A weekly look back and look forward from Pastor Wayne
Looking Back: This past Sunday we continued our Advent series from the book of Ruth. Reading from Ruth 2, we observed how Ruth discovered peace in a provider. Do you remember how Naomi returned to Bethlehem as Mara, meaning bitter. She believed God had made her life bitter. Bitter was about to become better! And the way to better required Ruth to seek after God’s peace. She found this peace gleaning in the fields of a man named Boaz who was from the clan of Ruth’s deceased father-in-law. Here, Ruth discovered God had prepared the way through Boaz. As her kinsman-redeemer, Boaz becomes Ruth’s provider.
Looking Ahead:
We are looking forward to this coming Sunday when we discover that Ruth receives blessing through obedience. It was Samuel who discovering King Saul’s disobedience, declared “it is better to obey than to sacrifice.” The story of Ruth in chapter 3 shows us what obedience looks like. Sunday, we will be reminded that obedience always begins with small things. An Advent and Christmas example of obedience is seen in Joseph’s following the direction of the angel and despite the potential disgrace, taking Mary to be his wife.
Obedience always comes with a cost. As you prepare for Sunday, take time to inventory what costs would be associated with obedience in your life? I ask that question because obedience always stretches us, but it also always leads to blessing! Don’t miss out on what God wants to say to you through His Word and be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10.30.
Looking Beyond: December 24th at 7.00 pm we will conclude our Advent series from the book of Ruth with a “surprise in Jesus family.” Plan to join us as we sing the wonderful carols of Christmas, have a children’s story, and conclude with the lighting of candles. December 28th will include a special message on God’s plan for the church, and January 3rd we will have the undecorating of the church at 8 am.