This is going to be a two-part post! I feel it's too long for a single post and I'm afraid I'll lose you before I'm done! :) It's a wonderful story and I hope it touches your heart as it has mine!
I have been asked some pretty tough questions by a close relative about my religious beliefs. And he's not the only one who has those questions...he was just honest and brave enough to ask them. I see people posting all kinds of things on Facebook regarding their religious beliefs that are not Christ-centered. It makes me really sad that many so easily believe when a speaker/author/scientist states that God doesn't exist. It takes a leap of faith to believe in his non-existence. So why not take a leap of faith and seek His face? You might be surprised what you find. However, believing in His existence is only the first step. He wants you to have a personal relationship with His Son so you can spend eternity with Him. But you have to open you heart and mind completely! Give it a chance! He loves us beyond our wildest imagination!
So here's the story I want to share with all of you! It's not the typical Gospel story and I hope it will help you see Jesus in another aspect of who He is!
The Back Story
Why are we separated from God? Why did Jesus have to be the atoning sacrifice? The answer to the first is sin. But some people don't think sin exists. All I can say about that is take a look at the prison population in America and I think it's pretty evident that it does. None of us is perfect and we all make mistakes. Unfortunately others pay for those mistakes sometimes. In Genesis 3 the fall of Man is outline for us. Because of Adam and Eve's disobedience we are separated from God. But what about Genesis 1 where Man was created to rule over the earth? Do we really reign over the earth today? I guess you could say in some ways we do. But no one lives forever and then someone else takes their job. Technically, the Earth is currently Satan's domain. He was cast to the earth after He tried to be more powerful than God. He is working steadily to try to thwart God's plan. He hasn't succeeded yet nor will he ever. God has a bigger plan and it's completely perfect. Here's how God takes the Earth back and provides for man to reign on Earth with His Son. As it was always meant to be! Jesus was NOT plan B. This story answers the question of why Jesus was our atoning sacrifice.
A Revelation - The Title Deed to the Earth
"Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals. Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Revelation 5:1-10
A Love Story - Introduction
The Book of Ruth is a classic love story of loyalty and devotion and yet it also contains some surprising insights that go far beyond the historical narrative itself.
We get a glimpse into life in ancient Bethlehem. This is very important considering Bethlehem is also the Town of David and the city where Jesus would be born centuries later. This glimpse includes the Laws of Gleaning, Levirate Marriage and Redemption.
The main characters are significant representations of Jesus, Israel, the Holy Spirit and The Church. This is especially important because The Church is not actually revealed in the Old Testament.
The introduction of the “Kinsman Redeemer.” This aspect of the story is vital to understanding Revelation 5.
To be continued...you'll love the story of Ruth and Boaz!
References:
Chuck Missler's Ruth Commentary
Genesis 1; 3
Ruth 1-4
Revelation 1
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