313 Ruth 1 – 4; James 1
I hope you read the introduction to Ruth. He really nails it! I often tell people to remember when they feel low, "that they are unique like everyone else." There are times in life that we can feel like bench-warmers. We are on the stage, but we have the bit parts--like playing a tree. Ruth helps us understand that we never know what we might contribute to the kingdom of God. Tragedy had struck this family and Naomi is trying to do what is best for her two daughter-in-laws. One takes Naomi's advice and goes back home but Ruth says, "Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live." Ruth goes back with Naomi to her people the Jews. To make a short story even shorter Ruth ends up marrying Boaz and they had a son named Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse and Jesse was the father of David. This seemingly insignificant event led to Ruth being part of the Messianic line. By the way, Ruth was not Jewish--how about them apples?!? Way to go Ruth!!!
Martin Luther did not want this book to be in the Cannon of Scripture. Dr. Luther had his reasons because it had been so misused by his denomination. However, Martin was wrong because James is explaining the other side of faith. The side of faith that James was wrestling with was those that said they believed, but never saw any changes in their behavior. James did not believe that you worked for faith, but he did believe in a faith that works.
Right off the bat the brother of Jesus hits us with the thought that when troubles come to consider it a gift. In the NIV it says, "to count it pure joy." In the context of living in troublesome times James clues us in on the priority of prayer. Pray, pray, pray and then ask some more--God loves to give His children gifts. Give it a shot today--got trouble-pray!
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