Who is Jesus and what does it mean to be his disciple? It seems like a simple question with a simple answer! In this 6-week series, we will be looking at a section in the … Read More
A Sweet and Bitter Providence – Sweet Providence
In this final chapter of Ruth all things are now worked together for the good of his people. The clouds that Naomi dreaded in chapter 1 now break with big mercies and gracious blessings as … Read More
A Sweet and Bitter Providence – Plans, Promises, Patience, and Faith
At the end of chapter 2 we saw that while Boaz had taken care of Ruth (and Naomi) economically, there were some big family issues still to be resolved along with the long term security … Read More
A Sweet and Bitter Providence – Providential Kindness
When Yahweh providentially orders the steps of Ruth to meet her redeemer, Boaz, who pledges to protect and provide for her, she is showered with grace, which is recognized by Naomi as Yahweh’s loving kindness … Read More
A Sweet and Bitter Providence – Bitter Providence
The choice of turning to Moab leads to death, leaving a bitter Naomi to return to Bethlehem with Ruth (who has turned from Moab to follow her) believing that Yahweh has dealt bitterly with her. … Read More
Promises Kept – Utmost Loyalty to the Utmost Faithful LORD
Joshua finishes with two speeches that cover the same point: the LORD God has been utterly faithful to His people, graciously doing everything to make Israel His people and blessing them. In response, the people … Read More
Promises Kept – Loyalty and Unity
The Eastern tribes showed commendable loyalty to the LORD and unity with their Western brothers, but when it is threatened, confrontation rightly results. Clarification of intentions for ongoing loyalty to the LORD and unity with … Read More
Promises Kept – Receiving the Inheritance
Over many chapters and with great detail, the distribution of the land as an inheritance is recorded. This highlights the greatness of the inheritance, given to all the people of Israel, because of the utter … Read More
Promises Kept – Finishing the Conquest
So far we have seen specific and particular cities being taken by Joshua and Israel. Now in chapters 9-11 are given a bit of a montage of the broader conquest of the land. Through a … Read More
Promises Kept – Deadly Disobedience and the Utmost Importance of Obedience
Achan is a strong cautionary tale about the deadliness of disobedience, a personal sin that impacts an entire nation. God’s people must take faithful obedience with the utmost seriousness, looking to Christ’s obedience, first and … Read More