The Love Story
Love’s Resolve - Ruth 1
A little history - Naomi, along with her husband, Elimelech, and two sons left Bethlehem because of a severe famine. They settled in Moab where her two sons married Moabite women – Orpah and Ruth. Naomi’s husband and two sons died while they were in Moab. Once Naomi heard that the famine was over she wanted to return to Bethlehem and Ruth joined her.
Ruth makes one of the most significant commitments in the Bible when she tells Naomi she will return to Bethlehem with her. Ruth 1:16-17 – But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so unto me, and more also, if [anything but] death parts you and me."
Why is this so significant? Ruth not only chose a life with Naomi. She turned her back on her old way of life including her home, her family, her culture and her religion. Moab was a pagan culture.
Love’s Response - Ruth 2
As the younger person, Ruth goes into the fields to glean. Since neither of them were married, their only source of food was to glean in the fields of the wealthy land owners. Ruth, unknowingly happened on Boaz’s field and began gleaning there.
The Law of Gleaning: Deut. 24:19-22 - “When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands...you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this thing.”
Boaz inquires about Ruth’s identity and an unnamed servant introduces her as Naomi’s daughter-in-law. Boaz had heard of her kindness and devotion to Naomi and tells Ruth to return only to his fields to glean. He even instructs his workers to deliberately leave some barley behind for Ruth.
Love’s Request - Ruth 3
When Naomi discovers Ruth has found favor with Boaz, Naomi realizes that Boaz, being one of her husband’s kinsman, can marry Ruth and redeem the land.
Law of the Levirate Marriage: Deut. 25:5-10 - “When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a strange man. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. It shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall assume the name of his dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. But if the man does not desire to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, 'My husband's brother refuses to establish a name for his brother in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a husband's brother to me. Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. And if he persists and says, 'I do not desire to take her, then his brother's wife shall come to him in the sight of the elders, and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face; and she shall declare, 'Thus it is done to the man who does not build up his brother's house. In Israel his name shall be called, 'The house of him whose sandal is removed.”
Naomi instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor and wait until Boaz goes to sleep, then uncover his feet and lie down at his feet and then he will tell her what to do.
The Threshing Floor Scene - Boaz discovers Ruth lying at his feet. There is nothing immoral going on. When Ruth asks Boaz to cover her with the hem of his garment, she is really asking him to marry her and redeem the land for Naomi. This was not an elicit gesture on Ruth’s part. In Jewish tradition being covered by the hem of another person’s garment simply meant that person had authority over you and will protect you. He tells her that he will but there is a nearer kinsman who must first be given the opportunity to do so. Boaz sends Ruth back to Naomi with 6 measures of barley - an indication to Naomi that Boaz will determine that day who will marry Ruth and redeem the land. She knows this because God created the Earth in 6 days - therefore the symbolism of 6 indicated Boaz would not rest before the matter was resolved.
Love’s Reward - Ruth 4
The requirements for the kinsman redeemer - 1) he had to be a kinsman, 2) he had to be able to perform, 3) he must be willing, & 4) he must assume ALL of the obligation.
The Law of Redemption - Lev. 25:47-50 - “Now if a sojourner or stranger close to you becomes rich, and [one of] your brethren [who dwells] by him becomes poor, and sells himself to the stranger [or] sojourner close to you, or to a member of the stranger's family, after he is sold he may be redeemed again. One of his brothers may redeem him; or his uncle or his uncle's son may redeem him; or [anyone] who is near of kin to him in his family may redeem him; or if he is able he may redeem himself.”
Boaz goes to the city gate (like the city council) and meets the nearer kinsman. The nearer kinsman met all the criteria except he did not want to marry Ruth (which was part of the package) b/c he would lose his inheritance (because she was a Gentile). So the nearer kinsman took off his shoe and gave it to Boaz as a symbol of his yielding the opportunity/obligation. Therefore, Boaz purchased Ruth as his bride and returned the land to Naomi.
The lineage of David - includes 2 very important Gentile women:
Salman – Rahab (she sheltered Joshua’s spies from the Jericho army)
Boaz - Ruth
Obed
Jesse
David
Who’s Who?
1. Boaz is the Lord of the harvest and he is also the kinsman redeemer. Therefore, Boaz is a type or foreshadowing of Jesus. Naomi typifies Israel. She was out of the land; through his redemption, she was brought back into the land. Ruth was the Gentile bride, a type of the Church.
2. In order for Ruth to be joined to Naomi, Naomi had to be exiled from her land. The Jews were exiled from their land to the four corners of the earth for nearly 2,000 years. They have now returned to the Promised Land near the end of the Church Age. The nearer kinsman couldn’t take Ruth; it was against the law for an Israelite to marry a Moabite. But what the law could not do, grace did. Incidentally, Ruth did not replace Naomi. They are different; they are distinctive. Israel and the Church are distinctive; different origins, different missions. Ruth learned the laws of Israel through Naomi, a Jew. We Gentiles learn the ways of God by understanding the Jewish Scriptures. We worship a Jewish King in a Church composed of Jewish leaders using a Jewish Bible as our authority. In the threshing floor scene, no matter how much Boaz loved Ruth, he had to respond to her move. And Boaz took it upon himself to be her advocate; he was her intercessor He confronted the nearer kinsman.
You and I are also beneficiaries of a similar love story that was written in blood on a wooden cross, erected in Judea almost 2,000 years ago.
Naomi = Israel
Ruth = The Church
Boaz = Jesus
Unnamed servant = The Holy Spirit
3. Jesus - Our Kinsman Redeemer - Revelation 5
1) He is A kinsman of Adam, 2) He was able to perform, 3) He was willing, & 4) He assumed ALL of the obligation.
Revelation 5 is about the Seven-Sealed Scroll - The Title Deed to the Earth. We know this is a deed because the scroll has writing on both sides. But no man was found to claim the Deed. It had to be a man. John sobbed convulsively because no man was found to redeem the Earth. But wait! There is one who has prevailed to open the scroll and loose the seals thereof. “Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book.” And that unfolds the story of Ruth. It has to be a kinsman; he has to be able; he has to be willing; he must assume all the obligations; and indeed, He has. “It is finished,” He proclaimed.
I hope you've enjoyed this amazing little book in the Old Testament. It's one of my favorite stories in the Bible.
References:
1. Ruth 1-4
2. Revelation 5
3. Learn the Bible in 24 Hours by Chuck Missler
4. Ruth Commentary by Chuck Missler
5. www.khouse.org
Friday, July 13, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Love Story - Part 1
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
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
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
A Heavy Heart
Becoming a parent (biologically or by adoption) changes everything. We all know that. No one can prepare you for parenthood...it just doesn't happen that way. Our family is no different...I'm no exception. Garon has brought more joy to us than we could ever have imagined. But he also brought with him this incredible responsibility that has scared me to death. Over the past few months he had really soaked up everything in the world around him. He repeats actions and phrases as though he knows exactly what he's doing...and maybe he does. It has made me stop and think about EVERYTHING I say and do. It's like he's a little walking conscience! This is one of those surprises I wasn't prepared for. I don't want him to suffer for mistakes I have made and will continue to make in raising him. I am constantly asking God not to let me mess this up because I know I'm quite capable of it.
I think most of us have our parents on a pedestal mostly because the love shared between a parent and child is like no other. Although I know my parents are not perfect by any means I definitely feel very blessed to be their daughter. I hope Garon will feel that way about us when he's an adult. My parents lived an incredible Christian example in front of my sister and me. We are Christians because they ensured we met Jesus through them and at church. Garon's salvation is my main priority. When Garon accepts Jesus as his Savior I will know the most important part of my Mama-job will have been completed. But then I will have the responsibility of making sure he understands that being a child of God is a daily walk. I think that is the toughest part. It's easy to say I'm a Christian but living it day in and day out is tough. Things happen and we get distracted. We lose our footing and slip into bad habits. We all do it. I'm so thankful that Jesus has promised to help me and catch me when I fall...and mostly hold me accountable when I make mistakes. He doesn't promise an easy road but He will be there every step of the way.
I think part of the reason this has bothered me so much lately is that I see and hear so many worldly things being brought into the Church. Shouldn't it be the other way around? I want Garon to go to Church to worship not be entertained with various multimedia presentations and the latest and greatest playground equipment. None of that gets you to Heaven. There's a time and a place for everything and it really concerns me that the Church, ours included, is being diluted with worldly activities. We have replaced quality Bible study with watching DVDs. When did that become the standard? I don't think they are all bad but I also believe that it is not a replacement for digging into The Word itself with fellow believers. The Body of Christ and the world is starving for the Gospel but it has become unpopular to preach it and live it. It makes me really sad. We all deserve better than that and most importantly, God deserves better.
So, after that little tangent, I'm very concerned about the world my son will grow up in. As Christians we are continuously being argued down by believers & non-believers who are very convincing because we don't possess the Bible knowledge we need to stand against it. That terrifies me for Garon. Will he get bogged down in the lukewarm Christianity or have a daily walk with God? The odds of this world are against him. But my earnest prayer is that he will be a "man after God's own heart" and that the light of Jesus will shine in every aspect of his life. I know Jesus doesn't always shine in mine but I hope others will see some semblance of his grace in me. It's the least I can do for the Savior who died to set me free.
If you've never experience the intimate walk with Jesus, I can assure you there is no describing the love, peace and joy that comes with it.
I hope this does not sound like a holier-than-thou sermon. I just have carried this burden around for a few months and felt I should share it with fellow parents.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
-love-
Laura
I think most of us have our parents on a pedestal mostly because the love shared between a parent and child is like no other. Although I know my parents are not perfect by any means I definitely feel very blessed to be their daughter. I hope Garon will feel that way about us when he's an adult. My parents lived an incredible Christian example in front of my sister and me. We are Christians because they ensured we met Jesus through them and at church. Garon's salvation is my main priority. When Garon accepts Jesus as his Savior I will know the most important part of my Mama-job will have been completed. But then I will have the responsibility of making sure he understands that being a child of God is a daily walk. I think that is the toughest part. It's easy to say I'm a Christian but living it day in and day out is tough. Things happen and we get distracted. We lose our footing and slip into bad habits. We all do it. I'm so thankful that Jesus has promised to help me and catch me when I fall...and mostly hold me accountable when I make mistakes. He doesn't promise an easy road but He will be there every step of the way.
I think part of the reason this has bothered me so much lately is that I see and hear so many worldly things being brought into the Church. Shouldn't it be the other way around? I want Garon to go to Church to worship not be entertained with various multimedia presentations and the latest and greatest playground equipment. None of that gets you to Heaven. There's a time and a place for everything and it really concerns me that the Church, ours included, is being diluted with worldly activities. We have replaced quality Bible study with watching DVDs. When did that become the standard? I don't think they are all bad but I also believe that it is not a replacement for digging into The Word itself with fellow believers. The Body of Christ and the world is starving for the Gospel but it has become unpopular to preach it and live it. It makes me really sad. We all deserve better than that and most importantly, God deserves better.
So, after that little tangent, I'm very concerned about the world my son will grow up in. As Christians we are continuously being argued down by believers & non-believers who are very convincing because we don't possess the Bible knowledge we need to stand against it. That terrifies me for Garon. Will he get bogged down in the lukewarm Christianity or have a daily walk with God? The odds of this world are against him. But my earnest prayer is that he will be a "man after God's own heart" and that the light of Jesus will shine in every aspect of his life. I know Jesus doesn't always shine in mine but I hope others will see some semblance of his grace in me. It's the least I can do for the Savior who died to set me free.
If you've never experience the intimate walk with Jesus, I can assure you there is no describing the love, peace and joy that comes with it.
I hope this does not sound like a holier-than-thou sermon. I just have carried this burden around for a few months and felt I should share it with fellow parents.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
-love-
Laura
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Forever Ours
As of Friday, June 17, 2011, Garon is legally our son. We are forever grateful that God chose us to be his parents and we are humbled by His perfect plan for bringing him to us. We are also very grateful to everyone who made it possible for us - financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually - to embark on this amazing adoption journey. As I sat in church this morning, I thought how miraculous it is that we are his family and that without God's intervention he most likely would not have been in church this morning. I believe God has a very special plan for his life and I'm honored to be a part of it.
When our attorney's office called Wednesday the 15th to see if we could finalize two days later, we were shocked. We never dreamed the chancellor could see us so quickly. Adoption hearings are considered ex parte and cases are heard on a first come, first serve basis. So, we arrived at 8:00 hoping to be one of the first cases. Our attorney came out of the office and said we were first...we were so excited!!!! We went back to the chancellor's chambers, were sworn in and he signed the order stating that we are his forever parents and legally changing his name to the name we have given him. His signing the order seemed so simple compared to all we've been through over the past 15 months.
The entire day was wonderful - it really was one the best days ever. Our families and our social worker were able to be at the hearing with us making the day even more special. And Garon was absolutely perfect the entire time. We are so proud of him and the person he will become. People keep telling us how lucky & blessed he is - but I feel it's we who are blessed. He has forever changed us and we love him more each day. I'm not sure when it happened but his life has become vital to mine. I just don't think my heart would beat without him.
Baby boy, you are more loved than you can know!!
When our attorney's office called Wednesday the 15th to see if we could finalize two days later, we were shocked. We never dreamed the chancellor could see us so quickly. Adoption hearings are considered ex parte and cases are heard on a first come, first serve basis. So, we arrived at 8:00 hoping to be one of the first cases. Our attorney came out of the office and said we were first...we were so excited!!!! We went back to the chancellor's chambers, were sworn in and he signed the order stating that we are his forever parents and legally changing his name to the name we have given him. His signing the order seemed so simple compared to all we've been through over the past 15 months.
The entire day was wonderful - it really was one the best days ever. Our families and our social worker were able to be at the hearing with us making the day even more special. And Garon was absolutely perfect the entire time. We are so proud of him and the person he will become. People keep telling us how lucky & blessed he is - but I feel it's we who are blessed. He has forever changed us and we love him more each day. I'm not sure when it happened but his life has become vital to mine. I just don't think my heart would beat without him.
Baby boy, you are more loved than you can know!!
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Best 6 Months of My Life
As I sit here holding my sweet boy, I can’t believe he will be 6 months old Friday! It seems so impossible!!! I keep asking myself what happened to the tiny newborn he once was. He is now my sitting, baby food-eating, spitting, laughing, noise-making, cooing, talking, playing, rolling, wiggling, scooting baby boy. He has changed so much over the past few weeks and has really come out of shell. He is constantly making a noise of some kind and he finds it quite entertaining. I took him to the doctor last week for a cold and he weighed 16 lbs. 7 oz. and was 25 inches long. He has grown so much and has the cutest chubby baby legs ever!
June is a very special month for several reasons. Not only will Garon be 6 months old, but Granna has a birthday, Jason will have his very first Father’s Day, and we get to finalize the adoption! Everything is complete - we are just waiting for a hearing date with the judge. It seems so strange that a year ago we didn’t even know about Garon and now we have come to the point where a judge will declare him forever-legally ours! There are no words to express how I feel about that. However, most of the time I forget that he isn’t legally ours yet. It’s kinda weird…we’ve cared for this little person for 6 months while the adoption agency actually has custody of him. I have come to think of myself as his Mama now. It was hard for me to stop thinking of his birthmother as his mom. I don’t know why since she doesn’t live anywhere near us. I have no idea if that’s normal or not! But that feeling has faded.
Please pray for our family as we prepare for the final step in the adoption process and as we continue on our journey as a family of three. We are blessed beyond anything we ever hoped for!
Here are some recent pictures of our baby boy! We are completely smitten with him!
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
June is a very special month for several reasons. Not only will Garon be 6 months old, but Granna has a birthday, Jason will have his very first Father’s Day, and we get to finalize the adoption! Everything is complete - we are just waiting for a hearing date with the judge. It seems so strange that a year ago we didn’t even know about Garon and now we have come to the point where a judge will declare him forever-legally ours! There are no words to express how I feel about that. However, most of the time I forget that he isn’t legally ours yet. It’s kinda weird…we’ve cared for this little person for 6 months while the adoption agency actually has custody of him. I have come to think of myself as his Mama now. It was hard for me to stop thinking of his birthmother as his mom. I don’t know why since she doesn’t live anywhere near us. I have no idea if that’s normal or not! But that feeling has faded.
Please pray for our family as we prepare for the final step in the adoption process and as we continue on our journey as a family of three. We are blessed beyond anything we ever hoped for!
Here are some recent pictures of our baby boy! We are completely smitten with him!
Friday, June 3, 2011
The Fragrance of Worship
Those who know me well, know that I’m an avid reader. I love a great story whether fiction or non-fiction, religious or secular. I recently read I Will Carry You by Angie Smith (an eloquently written story of finding joy through grief). In this book she weaves the story of Lazarus in with the story of her daughter, Audrey. Her re-telling of the story of Lazarus opened my eyes and my heart to completely new aspects faith, worship and how much we are truly loved by the Savior who gave His life so we could spend eternity with Him. Anyway…if you tend to get weepy, get a Kleenex handy!
Disclaimer: I can’t tell the story as well as she did!!!
First of all, I encourage you to go back and read the story of Lazarus in the Bible which can be found in John 11 & 12.
Ok…now that you’re back! Let’s dig in!!!
For a little time perspective, these events take place shortly before the Triumphal Entry (when Jesus presents Himself as The King of the Jews – fulfilled on the exact date prophesied in Daniel 9:25 – which is a story for another time). He was crucified less than a week later.
When Mary & Martha sent the message to Jesus regarding Lazarus’ illness, the message simply said: “Lord, behold, he whom you love is sick.” There is so much faith in this simple statement. First of all they addressed Jesus as “Lord” which lets us know that they know He is the Son of God. And that is followed by “he whom you love is sick.” They didn’t say the one who loves you or tell Jesus it was Lazarus. This indicates they knew Jesus would know exactly of whom they were speaking. And they knew Jesus loved Lazarus. And the statement was just that – a statement. There were no specific requests. Their faith in Jesus was that He would know what to do with the information with which they provided Him. We so often give God a laundry list of things we want Him to do to solve our problem – regardless of what that problem is. I don’t think I have ever just told God the problem and just sat back and waited to see what He would do. I always have various solutions and I tell Him what I would like for Him to do to fix it!!! I know I was very guilty of this with our adoption. I poured out my heart to God all the things I wished for our child. I do believe God cares what is in our hearts whether it is faith or doubt. He knows our human nature and loves us as we are. But He also knows what is best for us without our help. And yes, God answered so many of the prayers I had prayed but He also answered ones I didn’t know to pray for. And that’s what Jesus did here with Mary and Martha’s request – they just couldn’t see it yet.
When Jesus received their message he waited two days before leaving where He was to go to Judea – where they were. In John 11:4 Jesus said “…This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” When Jesus arrived at the gate of the city He already knew Lazarus had died. Both Mary and Martha greeted Jesus (separately) with tears telling Him that if He had been there sooner Lazarus would still be alive. But they also told Him they still believed that the Father would do anything He asked of Him. Jesus said to Martha in John 11:25-26 “…I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die…” When Mary comes to Jesus and He sees her tears and the tears of the Jews who were present, He weeps. He was not crying because Lazarus was dead - He knew he would be resurrected shortly. He was greatly saddened by the fact that they couldn’t know what He knew. He was sad because of our separation from Him. But in just a few days, He would be crucified and bear our sin so that sin would no longer separate us from Him.
When they reached the tomb, Jesus instructed them to roll the stone away from the tomb. But Martha told Jesus there would be an odor because Lazarus had been dead for four days. Then in verse 40 “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’” How often to we offer excuses not to be obedient and roll the stone away because we are afraid of the “odor” beyond the stone? And by not doing so we miss out on seeing “the glory of God.” But they followed Jesus’ command and rolled the stone away. And in order that those present would believe that He was the Son of God, he commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb…and he did!!! And everyone present saw “the glory of God.”
In John 12:1-8, they gave a dinner for Jesus following Lazarus’ resurrection. This is six days before Passover (Jesus was crucified on Passover). Martha served the dinner while Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with oil. John 12:3 reads “Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” At a time when women were not allowed to show their hair in front of men, Mary took her hair down and wiped the feet of her Savior with her hair. She laid it all on the altar for Him. Her actions were not of disrespect but of pure worship. He had raised her brother from the dead and she was simply worshiping Him for who He is. And the house was filled with the fragrance of her worship.
A pound of perfume is A LOT. Our perfume bottles today are measured in fluid ounces. Can you imagine how strong the fragrance would be if you broke one of your perfume bottles in your house? The perfumes in Jesus’ time were especially strong (and very expensive – the perfume Mary used could have been sold for 300 denarii) because people did not bathe daily like we do. The fragrance would last several days and a little would go a long way. Nevertheless, Mary used a pound of perfume. Judas admonished Mary for being wasteful with the expensive perfume. But Jesus told him to leave her alone so that she could keep the remaining oil for his burial.
The following day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey – The Triumphal Entry. When He rode into town He carried the scent of her worship. When He was crucified a few days later, He was still carrying the scent of her worship. When Mary visited with family and friends following Jesus’ death, she also carried the scent of her worship in her hair. Everywhere she went the fragrance was with her. As she mourned her Savior, the fragrance of her worship surrounded her. Do we carry the fragrance of our worship with us? Do others see evidence of us having been with our Savior? Do we carry that fragrance in good times and in bad? Sometimes we have to roll the stone away to see “the glory of God.” I have truly seen “the glory of God” in the gift of my son. I hope each time you roll your stones away you will see His glory as well!
“He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20
Disclaimer: I can’t tell the story as well as she did!!!
First of all, I encourage you to go back and read the story of Lazarus in the Bible which can be found in John 11 & 12.
Ok…now that you’re back! Let’s dig in!!!
For a little time perspective, these events take place shortly before the Triumphal Entry (when Jesus presents Himself as The King of the Jews – fulfilled on the exact date prophesied in Daniel 9:25 – which is a story for another time). He was crucified less than a week later.
When Mary & Martha sent the message to Jesus regarding Lazarus’ illness, the message simply said: “Lord, behold, he whom you love is sick.” There is so much faith in this simple statement. First of all they addressed Jesus as “Lord” which lets us know that they know He is the Son of God. And that is followed by “he whom you love is sick.” They didn’t say the one who loves you or tell Jesus it was Lazarus. This indicates they knew Jesus would know exactly of whom they were speaking. And they knew Jesus loved Lazarus. And the statement was just that – a statement. There were no specific requests. Their faith in Jesus was that He would know what to do with the information with which they provided Him. We so often give God a laundry list of things we want Him to do to solve our problem – regardless of what that problem is. I don’t think I have ever just told God the problem and just sat back and waited to see what He would do. I always have various solutions and I tell Him what I would like for Him to do to fix it!!! I know I was very guilty of this with our adoption. I poured out my heart to God all the things I wished for our child. I do believe God cares what is in our hearts whether it is faith or doubt. He knows our human nature and loves us as we are. But He also knows what is best for us without our help. And yes, God answered so many of the prayers I had prayed but He also answered ones I didn’t know to pray for. And that’s what Jesus did here with Mary and Martha’s request – they just couldn’t see it yet.
When Jesus received their message he waited two days before leaving where He was to go to Judea – where they were. In John 11:4 Jesus said “…This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” When Jesus arrived at the gate of the city He already knew Lazarus had died. Both Mary and Martha greeted Jesus (separately) with tears telling Him that if He had been there sooner Lazarus would still be alive. But they also told Him they still believed that the Father would do anything He asked of Him. Jesus said to Martha in John 11:25-26 “…I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die…” When Mary comes to Jesus and He sees her tears and the tears of the Jews who were present, He weeps. He was not crying because Lazarus was dead - He knew he would be resurrected shortly. He was greatly saddened by the fact that they couldn’t know what He knew. He was sad because of our separation from Him. But in just a few days, He would be crucified and bear our sin so that sin would no longer separate us from Him.
When they reached the tomb, Jesus instructed them to roll the stone away from the tomb. But Martha told Jesus there would be an odor because Lazarus had been dead for four days. Then in verse 40 “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’” How often to we offer excuses not to be obedient and roll the stone away because we are afraid of the “odor” beyond the stone? And by not doing so we miss out on seeing “the glory of God.” But they followed Jesus’ command and rolled the stone away. And in order that those present would believe that He was the Son of God, he commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb…and he did!!! And everyone present saw “the glory of God.”
In John 12:1-8, they gave a dinner for Jesus following Lazarus’ resurrection. This is six days before Passover (Jesus was crucified on Passover). Martha served the dinner while Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with oil. John 12:3 reads “Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” At a time when women were not allowed to show their hair in front of men, Mary took her hair down and wiped the feet of her Savior with her hair. She laid it all on the altar for Him. Her actions were not of disrespect but of pure worship. He had raised her brother from the dead and she was simply worshiping Him for who He is. And the house was filled with the fragrance of her worship.
A pound of perfume is A LOT. Our perfume bottles today are measured in fluid ounces. Can you imagine how strong the fragrance would be if you broke one of your perfume bottles in your house? The perfumes in Jesus’ time were especially strong (and very expensive – the perfume Mary used could have been sold for 300 denarii) because people did not bathe daily like we do. The fragrance would last several days and a little would go a long way. Nevertheless, Mary used a pound of perfume. Judas admonished Mary for being wasteful with the expensive perfume. But Jesus told him to leave her alone so that she could keep the remaining oil for his burial.
The following day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey – The Triumphal Entry. When He rode into town He carried the scent of her worship. When He was crucified a few days later, He was still carrying the scent of her worship. When Mary visited with family and friends following Jesus’ death, she also carried the scent of her worship in her hair. Everywhere she went the fragrance was with her. As she mourned her Savior, the fragrance of her worship surrounded her. Do we carry the fragrance of our worship with us? Do others see evidence of us having been with our Savior? Do we carry that fragrance in good times and in bad? Sometimes we have to roll the stone away to see “the glory of God.” I have truly seen “the glory of God” in the gift of my son. I hope each time you roll your stones away you will see His glory as well!
“He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20
Thursday, May 26, 2011
He's coming...
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
This is today's verse on Daily Bible. It is one of my absolute favorites. It is a window into God's love for us. We as Christians sometimes say we wish Jesus would hurry and come get us. I am definitely looking forward to that day. But we shouldn't rush Him. He is patiently waiting for all those who will walk with Him and invite Him into their hearts. He loves us all so much that He doesn't want a single one of us to perish. But at some point time will run out. Is He still waiting for you?
This is today's verse on Daily Bible. It is one of my absolute favorites. It is a window into God's love for us. We as Christians sometimes say we wish Jesus would hurry and come get us. I am definitely looking forward to that day. But we shouldn't rush Him. He is patiently waiting for all those who will walk with Him and invite Him into their hearts. He loves us all so much that He doesn't want a single one of us to perish. But at some point time will run out. Is He still waiting for you?
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