W I N G S

Part 1

“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.  And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isa 6:1-3
This is not an interpretation of Isaiah’s vision, but an examination of the God-given wings of the seraphim. We in Christ are heavenly creatures. The highest order of humanity is depicted as cherubim and seraphim. The seraphims’ three pairs of wings in this verse speak to me of a trinity of triumph in the believer’s heavenly characteristics. These develop as we become more and more dependent on the Lord. The seraphims had wings for the face, the feet and for the flight itself.
FACE-COMPREHENSION: We are wise to look to the Lord to fill our vision, and give us an overcoming outlook. He would settle us on spiritual priorities. As He covers our faces with spiritual humility, we are not looking to be seen of men, nor to see man. We are looking to behold His glory, and be transformed into His image. In Song of Solomon, the King says to His beloved; “Come with me… look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir” (Chapter 4:8). Our dear Lord would elevate our vision to see everything from His point of view. Many storm clouds arise on our horizon, but they are not so intimidating when you look down of them, as He does.
FEET-CONDUCT: Are our feet covered? He gives us an overcoming walk. Before we can act properly, we must see and understand that we are a heavenly people. A believer’s life is to manifest heavenly characteristics by divine enablement. He has provided that we have wings on our feet, so that we may run and not be weary, we may walk on the most troubled waters and not faint. We may walk with God, and be followers as dear children. In dependence upon Him we enjoy holy conduct on a heavenly course. God wants us to know that we may go when, where, and how He wants us to go. Yet we can never get there unless our feet are supernaturally covered, gloriously shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. As we walk by faith and not by sight, the God of peace bruises Satan beneath our feet.
FLIGHT-CONQUERING:  “Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary,. And the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” – Isa. 40:28-31.
Our God has provided that we, being endued with power from on high may “mount up,” manifesting the resurrection life. This is realized as a result of waiting on the Lord. Our wings develop as we progress in dependence on the Lord. Thus, we become less dependent on worldly props. Man made unions and confederacies have their terrestrial indications. Shall we align with the terrestrial or reign as belonging to the celestial? -
Isa. 41:10-15: We can make the choice to stay down here and wiggle as a worm, or mount up, even use the winds of adversity to our advantage and  God’s glory. This “waiting” is not just abiding one’s time. We can’t run with the world and wait on the Lord at the same time. To wait, from the Hebrew, expresses to bind together by twisting. We are triumphant as clinging vines.
Are we eagle saints: an eagle doesn’t fret over crossing a roaring river, while soaring toward the sun. To talk with God, no breath is lost. To walk with God, no step or strength is lost. To wait with God, not time is lost.
J. D.

What does the Bible say?

About tithes and offerings

God used Abraham to introduce tithing. Abraham did not originate it, God moved him to tithe - Gen. 14:18-20. God had wonderfully blessed Abraham in giving him victory over his enemies and gaining much spoil. God laid it on his heart to give a tenth to God by giving it to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the most high God. In this way, God taught Abraham to tithe. So we understand that tithing was introduced 430 years before the law was given. Tithing was one of Abraham’s steps of faith. It showed his love and obedience, an expression of his worship and praise to God out of a thankful heart.

To whom does the tithe belong? Lev. 27:30,32, “all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed…or of the fruit…or of the flock…the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.” The tenth belongs to the Lord and not to us.

To whom then did God instruct the children of Israel to give their tithes? Numbers 18:21, it was to the Levites (the priests), to support them for their service of the tabernacle of the congregation. They speak of the ministers or pastors of today. In I Cor. 9:1-14 the Apostle Paul teaches that it is God’s will that the pastor should be supported by the assembly. To support them would be the Lord’s portion. Paul served these Corinthian saints, even though they were not mature enough to tithe.
Some ministers or pastors have the idea they need not tithe. But they should be an example in this, not giving to themselves, but to the Lord; giving to the work of the Lord somewhere, such as to missionaries whether at home or abroad.

God speaking through the prophet Malachi asked this question, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings” - Malachi 3:8. The Lord challenges His people to prove Him, in verse ten: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” He says, Try Me, prove Me. you will see. God promises blessings to the tither – Prov. 3:9-10. When the children of Israel began to tithe, the Lord blessed them abundantly – II Chron. 31:5-10.

Tithing was never a type, a shadow nor a sign, so it never ended. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said the tithes were not to be neglected. It is a fact that the tenth is the Lord’s and always will be. Tithes belonged to the Lord in Abraham’s day, it was His in Moses’ day, and it belongs to Him today. Some use the excuse that under grace all belongs to Him. In that sense, all belonged to Him under the law. Do you give all to Him?

Tithing is an act of worship. When we yield to God in this act of obedience, it is a step of faith, and shows growth in our spiritual lives. We do not give unto man but unto the Lord. We honor Him by giving to Him what is His. II Corinthians 8:1-5 tells of some really poor saints in deep poverty that gave liberally? How were they able? They first gave of themselves to the Lord.”

In Heb. 7:1-10, Paul confirms that tithing was introduced under grace, then continued as a gracious requirement under the law. The standard under grace surely is not less then under the law.

The difference in tithes and offerings is that tithe is the tenth, and belongs to the Lord. Offerings are over and above the tithes. Giving is the teaching of the New Testament. God gave His Son for us (Jn. 3:16); Jesus gave His own life (Gal. 1:4). He is our example of giving (II Cor. 8:9). Jesus is quoted in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We are to give according to our ability. Giving is our privilege. “For God loveth a cheerful giver” – II Cor. 9:6-7.

Christ will bring “Many sons unto glory” because of His giving - Heb. 2:10. Because of His giving we should love to give. Those who have a revelation of God’s grace should be the greatest givers.
Earlene Davis

THE LAST DAYS

Anita Clark

“Now, we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, That ye be not shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand” II Thess. 2:1-2.

Some false teachers were saying that Christ’s coming had already taken place, so Apostle Paul was emphatically saying, “Christ’s reign on His throne has not already started, but there must come a falling away first.” That has taken place over these 2000+ years since the beginning of the Grace Age. We are very near the time for the Lord to come and deliver us. The words “shaken in mind,” from the Greek speaks to us of how easy it is for our “intellect, our thoughts, feelings or understanding” to lead us to a wrong interpretation. The word, “shaken” mean “to waver, agitate, or topple.” Satan tries to do that. “Troubled” means “to wail, to clamor or frighten.” “By spirit” is not speaking of the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of Christ but of a demonic spirit that oft times transforms himself as an angel of light to deceive (II Cor. 11:13-15). Paul says even if they write you an epistle or speak to you some word, misinterpreting the Scripture, do not listen. So, we must heed these words from the Lord through Apostle Paul and be careful to follow the truth that has been revealed to us through the written Word of God by the Holy Spirit.

136 NATIONS RECOGNIZE A PALESTINIAN STATE – The U.N. Security Council may recognize a Palestine State before the end of 2015. At this time 136 nations with population of 5.5 billion people have stated that they will recognize the Palestinian state. Since Israel re-elected Benjamin Netanyahu, who put together a cabinet that does not seem inclined to negotiate with the Palestinians, the U.S. government is pledging to “re-evaluate our approach” and says that it will not “prejudge” what it will do if a vote comes up at the U.N. on this subject. However, it is reported that the U.S. has already given the okay to France to bring a resolution on a Palestinian statehood at the U.N. Many feel that if the U.S. does recognize a Palestinian state, it will absolutely shatter U.S. relations with Israel and plunge the entire Middle East into chaos. The U.S. did vote against allowing the Palestinian flag to be flown outside the UN, building with the other flags of member nations until further peace negotiations become reality. The U.S. voted against this resolution. In May of 2015 the Vatican recognized the “State of Palestine.” This resolution puts a lot of pressure on Israel to broker a peace deal which would bring about a major compromise with the Palestinians. We are still expecting that “the prince that shall come” of Daniel 9:26-27 will “confirm the covenant” with Israel as the prophecy declares. He will be the beast of Revelation 13. We must keep our eyes open to world events in this end time in which we live.

POPE ON WORLD TOUR COMES TO U.S. – Pope Francis has traveled to many countries from Ukraine to Nigeria calling for peace between nations of the world. He has been to Cuba and visited with the Castro brothers and held many open air meetings and other masses. Wherever he goes people say that he brings peace. He will come to address the U.S. Congress on September 24th, and the U.N. General Assembly on September 25th. He was called “the Prince of Peace” yesterday on the news. No one but Jesus Christ should ever be called that (Isaiah 9:6) as that is the prophesied name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

WAR AGAINST ISIS CONTINUES – Isis is still fighting, taking over and occupying regions of Iraq and Syria. It is still killing Christians. A news report recently told of these evil men going into a Christian enclave, and demanding the Christian children to either recant Jesus Christ or be beheaded. The children all stood for their belief in Jesus and would not give it up, so, they were beheaded in front of their parents. What a glorious victory to stand for Christ even though they were so young. They went instantly to be with the Savior, as their last breath left their bodies. Times are getting harder all the time. Surely Jesus Christ is coming so very soon.

RUSSIA HAS BUILDUP IN SYRIA – Russia has initiated a military buildup in Syria. This includes surface-to-surface missiles as well as combat aircraft with air-to-air capability. Russia has said that the purpose of the buildup is to combat the Islamic State. The U.S. is worried about the risk of an inadvertent confrontation between Russia’s military and the American-led coalition that is carrying out airstrikes in Syria against the Islamic State. The danger is great in this situation, as this war spreads. There is danger for Israel, who is concerned about ISIS coming south against them. According to Reuters News Agency Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a fence to be built along the Jordan-Israeli Border. The fact is, there will never be peace on earth until the Mighty Prince of Peace, Jesus comes and sets up His kingdom. Much more warfare is ahead for this old earth until all things are made new.

EARTHQUAKES INCREASE – The recent earthquake in Chili is the third Massive quake that has struck that country in five years. Chili has invested millions of dollars to build an infrastructure that will withstand massive earthquakes since it has become the most seismically active spots on earth. This recent earthquake was 8.3 in magnitude and forced one million people to immediately leave their homes. Since then other quakes have followed - one a 5.1 that lasted 3 minutes claimed 11 lives and did damages worth billions of dollars. The earthquake that hit Chili on Wednesday was reported to be five times stronger than the one that hit Nepal in April, 2015. However, Chili had fewer casualties than Nepal had. A tsunami alert was put out but it did not do much damage except right in Chili, where 15 ft. of water hit some buildings, and overturned some cars. This earthquake gave off so much energy that it shortened Earth’s day by a fraction of a second by changing the planets’ rate of rotation.

CBS reported in July 2015 that scientists are predicting “The Really Big One” hitting along the U.S.A. Coast from Washington state to upper California at any time, declaring that it is overdue from the tracking they have done of earthquake events of the past in this area. We know that Jesus Christ prophesied that before His return there will be “earthquakes in divers places” which will be a signs of His return. This earth is not our home. We’re “looking for a new heaven and new earth wherein dwells righteousness.”

JESUS CHRIST IS COMING VERY SOON – “Wherefore, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that has so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith: Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of God” Hebrews 12:1-2. LISTEN TO THIS EXHORTATION!

Captives

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” Luke 4:18

Men did not then know they were captives as noted by their attitude toward Jesus. They thought they were in control of their lives and did not need anyone to help them. They were certain that they had their lives under control. “They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” John 8:33-34

There is no difference with men today. For the most part, they do not think they need help. After all, we live in the land of the free. We can’t be captives. And yet, men are captive to so many things. There are captives all around us.

Jesus came to set captives free. We are born captive to sin and the bondage that comes from that condition. We do not have the ability to free ourselves from that situation. Most do not even recognize where they are. Jesus came to change all of that. His death on the cross is the only remedy.

How often do we want to help someone because we see the results of their captivity and we want to try to help them free themselves. We only have one thing to offer that can truly set them free; Jesus. There is no other answer in this world.

Even God’s very people can fall into bondage. By the blood of Jesus we have been set free, but how many return to bondage putting themselves under the Law? Notice that I said “putting themselves.” God does not put us there, and God’s Word does not put us there.

Quite the contrary, God’s Word frees us from the bondage of the Law. Jesus’ blood sets us free from the bondage of sin, and makes us His children, with full benefits of children. In Romans 8:15 we read that we “have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” - Galatians 5:1. Why would we seek to place ourselves under something that God does not?

Where men are set free, there is great rejoicing. Today we can rejoice greatly because we know that Jesus has set us free. Free from the Law, free from the power of sin, free from the desires of the world. And as we rejoice, we can share this great freedom with others around us that are captive. Jesus came to set them free.
Gordon Crook

A SPIRITUAL WALK

Jack Davis

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage…For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself…This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Gal. 5:1,13,14,16-18,25

We are admonished twice here to, “Walk in the Spirit.” The flesh and the Spirit are seen in sharp conflict. The flesh can only produce works, but the Spirit produces fruit. In Hebrews 9:14, the Apostle Paul describes the works of the flesh under the law as “dead works.” In Ephesians 5:11, he speaks of “the unfruitful works of darkness.” Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6

Adam and Eve “heard the Voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.” Even though they had made themselves fig leaf aprons, they still tried to hide themselves among the trees of the garden. Their works were insufficient. Self-effort does not afford even a satisfactory partial covering before God. Now, before the fall, Adam walked and talked with God; but being of the earth, earthy, He could never do so on the plane that we may today.
To “walk” speaks of conduct, or behavior, and points to progress or growth. It includes the proper person, the right realm, propelling power, and permeating purpose. Consider that!

First, we must let God do the walking in us. God is Spirit, so our only capacity to go with God is completely outside the realm of the flesh. “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” - II Cor. 6:16. This teaches us of submission on our course of life, a yielded walk. We are to let Him determine our altitude and attitude in each step. We will then walk in His fellowship, in His light, with no darkness and no stumbling. Now as a child has trouble keeping pace with his father, it seems it is also easy for a youngster in Christ to get out of step with God.

This is the way God has provided that we overcome the lust of the flesh. It is Scripturally evident that a walk with God can become so supernaturally natural, that all other conduct is very unnatural. For us to live after the flesh is to act like a fish out of water.

“If we live in the Spirit:” all believers were baptized at Pentecost into one Body, in the Spirit. To illustrate this, think of a large container of water. Let it represent the realm of the Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are placed in the realm of the Spirit. This does not say that we are filled with the Spirit. Rather, it is like bottles being thrown in the container of water – the bottles are in the water, but the water is not in the bottles. Sink one bottle and it is filled, while the other is floating. In God’s purpose we all need to be filled, flooded to overflowing, and submerged into the very depths of God’s Holy Spirit. We think it would be foolish for a fish to jump out, move about, or try to operate on dry land. This is not his natural habitat in which to conduct business.

We, in the realm of the Spirit, must settle down and become at home there. We should never try to conduct any part of our lives outside the realm of the Spirit. Such conduct is very unnatural and spiritually harmful. Many believers try to bring the flesh into the realm of the Spirit, and they utterly fail when they do. When the Spirit is flooding our being, we have the power within that conducts a behavior in harmony with our Spiritual Father, as we yield.

A Spiritual Walk is walking by faith. When we walk by faith we take steps like Abraham, Rom. 4:12. Abraham started his trip with God not seeing the end of his journey nor even the steps in between. The flesh attempts to go by sight, but “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1. A Spiritual Walk of faith is pleasing to God for it is based on God’s Word. It is in harmony with God’s will, and eagerly looks forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Galatians 5:18 speaks of placing ourselves under the law, where we would try to operate in the realm of the flesh. This binds us from enjoying our God-given liberty, and carrying out our God-given delight of doing what God would, instead of what our flesh would. Does the law curb sin by showing it up? The “strength of sin is the law” – I Cor. 15:56. The Law stirs and strengthens our flesh to sin.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” – Rom. 6:14. This indicates that sin does exercise its dominion in lives under legal bondage. But, thank God, “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” – Rom. 8:2. We are not debtors to the flesh, the old self life. We owe the old man nothing, no allegiance. He has no legal right to demand any loyalty. He is dead! We may understand from Romans 7:4-6 that Jesus died in the place of the old man, the old Adamic head, which was under the penalty of our sin. Jesus also arose as the rightful Head of a New Creation; hence, He has the right to full dominion of our lives. As we yield to Him that dominion, we walk by the Spirit, and are led by the Spirit.

A Spiritual Walk is being led by the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4, “God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” that the righteousness  which the law demands be supernaturally fulfilled in us as we walk in the controlling influence of the Holy Spirit. We are energized by the Holy Spirit, as we yield to His guidance and control. We do well to be most receptive to His impressions, and responsive to His impulses. I am sure that He graciously checks us when we are about to take a step outside the will of God. I am also sure that the signal gradually weakens, as it is ignored. That still small Voice also urges us on in taking the right steps.

John 16:13 tells us, the Spirit of Truth was sent to guide us into all truth. Now this expresses far more than theory, theology, or the letter of Truth. This is to be enjoyed as heart reality. Truth is to be relevant to our present day living.

“The flesh lusteth against the Spirit.” Yielding to the flesh, we carry out a conduct that is very binding and hindering to spiritual behavior and progress. Oh, praise God, we have been liberated from legal bondage, and brought into the realm where love is the motivating force.

A Spiritual Walk  is walking in love – Gal. 5:13,14. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour” - Eph. 5:1,2. “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” Eph. 4:1-3.

The law of love supersedes and super-abounds the law of “carnal commandment.” This law raises us above the harsh condemnation, and brings us into close communion. In the law of love, there is the force of magnetism. While under the law of commandment, there is the force of depression. The Holy Spirit reproduces Divine love, shedding abroad the love of God in our hearts. While He makes us deeply aware of how dearly we are loved, He moves us to a conduct of love. He deepens the desire to have our lives run in channels of love. True love realized in experience constrains us from conduct in the flesh that would hurt, hinder, or harm our neighbor, family, or our precious Lord.
Jack Davis

RUTH

Debra Isenbletter

Ruth 3:2 – “And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshing floor.”

Naomi asks a second question in this verse. This question will be the answer to her first question, which showed her desire to find rest for Ruth. Her second question is about Boaz, the one who will provide that rest. She already knows the answer, the answer is yes, and though it is posed as a question, it is a statement, there is only one answer. It is both a reminder and a reassurance to Ruth. In Naomi’s words we also see the dual relationship that Boaz has with Ruth, he was her kindred and he was her master.

Naomi says to Ruth: “And now is not Boaz of our kindred?” This is who Boaz is. This is a fact, it is undeniable and this will be the basis for Ruth’s request of Boaz. He is not only someone who is related to them, “our kindred,” but he is our “next kinsman” and because he has this relationship, he is one who bears the title and responsibility of “kinsman-redeemer” and through that title he can truly meet the need of Ruth and give her “rest.”

Naomi says to Ruth: “with whose maidens thou wast?” This is who Ruth is. She belongs to Boaz, and she serves Boaz, for he is her Master. Ruth was one of those maidens that belonged to Boaz and this is another tie that binds her closer to him. This is a fact, a truth that Naomi reminds Ruth of, it is past tense, it is not in question and it shows that Ruth is done gleaning. She is ready to step into another role, another relationship, a deeper, more personal one.

Just as Ruth did, we have a dual relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is both our Redeemer and our Master. He is our “kindred,” the Son of Man as well as the Son of God; both give Him the right to redeem. He was “made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Heb 2:17). He is our “kinsman-redeemer,” our Redeemer – He was “made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal 4:4-5). Paul shows us the progression of that relationship that began as servants, with the promise is sonship, and the potential is full mature sons. Jesus is our Master, our Lord; He is the One that we serve. Paul tells us that He “gave himself or us” first that He might “redeem us from all iniquity and purify” us, with the result being that we would be “zealous of good works” (Tit 2:14), we would be good servants!

What does Naomi say Boaz would be doing? – “Behold he winnoweth barley.” Strong’s says this word “winnow” means: “to toss about, disperse, scatter (away), spread.” Webster says it means: “to remove chaff, separate, sift, free of unwanted elements; to get rid of what is undesirable.” Here we see Boaz as the “Lord of the harvest” and he is separating, removing, examining. He is laboring right alongside with his servants in the final stage of the harvest. Think about what this says about Boaz, here is a “mighty man of wealth” working alongside with his servants in winnowing his barley. This harvest means something to him, as do his servants. This “winnowing” speaks of separation, the removal of the bad from the good and it is not an easy process. There was the literal separation of the grain (wheat/barley) from the chaff and there is another separation of what goes on in our lives that the Lord will do. It is the separation of Truth from Error; it is the separation of good works from bad works. If the works are built on error, the Lord will see, and will separate. He will “try every man’s work” and there will be a reward or loss of reward (1 Cor 3:13-15). John the Baptist spoke of Jesus with a “fan (for winnowing) in his hand” (Mt 3:12) and with this fan He would “purge his floor” and “gather his wheat.” This speaks of an examination by the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be an examination. Nations will be examined and separated (Mt 25:31-46) and some will enter into the Kingdom. Saints will be examined at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10; Ro 4:10) and Sinners are examined at the Great White Throne (Rev 20:11).

The time that this takes place is at night: “tonight.” The harvesting of the grain was done during the day and the winnowing of the grain was done during the night. Most commentators say that the reason for winnowing at night was because of the breeze that came at sunset, it was this breeze that helped in the separation of the chaff from the grain.

“The winnowing process is performed by throwing up the grain, after being trodden down, against the wind with a shovel. The threshing-floor, which was commonly on the harvest-field, was carefully leveled with a large cylindrical roller, and consolidated with chalk, that weeds might not spring up. The farmer usually remained all night in harvest-time on the threshing-floor, not only for the protection of his valuable grain, but for the winnowing. That operation was performed in the evening, to catch the breezes which blow after the close of a hot day, and which continue for the most part of the night. This duty at so important a season the master undertakes himself: and accordingly of ancient manners, Boaz, a person of considerable wealth and high rank, laid himself down to sleep on the barn floor, at the end of the heap of barley that he had been winnowing.” (Jamieson, Fausset)


The place for the winnowing was “in the threshing floor.” This word comes from “to smooth,” it was an “open place,” “a floor” and was made by “smoothing” the ground. This place was usually “outdoors” or “on a hill” usually near the fields and they were highly valued. The site for the temple in Jerusalem was originally a threshing floor that David purchased (2 Sam 24:18; 1 Chron 21:15). The threshing was the first step; it took place first and was at a specific location. The threshing was done in several different ways. Sometimes a “sharp threshing instrument” (a solid object studded with flint) was used. (Isa 41:15). Sometimes oxen were used to pull a sled with a board with spikes over the grain or they would be used to walk over the grain. (Deut 25:4), and sometimes the grain would be beaten with heavy sticks. (Judges 6:11). The “winnowing” was the second step; it took place after the threshing. This is where the final work was done, where the grain was separated from the chaff.

Naomi is telling Ruth that the time to approach Boaz is when the threshing and winnowing has been accomplished and the labor is finished. This is a time of rest for Boaz. The work of the laborers has been examined, judged and rewarded. Now Ruth will ask for and receive her reward, and it is a greater reward! Boaz is also guarding that which belongs to him. No one will steal this harvest, the master guards it! In Boaz we see a picture of Jesus guarding what belongs to Him. He gives us this assurance, that none can take away what belongs to Him. We have eternal life, no man can pluck us out of His hand or His Father’s hand (John 10:28-29); none will ever be lost (John 17:12; John 18:9). Nothing that belongs to the Lord will ever be taken, stolen or lost, for He both guards what belongs to Him. In Ruth we see a picture of those who come to Jesus and lay claim to all that is His, they lay claim to that greatest reward of all – that place by His side as His bride!

The Third Person of the Godhead:

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is also called the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Comforter, the power of God, or simply the Spirit or the Spirit of God. His attributes are the same as of God: He is all knowing – I Jn. 5:6, “it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” He is everywhere present – Ps. 139:7, “Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” He is all powerful – Rom. 15:19, “mighty signs and wonders were done “by the power of the Spirit of God.” The Holy Spirit is the agent of all of God’s doings and He has a distinct personality and offices.
We know by II Pet. 1:21, it was He that inspired the writers of the Bible; “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. He convicts sinners of their sin - Jn. 16:8, “He will reprove the world of sin.” He is the agent of the new birth – Jn. 3:5, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” At that regeneration (Jn. 3:14) they are “born of the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit witnesses to that new relation - Rom. 8:16, the Spirit Himself “beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.”
The offices of the Holy Spirit are many-fold. As new born babies in Christ, we need to grow spiritually. The Holy Spirit will guide us. How blessed we are, as we take in the Word of God, His Spirit will guide us into all truth, Jn. 16:13-15. Also as we travel on in this life with the Lord, we have need of comfort. Jesus said, The Comforter “shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” He also said (John 15:26), the Comforter, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me. In John 16:7, Jesus said, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.”
It is also the work of the Holy Spirit to call and to direct ministers of the Gospel (Acts 13:2,2; 8:29; 20:28). A man knows when he has the call of God to the ministry. Sad to say, many call themselves when God has not called. They seek a place and push themselves forward. Not everyone is called to preach or teach or to be a pastor. But all believers should study to know the Word of God. All members of Christ Body have a God given place in the Body and a function to fulfill. We are responsible to be faithful in that place.
For all members of Christ’s body are useful, for the profit or general good of all the Body. For that reason the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts which are preeminently the property of the Spirit; for they are the direct channels of the operation of the Spirit (I Cor. 12). Chapter 13 of I Corinthians teaches that the gift are nothing without love. Romans 12:3-9 is very clear and calls for a surrendered life that each member be true to his gift and calling.
Consider the life of God’s Son on the earth. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit – Mt. 1:20. He was anointed with the Spirit at His baptism for His public ministry – Mt. 3:16. He was led by the Spirit – Lk. 4:1. He journeyed in the power of the Spirit -Lk. 4:14. He taught or ministered by the power of the Spirit – Lk. 4:15. We even read in Mk. 1:12 that he was driven by the Spirit.
Concerning the lives of the Apostles: we read in the book of Acts and in Paul’s epistles how the Holy Spirit spoke to them, commanded and reproved them, even hindered them, drove and led them, taught, protected and comforted them.
There are emblems of the Spirit found in the Scripture: such as a Dove – Mt. 3:16 – which is far seeing, we don’t see very far, but the Holy Spirit does. Oil – James 5:14 – which is soothing, healing and comforting. Water – Jn. 7:38 – which is refreshing, thank God for that refreshing. Wind – Acts 2:2 – which is quickening, the quickening power of the Spirit. Fire – Acts 15:8-9 – which is purifying, burning off the dross. The Holy Spirit is doing a work in you and I so we might be fruitful unto God. Thank the Lord for His influence in our lives. 
Earlene Davis