Redemption is Coming

[The Midweek Encounter is a ministry of Encounter Church in Kentwood, MI. These posts are reflections on Sunday's message, which can be heard here each week: http://myencounterchurch.org/#/messages-media]

The book of Ruth starts off with Naomi and Elimelek moving out of Bethlehem to Moab to escape a famine. It’s made to sound like this was a temporary plan, yet we discover they lived there for about ten years--and though they escaped the famine, things didn’t go very well for the family in Moab. First, Elimelek died, then the two sons got married and they both died as well, leaving behind Orpah and Ruth as widows. 

With nothing else to do, Naomi moved back to Bethlehem. The idea of moving back “soon” did not come in the timeframe Naomi expected, nor did it look like she probably thought it would. When she moved to Moab, Naomi likely would not have guessed that her husband and both her sons would die there, and instead of returning to Moab with them, she returned with only her daughter-in-law--a Moabite foreigner. Rather understandably, I think, these events leave her bitter, wondering where God is and whether he even sees her. 

But, as Naomi finds out, her story was not done yet.

Ruth went and gathered in the fields, and Boaz showed her much kindness. Though we don’t know how much, some amount of time passed before Naomi made her plan of how Ruth would be taken care of after Naomi passed. 

When Ruth eventually went to Boaz, he had a choice. He could have refused Ruth’s suggestion of marrying her and therefore redeeming her and Naomi, he could have completely bypassed the closer relative who could have married Ruth and married her right away, or he could have consulted the closer relative and then followed through with his commitment to marry Ruth--which is what he did. It wasn’t the quickest or most convenient way, but the desired outcome was achieved: Ruth and Naomi were redeemed. 

The story ends with the women of the town saying to Naomi, “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer.” 

God was there. He saw Naomi, and he provided just what she needed--a redeemer. 

Which is just what we need, too. 

Ruth and Boaz’s son is Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David...whose descendants became the line of Jesus. Our redeemer. 

This season of Advent, of looking forward to Christmas, is a reminder of our own redemption. The book of Ruth is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Christmas, but it’s a beautiful picture of how all the books in the Bible fit together to create the broader story that’s at work. Already in the Old Testament, we see this theme: Redemption is coming. It may take longer than we expect or like, and it may look different than we anticipated. But it is coming. 

That’s the promise of Christmas, of the baby born in a manger--redemption is not only possible, it is coming. For those like Naomi, who find themselves weary and doubting, it is coming. For those who find themselves joyous and hopeful, it is coming. In ways big and small, expected and surprising: Redemption is coming. 

[Brianna DeWitt believes in Jesus, surrounding yourself with good people, and that desserts are best when they involve chocolate and peanut butter. She loves Christmas and can be found spreading Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear. You can read more of her musings on her own blog or follow her on Twitter @bwitt722.]

Bethlehem's Gruesome History

[The Midweek Encounter is a ministry of Encounter Church in Kentwood, MI. These posts are reflections on Sunday's message, which can be heard here each week: http://myencounterchurch.org/#/messages-media]

There are many gruesome stories in the Bible that begin with the simple but devastating line, “In those days Israel had no king.”

And when Israel has no king: look out.

This past Sunday we heard the story told in Judges 19, a terrible story about the ways God’s people succumbed to the darkest evils during a time in which they had no ruler: no king and no judge.

It might seem like a strange passage for the beginning of Advent, but in a lot of ways, it’s actually perfect.

It features a mistress from the town of Bethlehem, and through the events that happen in Bethlehem and in the surrounding land of God’s people, it becomes desperately obvious that God’s people are in need of a righteous ruler and judge. We need a savior, and that savior is coming to the town of Bethlehem, he will be born there, and he will be for all people. Immanuel is imminent, and we await the day of his return when he will complete his work in each of us.

Although it may be popular to sing about the “little town of Bethlehem” and “royal David’s city” and the “little Lord Jesus”, it’s dishonest to overlook the agony and violence of Jesus’ life and the lives of the God’s people in the Bible.

Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation; a time when we should be reminded that we are in need of a savior, that without a king we are helpless and hopeless. Come, Lord Jesus.

[Kristin vanEyk lives in Kentwood, MI where she attends Encounter Church with her husband Dirk, and two kids, Lily and Colin. Kristin teaches high school English and otherwise passes the time reading, writing, running, and enjoying all that Michigan's West Coast has to offer.]