began. However, Abbas, Palestinian President recently told a group of young Israeli activist visiting Ramallah that he does not want millions of Palestinians to flood Israel to reclaim lost property. The paper Allvoices quotes him as saying, "I am not looking to drown Israel with millions of refugees to reclaim lost property to change its nature (speaking of Israel)." This is a major concession. If this was allowed it would change the demographics, and create a problem, where there would be so many more Arabs than Jews, that they would be overcome in their own nation.
The Palestinians refuse to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state, which is a major demand of Israel to bring about this peace. And they want Jerusalem to be split, but yet allow all to travel in one another’s territory. There are many problems, but we are watching and waiting to see what will happen. Jesus will come for His Bride about 30 days after the covenant of Daniel 9:27 is signed. Zechariah 12:2 says, "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege against Judah and against Jerusalem."
One day the Scripture will be fulfilled, "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King...As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of Hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever. Selah. [stop and thing about this]" (Psalms 48:1-3,8). God’s Word is true. It will come to pass just as He has declared. How we rejoice in this truth! One day we will be with the Lord in heaven in the new Jerusalem, and our great Lord, King Jesus ruling over the earth during the one thousand year reign upon the earth, where Israel will be "the head nation and not the tail" ( Deut. 28:13).
by Anita Clark
"In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt [Nile] unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hitties, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites" Genesis 15:18-21.
The above Scripture is known as the Palestinian Covenant. The ancient people who lived in the land of Canaan were to be destroyed by the Israelites when they came in to possess the land. According to the edict of the LORD this covenant is an everlasting one. Israel has never possessed all of this territory that is given unto them by the Covenant, but one day they will, when Jesus Christ is recognized by Israel as their Messiah at the end of the tribulation and the one thousand years reign of Christ commences.
For the last six months there has been Peace talks going on, to try to get an accord between Israel and the Palestinians. One of the main Palestinian goals is to divide the land of Israel, so that they will have the majority of the West Bank and all of the Gaza. The situation is very lopsided with Israel being required to make all the concessions. The date set for the treaty to be signed is April 29, 2014.
Recently, there are some threats against Israel which are very disturbing. These threats against Israel pressuring them to sign the treaty by the deadline are multiple and all detrimental to the Israelis. First, the European Union has threatened to bring more trade sanctions against Israel if they don’t sign by the date designated, placing greater embargos against Israeli goods, and even their association with the EU. "Should Israel be blamed for failure to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians, the EU is considering cancelling its association agreement with Jerusalem, which serves as the legal basis for Israeli-EU ties. Israeli Finance Minister Yair Lapid said recently "This would reduce exports by NIS 3.5 billion, harming the annual GDP by NIS 1.5 billion and causing 1,400 layoffs in Israel." The cancellation of this agreement with EU created in 1995 would be an enormous step backward for Israel because Europe accounts for 33% of Israel’s foreign trade. If Mr. Lapis is right or not, he further states, "if the boycott is a very partial one, the Israeli economy will retreat, the cost of living will rise, budgets for education, health, welfare and security will have to be cut." (Jerusalem Post)
Second, the United States is putting pressure on Israel, stating that Israel could be isolated from other nations of the world if they don’t sign the treaty by April 29th. Since the U.S. is Israel’s main supporter, and are determined to get this peace deal, it looks like they will have their way.
Third, in November, 2012 The United Nations recognized the Palestinian State in the eyes of the world as a non-member observer state, and recognizes Israel as an occupying force. President Mahmood Abbas is threatening to bring charges against Israel in The International World Court claiming war crimes and occupation by Israel of Palestinian rightful land immediately if a peace deal is not signed by Israel. Israel would like to avoid this if possible. All these things makes one wonder if this treaty is the covenant spoken of in the Bible in Daniel 9:27.
ONCE SECRET PALESTINIAN- ISRAELI SECRET PEACE TALKS - LEAKING – This is a headline From the Middle East paper - World. According to Karl Vick /Tel Aviv, "The talks that began 6 months ago in near total secrecy are now producing a stream of leaks so steady, they might as well be public." These talks have been going on for six months, and have not produced much. Israel wants to be recognized by the Palestinians as a Jewish state. There has been no acceptance of this so far by President Abbas. The Palestinians have previously demanded the right of return for all the displaced Arabs who fled Israel in 1948, when Israel declared statehood and the war for Independence began. However, Abbas, Palestinian President recently told a group of young Israeli activist visiting Ramallah that he does not want millions of Palestinians to flood Israel to reclaim lost property. The paper Allvoices quotes him as saying, "I am not looking to drown Israel with millions of refugees to reclaim lost property to change its nature (speaking of Israel)." This is a major concession. If this was allowed it would change the demographics, and create a problem, where there would be so many more Arabs than Jews, that they would be overcome in their own nation.
The Palestinians refuse to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state, which is a major demand of Israel to bring about this peace. And they want Jerusalem to be split, but yet allow all to travel in one another’s territory. There are many problems, but we are watching and waiting to see what will happen. Jesus will come for His Bride about 30 days after the covenant of Daniel 9:27 is signed. Zechariah 12:2 says, "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege against Judah and against Jerusalem."
One day the Scripture will be fulfilled, "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King...As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of Hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever. Selah. [stop and thing about this]" (Psalms 48:1-3,8). God’s Word is true. It will come to pass just as He has declared. How we rejoice in this truth! One day we will be with the Lord in heaven in the new Jerusalem, and our great Lord, King Jesus ruling over the earth during the one thousand year reign upon the earth, where Israel will be "the head nation and not the tail" ( Deut. 28:13).
Approved
by Gordon Crook
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
From very a very young age, we tend to look for approval. Approval from our parents, approval from our friends, approval from our boss. How often we are led to do things that are destructive in an attempt to find approval from others. It seems to be part of our nature to look for approval in many places and many ways.
Cain failed to find God's approval because he wanted to do it his own way. God provided a way for Cain to find approval, and Abel found approval because he chose to go with God's way. What a terrible waste of time to seek any kind of approval other than God's.
The things that God approves are not the things the world would approve. When Samuel went to anoint the second king for Israel, he thought he knew who God had chosen, but God approves based on His knowledge of the heart. We will be approved of God when our hearts are filled with Him.
God has made it very clear what He approves. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Acts 2:22.
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Matthew 17:5. God's approval lies in His Son Jesus Christ. And so it is, that we are made accepted in the Beloved; Ephesians 1:6. There is not better approval.
Many of God’s people are looking for man’s approval in their teaching and their doctrine. They want to preach or teach things that are popular with the listeners. Paul reminds Timothy that the approval that matters comes from God. Timothy is encouraged to pursue a path that would be approved of God. How much more fruitful our endeavors when we are seeking God's approval. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. 2 Corinthians 10:18.
Study of God’s Word is needed if we will show ourselves approved of God. If we study God’s Word, rightly divided, we will indeed be approved, because God’s Word points us always to God’s Son.
Our interest should always be to seek to be approved of God. It may mean that we will lose some of man's approval. Not always will our friends, or even family, be willing to go on with the Lord, and we have to decide between their approval and God's approval.
by Gordon Crook
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
From very a very young age, we tend to look for approval. Approval from our parents, approval from our friends, approval from our boss. How often we are led to do things that are destructive in an attempt to find approval from others. It seems to be part of our nature to look for approval in many places and many ways.
Cain failed to find God's approval because he wanted to do it his own way. God provided a way for Cain to find approval, and Abel found approval because he chose to go with God's way. What a terrible waste of time to seek any kind of approval other than God's.
The things that God approves are not the things the world would approve. When Samuel went to anoint the second king for Israel, he thought he knew who God had chosen, but God approves based on His knowledge of the heart. We will be approved of God when our hearts are filled with Him.
God has made it very clear what He approves. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Acts 2:22.
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Matthew 17:5. God's approval lies in His Son Jesus Christ. And so it is, that we are made accepted in the Beloved; Ephesians 1:6. There is not better approval.
Many of God’s people are looking for man’s approval in their teaching and their doctrine. They want to preach or teach things that are popular with the listeners. Paul reminds Timothy that the approval that matters comes from God. Timothy is encouraged to pursue a path that would be approved of God. How much more fruitful our endeavors when we are seeking God's approval. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. 2 Corinthians 10:18.
Study of God’s Word is needed if we will show ourselves approved of God. If we study God’s Word, rightly divided, we will indeed be approved, because God’s Word points us always to God’s Son.
Our interest should always be to seek to be approved of God. It may mean that we will lose some of man's approval. Not always will our friends, or even family, be willing to go on with the Lord, and we have to decide between their approval and God's approval.
RUTH
by Debra Isenbletter
I have given a title to the first four verses, which introduce the background and characters of this story: The Kinsman (vs 1) – The Moabitess (vs 2); The Gleaning (vs 3), The Reapers (vs 4). After this Boaz will speak to his servant and his servant will answer and Ruth is the topic of conversation (vs 5-7), but first we see the arrival of Boaz as he comes to examine the laborers, The Reapers.
Ruth 2:4 – “And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee.”
Who do we behold? – “And behold Boaz…” Boaz is brought before us. Before we had only heard about him, now we see him and hear him. He is coming to see their work and their need. Notice the word “Behold” – Strong’s defines Behold as: “Lo!”, “See”! and Webster as: “To have in sight, to see clearly, to look at, to regard with the eyes.” Our eyes are pointed to this man, of “strength” and “might.” We are to look at what he says and does. We are to look at how he treats his servants and Ruth. In type Boaz points to another Man that we are to “behold” – Christ! When John saw Jesus he said: “Behold the Lamb of God” (Jn 1:29,36). When the Jews saw Jesus weep at Lazarus death, they said: “Behold how he loved him” (Jn 11:36). When Jesus rode into Jerusalem he fulfilled the scripture: “Behold, thy king cometh” (Jn 12:15). When Pilot told the Jews to look at Jesus he said “Behold” three times: “Behold, I bring him forth” (Jn 19:4); “Behold the man” (Jn 19:5) and “Behold your king” (Jn 19:14). They did not look, they did not behold, they saw but could not see, how terrible! When God points our eyes to someone, we are to look at them.
Where did Boaz come from? – “Bethlehem,” remember Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Bethlehem is a place of provision, a unique provision, bread. Bread is what satisfies and sustains, it is what feeds and nourishes. Bread is called the “Staff of Life.” I checked the Internet and asked why was bread called the “staff of life” and the following is the answer I got:
“Bread is called the "staff of life" because it is a very basic food that supports life. The world of bread is vast and varied: some form of bread is found in virtually every society. Wherever you may go in the world—whatever the local customs, language, dress, or taste in food—you will find some form of bread! Of course, there are almost as many varieties of bread as there are nations. In China, bread is made from rice flour. In India, they use millet. In Germany and in the Scandinavian countries, bread is made from rye and barley. There are countries that use beans, potatoes, and even acorns in the making of bread! But bread as we usually think of it is made from cereal grains of various types. It is the most important single food to the largest number of people. The reason is simply that bread contains the largest share of the food substances we need for health for the least amount of money. With bread, even the poorest are able to sustain life. That’s why bread is called “the staff of life.”
In type, that bread is a person, Christ. He is the “Bread of Life” (Jn 6:35,38), He is the “Living Bread” (Jn 6:51)!
Who did Boaz greet? The reapers: “and said unto the reapers.” Here it is Boaz’s “reapers,” his workers that he appears to, it is not strangers! Here it is the Master (Lord Jesus Christ) visiting His servants! There are the laborers and servants of Boaz, those who have both plant and harvest the grain. They picture those that spread the gospel.
How did Boaz greet them? – “The Lord (Jehovah) be with you.” He was saying, “May God be with you, to preserve you from accidents, and strengthen you to accomplish your work!” (Clarke). He acknowledges the Lord and blesses them. He asks the Lord to strengthen and enable them. He sees their work and acknowledges it! This is the promise of every child of God, He will take care of us! This also points to Jesus, He is seen in the phrase: “the Lord with (be) you” – Christ is with us! When He was born the angel said “they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is … God with us” (Mt 1:23). When Boaz appeared, a picture of Jesus, a picture of God with us, his presence in our midst. He is with us in our labor and our service. He is Emanuel (with us) in salvation and sanctification. Along with His presence comes His promise: He will take care of us!! His coming brings blessing, He is blessed and He bless us. “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Ps 118:26; Mt 23:39). At His entry into Jerusalem, the people said: “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Lk 19:37-38). They said this exalting Him, and were blessed but didn’t realize it! There will be a future fulfillment of this blessing for the nation of Israel, but there is a present fulfillment of this blessing for the Church. Sister Mary Bodie says: “He appears with blessing on His lips!”
How did they greet Boaz? – “The Lord (Jehovah) bless thee”. [Clarke]: “May God bless thee with the increase of the field, and grace to use his bounty to the glory of the Giver!” We see their love and devotion, their desire that he be blessed by their service! What an example for the Lord’s laborers today, that the Lord be blessed!
In both these greetings is seen the word “Lord” which is “Jehovah.” This means “He that is who He is” and “to become known.” Jehovah is “the self-existent One who reveals Himself.” Scofield writes that this is “a continuous revelation of the Lord.” Here Boaz will reveal himself to Ruth in stages and both she and Naomi will be blessed. The Lord Jesus Christ is constantly revealing Himself to those that are looking for Him, to those that are dependent upon Him, to those that labor for Him, to those that are looking to “find grace” as Ruth was. That grace reveals Him and unfolds Him. Let us let the Lord reveal Himself to us and let us greet Him as He greets us!
Boaz’s visit to the laborers could picture Jesus’ examining the church today. He is looking at the work and the workers. Boaz walked in their midst and they weren’t surprised. How many in the church today realize the Lord is walking in their midst and examining them? Revelation 2-3 where Jesus examined the seven churches. If Jesus was to question, as Boaz questioned his servant (2:5-7), would they be able to answer as faithfully as he did?
by Debra Isenbletter
I have given a title to the first four verses, which introduce the background and characters of this story: The Kinsman (vs 1) – The Moabitess (vs 2); The Gleaning (vs 3), The Reapers (vs 4). After this Boaz will speak to his servant and his servant will answer and Ruth is the topic of conversation (vs 5-7), but first we see the arrival of Boaz as he comes to examine the laborers, The Reapers.
Ruth 2:4 – “And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee.”
Who do we behold? – “And behold Boaz…” Boaz is brought before us. Before we had only heard about him, now we see him and hear him. He is coming to see their work and their need. Notice the word “Behold” – Strong’s defines Behold as: “Lo!”, “See”! and Webster as: “To have in sight, to see clearly, to look at, to regard with the eyes.” Our eyes are pointed to this man, of “strength” and “might.” We are to look at what he says and does. We are to look at how he treats his servants and Ruth. In type Boaz points to another Man that we are to “behold” – Christ! When John saw Jesus he said: “Behold the Lamb of God” (Jn 1:29,36). When the Jews saw Jesus weep at Lazarus death, they said: “Behold how he loved him” (Jn 11:36). When Jesus rode into Jerusalem he fulfilled the scripture: “Behold, thy king cometh” (Jn 12:15). When Pilot told the Jews to look at Jesus he said “Behold” three times: “Behold, I bring him forth” (Jn 19:4); “Behold the man” (Jn 19:5) and “Behold your king” (Jn 19:14). They did not look, they did not behold, they saw but could not see, how terrible! When God points our eyes to someone, we are to look at them.
Where did Boaz come from? – “Bethlehem,” remember Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Bethlehem is a place of provision, a unique provision, bread. Bread is what satisfies and sustains, it is what feeds and nourishes. Bread is called the “Staff of Life.” I checked the Internet and asked why was bread called the “staff of life” and the following is the answer I got:
“Bread is called the "staff of life" because it is a very basic food that supports life. The world of bread is vast and varied: some form of bread is found in virtually every society. Wherever you may go in the world—whatever the local customs, language, dress, or taste in food—you will find some form of bread! Of course, there are almost as many varieties of bread as there are nations. In China, bread is made from rice flour. In India, they use millet. In Germany and in the Scandinavian countries, bread is made from rye and barley. There are countries that use beans, potatoes, and even acorns in the making of bread! But bread as we usually think of it is made from cereal grains of various types. It is the most important single food to the largest number of people. The reason is simply that bread contains the largest share of the food substances we need for health for the least amount of money. With bread, even the poorest are able to sustain life. That’s why bread is called “the staff of life.”
In type, that bread is a person, Christ. He is the “Bread of Life” (Jn 6:35,38), He is the “Living Bread” (Jn 6:51)!
Who did Boaz greet? The reapers: “and said unto the reapers.” Here it is Boaz’s “reapers,” his workers that he appears to, it is not strangers! Here it is the Master (Lord Jesus Christ) visiting His servants! There are the laborers and servants of Boaz, those who have both plant and harvest the grain. They picture those that spread the gospel.
How did Boaz greet them? – “The Lord (Jehovah) be with you.” He was saying, “May God be with you, to preserve you from accidents, and strengthen you to accomplish your work!” (Clarke). He acknowledges the Lord and blesses them. He asks the Lord to strengthen and enable them. He sees their work and acknowledges it! This is the promise of every child of God, He will take care of us! This also points to Jesus, He is seen in the phrase: “the Lord with (be) you” – Christ is with us! When He was born the angel said “they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is … God with us” (Mt 1:23). When Boaz appeared, a picture of Jesus, a picture of God with us, his presence in our midst. He is with us in our labor and our service. He is Emanuel (with us) in salvation and sanctification. Along with His presence comes His promise: He will take care of us!! His coming brings blessing, He is blessed and He bless us. “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Ps 118:26; Mt 23:39). At His entry into Jerusalem, the people said: “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Lk 19:37-38). They said this exalting Him, and were blessed but didn’t realize it! There will be a future fulfillment of this blessing for the nation of Israel, but there is a present fulfillment of this blessing for the Church. Sister Mary Bodie says: “He appears with blessing on His lips!”
How did they greet Boaz? – “The Lord (Jehovah) bless thee”. [Clarke]: “May God bless thee with the increase of the field, and grace to use his bounty to the glory of the Giver!” We see their love and devotion, their desire that he be blessed by their service! What an example for the Lord’s laborers today, that the Lord be blessed!
In both these greetings is seen the word “Lord” which is “Jehovah.” This means “He that is who He is” and “to become known.” Jehovah is “the self-existent One who reveals Himself.” Scofield writes that this is “a continuous revelation of the Lord.” Here Boaz will reveal himself to Ruth in stages and both she and Naomi will be blessed. The Lord Jesus Christ is constantly revealing Himself to those that are looking for Him, to those that are dependent upon Him, to those that labor for Him, to those that are looking to “find grace” as Ruth was. That grace reveals Him and unfolds Him. Let us let the Lord reveal Himself to us and let us greet Him as He greets us!
Boaz’s visit to the laborers could picture Jesus’ examining the church today. He is looking at the work and the workers. Boaz walked in their midst and they weren’t surprised. How many in the church today realize the Lord is walking in their midst and examining them? Revelation 2-3 where Jesus examined the seven churches. If Jesus was to question, as Boaz questioned his servant (2:5-7), would they be able to answer as faithfully as he did?
His True Love
Part 5 of 5
by Carson Richards
Matthew 13:45-46, “Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls. When he had found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”
The pearl of great price surely bespeaks of some superior product over others, and it required a full price. It is a people, and the merchant man is a person, too. He is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and this tells us He was willing to give all that He had as a man to get this pearl. Then the full measure of His love was drawn out to get this full final product of humanity for Himself. It seems that this truth indicates that all other love of His was encased in the desire for this beautiful pearl.
Only He envisions the pearl as it really is. She is not yet an entity, so no one really can picture this splendid group of New Creation humanity, for that is what she is. Of course, the price was His body and blood He had in Adam’s image. He gave it; it is gone; it bought the alluring end-product. We make no claim to describe this pearl, or people. Only the visionary merchant Man can do that. So we will consider a few scriptures that apply to this wonder-person of the future.
This composite-person is seen again in Psalm 45:10-11. “Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house. So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty; for He is thy Lord, worship thou Him.”
As we have previously stated, that others are included in the love of the Son of God, as merged with the love of His Father for many. Yet here is one that comes out from the family, the family of the church in our age.
He even says surprisingly, “forget.” It has to be a distinct calling, and a peculiar relationship, and a definite word, that is directed to those heeding the call. “Hearken” He says. A part of the suffering of this portion of Christ’s body is the scorn heaped on it by the general body coupled with man’s vicious slurs.
It is inevitable a part of the plan, so we must take it with His grace, and go on. The forgetting is not that of not having anything to do with the greater part of the body, but of going on in the love of the Lord and not pining for some acclaim from the mass of believers. There is no way to say this that will not be misunderstood, so we can only give the Word to the individual that will take it.
The Song of Solomon 4:7 “Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.” This definitely shows that someone meets His standard of love. He is pleased (in the new creation). To be sure there is no fleshly excellence, and no final standard of visible humanity that any contemporary man can adjudge as the epitome of this state. In other words, no one here on this earth will be able to declare a candidate for this flawless group as outwardly perfect.
Some one will always find a flaw, and that of course is not decisive. The perceiving of the flaw may have a natural or carnal state of mind as the criterion. Again, it is a new creation people, and we had better let the Master-Mind and Heavenly Lover do all the deciding. Many make declarations of attaining, but only the Bridegroom knows.
Ephesians 5:25-27, and verse 32, give the biblical description of this love relationship. “Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word. That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish…This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
Then there is the element of mystery. The inability to communicate the mystery of this love to the human mind, is the reason for the example of earthly marriage that God gives us. It has its mysteries in its whole course. On earth, it has been perhaps the chief target of the enemy, Satan. He reasons that if he can tarnish this tool of teaching, he can confuse the heavenly calling, too. But no, the Godly person respects the earthly union, and learns by it for his mind has no other way. As to its value, we are neither prude, nor lewd, we respect God’s example.
When there is something the earthly mind cannot understand, we are frightened, for we want to understand everything with this brain. We are uncomfortable or even resistant to something we can’t figure out. But that is what this love calling is, anyway. It might well be the fulfilling of Ephesians 3:9, “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
We see the mystifying working of something that passeth human knowledge. Yet the Spirit knows. So it is all spiritually perceived and performed. Perhaps this greatest of all truth for this Church Age lends itself to the fewest words. It is perceived by the Spirit through our new spirit. Church means many things to many people, and to those who respond to this calling, it is the adding, inserting, drilling, expanding of the work of love by the opposite member of the relationship, the Lord. This, too, eludes our natural mind, for He is one and this people of mystery are many (not innumerable, but many).
One man in this Church Age was allowed to say that he had won this place in the true love, the Apostle Paul. II Timothy 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” How loving, yet true he was! He announced his acceptance in this elite group, and then stepped out and took his place with all other like-minded ones of the church.
The finally mark of excellence for this attainment was “love.” To love the appearing of One, is to love the One who is to appear. Varied and wide are the abilities of the redeemed members of the Bride of Christ, but the prime requisite to gain this company is our love for Him. It may have different facets; may seem diverse because of what we are here; man, woman, gifted, limited, public office, unknown. Nevertheless the decision will rest on love. I guess it is what the Beloved wants in and for His “true love.” Praise Him!
Part 5 of 5
by Carson Richards
Matthew 13:45-46, “Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls. When he had found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”
The pearl of great price surely bespeaks of some superior product over others, and it required a full price. It is a people, and the merchant man is a person, too. He is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and this tells us He was willing to give all that He had as a man to get this pearl. Then the full measure of His love was drawn out to get this full final product of humanity for Himself. It seems that this truth indicates that all other love of His was encased in the desire for this beautiful pearl.
Only He envisions the pearl as it really is. She is not yet an entity, so no one really can picture this splendid group of New Creation humanity, for that is what she is. Of course, the price was His body and blood He had in Adam’s image. He gave it; it is gone; it bought the alluring end-product. We make no claim to describe this pearl, or people. Only the visionary merchant Man can do that. So we will consider a few scriptures that apply to this wonder-person of the future.
This composite-person is seen again in Psalm 45:10-11. “Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house. So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty; for He is thy Lord, worship thou Him.”
As we have previously stated, that others are included in the love of the Son of God, as merged with the love of His Father for many. Yet here is one that comes out from the family, the family of the church in our age.
He even says surprisingly, “forget.” It has to be a distinct calling, and a peculiar relationship, and a definite word, that is directed to those heeding the call. “Hearken” He says. A part of the suffering of this portion of Christ’s body is the scorn heaped on it by the general body coupled with man’s vicious slurs.
It is inevitable a part of the plan, so we must take it with His grace, and go on. The forgetting is not that of not having anything to do with the greater part of the body, but of going on in the love of the Lord and not pining for some acclaim from the mass of believers. There is no way to say this that will not be misunderstood, so we can only give the Word to the individual that will take it.
The Song of Solomon 4:7 “Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.” This definitely shows that someone meets His standard of love. He is pleased (in the new creation). To be sure there is no fleshly excellence, and no final standard of visible humanity that any contemporary man can adjudge as the epitome of this state. In other words, no one here on this earth will be able to declare a candidate for this flawless group as outwardly perfect.
Some one will always find a flaw, and that of course is not decisive. The perceiving of the flaw may have a natural or carnal state of mind as the criterion. Again, it is a new creation people, and we had better let the Master-Mind and Heavenly Lover do all the deciding. Many make declarations of attaining, but only the Bridegroom knows.
Ephesians 5:25-27, and verse 32, give the biblical description of this love relationship. “Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word. That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish…This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
Then there is the element of mystery. The inability to communicate the mystery of this love to the human mind, is the reason for the example of earthly marriage that God gives us. It has its mysteries in its whole course. On earth, it has been perhaps the chief target of the enemy, Satan. He reasons that if he can tarnish this tool of teaching, he can confuse the heavenly calling, too. But no, the Godly person respects the earthly union, and learns by it for his mind has no other way. As to its value, we are neither prude, nor lewd, we respect God’s example.
When there is something the earthly mind cannot understand, we are frightened, for we want to understand everything with this brain. We are uncomfortable or even resistant to something we can’t figure out. But that is what this love calling is, anyway. It might well be the fulfilling of Ephesians 3:9, “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
We see the mystifying working of something that passeth human knowledge. Yet the Spirit knows. So it is all spiritually perceived and performed. Perhaps this greatest of all truth for this Church Age lends itself to the fewest words. It is perceived by the Spirit through our new spirit. Church means many things to many people, and to those who respond to this calling, it is the adding, inserting, drilling, expanding of the work of love by the opposite member of the relationship, the Lord. This, too, eludes our natural mind, for He is one and this people of mystery are many (not innumerable, but many).
One man in this Church Age was allowed to say that he had won this place in the true love, the Apostle Paul. II Timothy 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” How loving, yet true he was! He announced his acceptance in this elite group, and then stepped out and took his place with all other like-minded ones of the church.
The finally mark of excellence for this attainment was “love.” To love the appearing of One, is to love the One who is to appear. Varied and wide are the abilities of the redeemed members of the Bride of Christ, but the prime requisite to gain this company is our love for Him. It may have different facets; may seem diverse because of what we are here; man, woman, gifted, limited, public office, unknown. Nevertheless the decision will rest on love. I guess it is what the Beloved wants in and for His “true love.” Praise Him!
The Feasts of Israel
Leviticus 23 – Part 1
by Earlene Davis
“These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.” V. 4
In this one chapter we find God’s instructions to Israel for seven holy convocations to be observed each year. It is marvelous to behold, that in them we see all of God’s plan from the fall to eternity revealed. We are existing between two of these feasts as we comprehend God’s calendar therein.
These feasts are still celebrated today in altered forms by devout Jews. But their major feature being sacrifice is impossible today, because they are without their temple in Jerusalem. So to many the original meaning of the feasts has been lost.
Believers in Christ are not responsible to keep these feasts, but a knowledge of them is enlightening. We can have an appreciation of these feasts by a knowledge of their fulfillment found in the New Testament.
The LORD’S Passover
“In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover.” V. 5. The festival year begins with Passover. It is held at the beginning of spring. Exodus 12 and the following chapters tell how Israel was to celebrate it. But here God gives the date for it observance.
God’s calendar is a lunar calendar based on the phases of the moon, rather then the earth’s revolutions around the sun. Each month starts with a new moon, reaching a full moon in the midst of the month. So Passover always falls on a full moon, the first full moon of spring. The lunar cycle is harmonious throughout nature. The tides of the seas rise and fall with the moon, etc. In God’s reckoning the day begins at sunset, or moon rise. In Genesis one, we read, “And the evening and the morning were the first day.”
As to the meaning of Passover, it is surely the feast of salvation because the blood of the lamb delivered the nation of the Jews from bondage. The lamb had to be a male without blemish. John the Baptist clearly marked out the person of Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
It is no mere coincidence, that our Lord Himself was sacrificed on Passover. At the last supper He stated plainly, “This is My blood of the New Testament shed for many for remission of sin,” Mt. 26:27,28. Just as the Jew marked his house with the blood of the Passover lamb and was saved, so are believers in Christ saved by the shed blood of Christ. Just as we read – it is the Lord’s Passover, so it is God’s Salvation. Lk. 3:6.
We are already living our eternal life. When you believed on Jesus as your blood sacrifice and received Him, you have eternal life for He is Eternal Life. You may not be in the eternal state yet, but you have eternal life and that life never dies. Praise God! We are redeemed, set free from the bondage to sin by the blood of Jesus, the pure, spotless Lamb of God.
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” I Pet. 1:18-20.
The remarkable fulfillment of Passover on the exact day illustrates a principle we see with each of the feasts. Our Lord fulfilled each feast on its appropriate day up to the point we have reached in His prophetic plan. All seven feasts have either been fulfilled, or are prophesied to be fulfilled, and His word is yea and amen. II Cor. 1:20.
So, Passover represents salvation. We do not keep the feast in remembrance of the exodus from Egypt, for that was but a shadow of the greater redemption to come. I Cor. 10:16, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”
The Lord Himself instructed us to take communion (a part of the original Passover Feast) in remembrance of the Lord. This He established on the Lord’s own Passover table. I Cor. 11:23-26, “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me…also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
Next issue: The Feast of unleavened bread.
by Earlene Davis
Leviticus 23 – Part 1
by Earlene Davis
“These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.” V. 4
In this one chapter we find God’s instructions to Israel for seven holy convocations to be observed each year. It is marvelous to behold, that in them we see all of God’s plan from the fall to eternity revealed. We are existing between two of these feasts as we comprehend God’s calendar therein.
These feasts are still celebrated today in altered forms by devout Jews. But their major feature being sacrifice is impossible today, because they are without their temple in Jerusalem. So to many the original meaning of the feasts has been lost.
Believers in Christ are not responsible to keep these feasts, but a knowledge of them is enlightening. We can have an appreciation of these feasts by a knowledge of their fulfillment found in the New Testament.
The LORD’S Passover
“In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover.” V. 5. The festival year begins with Passover. It is held at the beginning of spring. Exodus 12 and the following chapters tell how Israel was to celebrate it. But here God gives the date for it observance.
God’s calendar is a lunar calendar based on the phases of the moon, rather then the earth’s revolutions around the sun. Each month starts with a new moon, reaching a full moon in the midst of the month. So Passover always falls on a full moon, the first full moon of spring. The lunar cycle is harmonious throughout nature. The tides of the seas rise and fall with the moon, etc. In God’s reckoning the day begins at sunset, or moon rise. In Genesis one, we read, “And the evening and the morning were the first day.”
As to the meaning of Passover, it is surely the feast of salvation because the blood of the lamb delivered the nation of the Jews from bondage. The lamb had to be a male without blemish. John the Baptist clearly marked out the person of Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
It is no mere coincidence, that our Lord Himself was sacrificed on Passover. At the last supper He stated plainly, “This is My blood of the New Testament shed for many for remission of sin,” Mt. 26:27,28. Just as the Jew marked his house with the blood of the Passover lamb and was saved, so are believers in Christ saved by the shed blood of Christ. Just as we read – it is the Lord’s Passover, so it is God’s Salvation. Lk. 3:6.
We are already living our eternal life. When you believed on Jesus as your blood sacrifice and received Him, you have eternal life for He is Eternal Life. You may not be in the eternal state yet, but you have eternal life and that life never dies. Praise God! We are redeemed, set free from the bondage to sin by the blood of Jesus, the pure, spotless Lamb of God.
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” I Pet. 1:18-20.
The remarkable fulfillment of Passover on the exact day illustrates a principle we see with each of the feasts. Our Lord fulfilled each feast on its appropriate day up to the point we have reached in His prophetic plan. All seven feasts have either been fulfilled, or are prophesied to be fulfilled, and His word is yea and amen. II Cor. 1:20.
So, Passover represents salvation. We do not keep the feast in remembrance of the exodus from Egypt, for that was but a shadow of the greater redemption to come. I Cor. 10:16, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”
The Lord Himself instructed us to take communion (a part of the original Passover Feast) in remembrance of the Lord. This He established on the Lord’s own Passover table. I Cor. 11:23-26, “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me…also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
Next issue: The Feast of unleavened bread.
by Earlene Davis
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