The 10 Commandments

Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror of God's Ten Commandments to see how you really look? Maybe it is about time that you did...

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
   Has God always been first in your life? Have you honoured Him with your every breath? Have you thanked Him for everything that you have and are? Let us look at a few examples of the gods in the lives of North Americans:
   
   1. Self is our god. How many people are self-centered, self-reliant, self-obsessed, and living for self? Culture tells us "It's all about you," but that is a lie. Nobody seems to care about each other any more. They have become unloving and uncaring.
   2. Sex is our god. Look at our sex-saturated world and how everyone is chasing after sex, and yet they are still not satisfied. Sex permeates everything around us from the magazines to the advertisements to the television shows to the movies. People are getting more brazen about sex, doing it in public without concern for who sees them and how it will affect those who see (such as children). Sex is the end-all be-all for the majority of people these days, as if it makes their life more meaningful, which it does not.
   3. Money is our god. You know the pursuit of money is a god when people's lives revolve around chasing that almighty dollar. Even though they have enough to be content with, it is never enough. They need more and more and more. Yet, the happiness they are chasing after still eludes them.
   4. Our stomachs are our gods. We constantly have to stuff them with food all day long while others around the globe are lucky if they see three square meals a day. We buy take-out and pre-packaged foods galore and eat all sorts of junk food. It seems we never stop stuffing our mouths. We spend more on food than what we should, and we probably wastefully throw half of it out. Try and tell me that our stomachs are not our gods.
   5. Our TVs are our gods (this includes other technological devices such as computers). The whole family gathers around the TV just to worship it, spending more hours in front of it than doing anything else. People, including their children, walk around nearly 24/7 glued to their technological devices without ever giving them a rest. This also includes those individuals who sit day-in and day-out in front of a gaming consoles playing games and/or things like Facebook and Twitter, wasting the precious hours of their life. People no longer seem to have any one-on-one personal time with anybody. They are too busy becoming one with their technological contraptions.
   6. Our sports teams are our gods. We erect multi-million dollar stadiums to house them in and throw temper-tantrums when they do not win. Movie stars, musicians, athletes, and other famous individuals, such as the Pope, are also our gods. Imaginary characters such as Santa Claus are even our gods. When we see these people in person, we lose all self-control and act ecstatically, even to the point of shedding tears in their presence. It is as if having met them has given our life some sort of purpose. When millions of people gather together like this, you can be sure that they are indeed worshiping these individuals.
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to housands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
   We are worshipers by nature, but most often we choose to worship anything but the God of the Bible. We may not bow down to and worship a golden calf, but worship is more than just this. Anything that takes up more of your time than the God of the Bible has become your god, and the time spent with that thing is the evidence of your worship. The loss of self-control over one's emotions and the acts of obsessive insanity toward a person (favourite musician) or thing (favourite sports team) is also evidence of your worship. Worship is recognized in many ways. In our culture, even those who do not think that they are religious are worshiping something—usually self. If you always have to be the center of attention, you are worshiping the concept and idea of fame, as well as self. There can be things in our lives that are lawful hobbies for us to be interested in, objects we may collect, yet these things can eventually become idols in our lives that take up vast amounts of our time and attention. These things can have such a hold on our lives that if we suddenly departed from them, we would be grieved to our core. The reason for this is because it has become an idol in our life.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.
   If you have ever used the Lord's name as a four-letter curse word to express disgust, you are guilty of breaking this commandment. Doing so is also called blasphemy. But that is not all that taking the Lord's name in vain entails. If you have ever flippantly referenced God as a scape-goat to your schemes, or mentioned His name without due reverence and genuine intent behind your so doing, you are guilty of taking His name in vain. Taking the Lord's name in vain is essentially swearing by Him as a witness to what you are saying or doing when what you are swearing in regard to is false to begin with.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. ...
   In essence, you are to pay homage to the Creator of the universe, remembering His works and honouring Him as the God of creation. Exodus 31 clearly states that the Sabbath was "a sign forever between [God] and the people of Israel." The Israel in question here is national Israel, not spiritual Israel. Paul says in Colossians 2:16, "Let no one pass judgment on you in questions of...or with regard to...a Sabbath" and continues in verse 17, "They are a shadow of things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." Hebrews 3:7-4:13 speaks of the rest for God's people, which are the Christians. It says in 4:3, "We who have believed enter that rest." In verse 9 it says, "There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God" and in verse 10 states, "For whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from His." Again, refer to verse 3. When we are born again, we enter that rest because Christ Jesus is the Christian's Sabbath. Every day is a day of rest in Christ for the Christian. If you want to dedicate any day of the week toward worship, you are free to do so. Remember, you are paying homage to your Creator, God.
5. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
   Have you always done what your parents told you to do or not to do? Without arguing? Have you obeyed them in every instance? Ephesians 6:1 says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Colossians 3:20 says, "Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord." Proverbs 6:20 says, "My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother" (cf. Prov. 23:22).
6. You shall not murder.
   Jesus said, "everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell" (Matt. 5:22). The Bible also says, "The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. ... But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes," (1 John 2:9, 11) and "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen" (1 John 4:20). If you are angry with your brother without just cause, or if you hate your brother, you are guilty of murder within your heart. Murder stems from hatred and so hatred is the same as murder in the sight of the Lord. If you have ever had an abortion, you are guilty of murder because you have killed the unborn child within your womb. A child in the womb has rights, as revealed by Scripture: "If men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman's husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint a penalty life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise" (Exodus 21:22-25). Abortion is murder, no matter how many laws might be passed trying to say it is lawful. You are a murderer.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
   Have you ever committed adultery? Jesus said that "everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matt. 5:28). Lusting is having sexual desire for another person, whether of the same sex or opposite sex. Lust is also desiring the fulfillment of sexual fantasies within your life derived from the things you read or look at. Reading so-called "romance" novels is pornographic and you are committing lust. Looking at pornography is lusting. Reading your "teen" magazines and drooling over the "hot" guys is lusting. Gazing wantingly at women in magazines such as Maxim is lusting. Watching movies or televisions shows because of the "hot" guys or "sexy" women starring in them is committing lust. You are guilty of committing adultery in your heart.
8. You shall not steal.
   Have you ever stolen anything? The size and value are irrelevant. If you have ever downloaded any movies, music, computer games, or computer programs from the Internet without paying for them, you have stolen them. If you work at a job and are not doing what you are supposed to do and are wasting company time, you are stealing time from your company for a job you were hired to do. If you take longer than provided breaks, you are stealing time for productivity from your company. If you have ever left work early and had someone else punch/swipe you out later, you are stealing money for which you have not earned from your company (you are also lying to your company by doing this). If you are using someone else's cable or Internet, having been hooked up to it illegally, you are stealing. What do you call someone who steals? You call them a thief.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
   How many lies have you told in your life? This includes any supposed "white" lies that you have told, as well as exaggerations and "stretching the truth". What do you call someone who tells lies? You call them a liar. How many lies do you need to tell in order to be a liar? If you only need to kill one person to become a murderer, you only need to tell one lie to become a liar.
10. You shall not covet ... anything that belongs to your neighbor.
    Have you ever coveted something that did not belong to you? Coveting is the desire to have something that is not yours. It is wanting to get "stuff" just to show off to others and to try and keep up with the Joneses (even though the Joneses are broke and in debt up to their eyeballs). It is wishing that your life circumstances were different, by not being thankful for what you have and what God has given you. It is having an insatiable desire to get things you want but do not really need. Pack rats, who do nothing but store things they have bought and will never use, are prime examples of covetous individuals. If you attain to a set standard of living, rather than living within your means with what you have, and being content with it and thankful for it, you are a covetous person. Covetousness is also idolatry, the breaking of the first and second commandments, because you have made it your god and are worshiping it by your great desire thereof.

If you break even one law, you are guilty of breaking them all: "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all" (Jam. 2:10). As human beings, there is not one of these commandments that we have never broken in our entire lives. Ergo, we all stand guilty before a holy God and deserve judgment and condemnation, receiving our just reward for our sins committed.

Nothing is hid from God’s holy eyes. He sees your every thought and He will judge you accordingly. If you were to die today and stand before the Judgment Seat, would you be found innocent or guilty? Listen to your conscience. You know you would be guilty. Do you think you would go to Heaven or Hell? You would go to Hell. You may say to yourself, “But I tell God I am sorry for the things I do.” If you were in court because you just raped and murdered a young girl, no matter how truly sorry you were for your crimes, If the judge was a good judge he could not let you go just because you are sorry. You must be punished. The Bible says, “The soul that sins it shall die” (Ezek. 18:4, 20) and “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23a). God is infinitely more good and more just than any human judge and all sin is against Him. Because you have a conscience you have sinned with knowledge. Each time you told a lie or stole or looked with lust you knew you were doing wrong.

God is infinitely holy, infinitely perfect, and infinitely righteous. In order for you to enter Heaven, you must have a holiness, perfection, and righteousness equal to that of God’s. You may say to yourself, “But I go to church; I give to this charity; I do all these good things.” The Bible says, “All our righteous deeds are as a filthy rag” (Is. 64:6). You have sinned against an infinitely holy God. By good works shall no man be saved. You will spend an eternity in Hell, eternally separated from God and His goodness, suffering in constant reminder of your sins for all eternity. Because of your sin, God’s anger and wrath abides on you.

But, there is good news. Imagine you are standing in front of a judge, guilty of multiple serious crimes. All the evidence has been presented and there is no doubt about your guilt. Your apologies and good works cannot erase your crimes; therefore you must be punished. The fine for your crime is $50,000 or imprisonment, but you do not have two pennies to rub together. The judge is about to pass sentence when someone you do not even know steps in and pays your fine for you! The court accepts the money and declares that you are free to go. The law has been satisfied, your debt has been paid in full, and the stranger's sacrifice was a demonstration of his love for you. That is what God did for you 2000 years ago.

It is not God’s will that you should perish. He is rich with mercy. That is why He sent Jesus Christ, His only Son—God in the flesh—to condemn sin in the flesh by living an absolutely perfect life. Through Jesus Christ, God has provided a way for you to be forgiven. Jesus Christ took the punishment for your sins. The Bible says, “God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). The cup Christ prayed three times that God the Father would let pass from Him contained all the wrath, anger, and hatred of Almighty God toward sinners. He bore your sins on His body upon a cross that was meant for you. Jesus Christ laid His life down and died for your sins. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). Jesus Christ will provide us with a holiness, perfection, and righteousness that is equal to that of God’s—if we but believe. All you need to do is repent of your sins and turn to God, believing in what Christ accomplished on the cross. To repent is to have a change of mind about sin and about God, and it means to turn from your sins and to turn to God.

Exegesis vs. Eisegesis

The word "exegesis" comes from the Greek verb εξηγησις (from εξηγεισθαι "to lead out"), which means "to draw out." Simply put, exegesis is about drawing out from the text the true meaning of a biblical verse or passage. “Exegesis does not take a quote from the Bible to prove the Bible. It scientifically scrutinizes the text according to historical context, cultural context, literary context and usage, multiple languages that might have been used, archeological finds, etc. A good way to support your thesis is to ignore all evidence to the contrary."¹ Exegesis, then, is an investigation. It attempts to determine the historical, cultural, and geographical context within which a particular verse exists. The questions we always have to be asking are: Who is doing the speaking? Who is being spoken to? What is being said? What is going on here? When observing the external context, proper exegesis examines the surrounding verses (immediate context), the surrounding chapters (sectional context), and other passages (canonical context). It lets the Bible speak for and interpret itself. Today's reader must try to enter the world of the biblical author and seek to understand what the author was saying. If we fail to pay attention to the world in which the Bible was written, we will simply read biblical texts and infuse them with meaning from our social world and circumstances. "The interpreter must come to the Bible as open as possible, without any theological bias or presuppositions."² Exegesis utilizes "hermeneutics," which means "the art and science of biblical interpretation."

In contrast to this, what many do instead is what some theologians refer to as "front-loading;" i.e., they read their own personal, political, or ideological beliefs back into the Bible instead of reading out from the Bible what the original authors were saying. This process of reading one's own presuppositions, agendas, biases, and/or ideas into the interpretation of the Bible is called "eisegesis," from the Greek εις, which means "into." "It is the interpreter’s job to represent the text, "not the prejudices, feelings, judgments, or concerns of the exegete. To indulge in the latter is to engage in eisegesis, 'a reading into' a text what the reader wants it to say.""³ Eisegesis occurs when a reader imposes his/her interpretation into and onto the text. There is only ever one interpretation to a text; but there may be many applications to a text.

Personal experience does not interpret or determine what the Word of God says. Personal feelings and opinions do not interpret or determine what the Word of God says. Presumptions, inferences, assumptions, and conclusions drawn from assumptions do not interpret or determine what the Word of God says. Personal presuppositions, prejudices, agendas, biases, and/or ideas do not interpret or determine what the Word of God says. The practices and acceptances of our day and age do not interpret or determine what the Word of God says. All of this is to engage in eisegesis. Eisegesis is at best unwise, and at worst extremely dangerous.

Exegesis and eisegesis are conflicting approaches to interpreting the Bible. Why? Exegesis is reading out from the Bible what the original authors were saying. Eisegesis is reading into the Bible one's own ideas or prejudices. Exegesis is about drawing out the true meaning of a Bible passage. Eisegesis is about putting into the text something never intended by the author. Exegesis tends to be objective when employed effectively while eisegesis is regarded as highly subjective. The Bible gives us a clear example of exegesis: "They read from the book...translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading" (Neh. 8:8). Exegesis, however, is not an easy task and is not for the faint of heart. Like most things of value, it requires some work on our part.

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¹ Manfred T. Brauch, Abusing Scripture: The Consequences of Misreading the Bible, 293.
² Mal Couch, An Introduction to Classical Evangelical Hermeneutics, 169.
³ Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., Toward an Exegetical Theology, 45.

Ruth 4: Ruth Reaping

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED:
Meanings of Names
Elimelech = My God Is King
Naomi = My Pleasant One, or Pleasant
Ruth = Appearance, or Beauty
Boaz = In Him Is Strength
The Lord (JHVH; Heb. Jehovah) = He That Is, That Was, And That Is To Come
Obed = Serving
Jesse = Wealth
David = Beloved

Summary of the Chapter
Boaz goes and speaks with the nearer relative (v.1) whom he had mentioned earlier (3:12). He gathers ten elders of the city to bear witness to what was about to transpire (v.2). Boaz informs the other man of Naomi's predicament with the land and asks if he will redeem it, seeing as how he is the nearer relative (vv.3-4). When the man says he will redeem it, Boaz adds that he must also purchase Ruth and raise up an inheritance in the place of her late husband (v.5). Upon hearing these conditions, the nearer relative declines and passes the obligation to Boaz who accepts the obligation willingly (vv.6-12). Boaz marries Ruth and they have a child (vv.13-15), whom they named Obed (v.17).

WILMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

1. Boaz called a council meeting to determine whether the nearest kinsman (who may have been a brother to Elimelech) wanted to assume his obligations (4:1-4). Note: Boaz’s heart must have dropped to his knees when the man said, “I will redeem it” (4:4). But Boaz continues the meeting, saying: “What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance” (4:5). With a great sign of relief, and no doubt a silent prayer of thanksgiving to God, Boaz hears the nearest kinsman conclude: “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.” (4:6).
2. The issue was no longer in doubt. Boaz would not marry Ruth. To confirm this decision, the man plucked off his shoe. It was the custom at that time in Israel for a man transferring a right of purchase to pull off his sandal and hand it to the other party. This publicly validated the transaction (4:7-10).
3. In time, God gave Boaz and Ruth a son named Obed. Obed would grow up and father a boy named Jesse, who would in turn have a son called David. Thus a Moabite girl who was once a heathen would become the great-grandmother of King David, and be included in the New Testament genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Mt. 1:5). This is perhaps one of the most thrilling examples of God’s marvelous grace in all the Bible.

MATTHEW HENRY’S ABRIDGED COMMENTARY
The Kinsman Refuses To Redeem Ruth’s Inheritance
Ver. 1-8. This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world.
The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.
Boaz Marries Ruth
Ver. 9-12. Men are ready to seize opportunities for increasing their estates, but few know the value of godliness. Such are the wise men of this world, whom the Lord charges with folly. They attend not to the concerns of their souls, but reject the salvation of Christ, for fear of marring their inheritance. But God did Boaz the honour to bring him into the line of the Messiah, while the kinsman, who was afraid of lessening himself, and marring his inheritance, has his name, family, and inheritance forgotten.
Birth of Obed
Ver. 13-22. Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation. Prayer to God attended the marriage, and praise to him attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that pious language should not be more used among Christians, or that it should be let fall into formality!
Here is the descent of David from Ruth. And the period came when Bethlehem-Judah displayed greater wonders than those in the history of Ruth, when the outcast babe of another forlorn female of the same race appeared, controlling the counsels of the Roman master of the world, and drawing princes and wise men from the east, with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh to his feet. His name shall endure for ever, and all nations shall call him blessed. In that Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.

Ruth 3: Ruth Resting

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED:
Meanings of Names
Naomi = My Pleasant One, or Pleasant
Ruth = Appearance, or Beauty
Boaz = In Him Is Strength
The Lord (JHVH; Heb. Jehovah) = He That Is, That Was, And That Is To Come

Summary of the Chapter
Naomi informs Ruth that Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer (vv.1-2) and then instructs her with what she is to do (vv.3-4). Ruth agrees and does it (vv.5-6). Boaz awakes in the middle of the night to find Ruth at his feet (vv.7-8). Ruth informs Boaz that he is a kinsman-redeemer (v. 9). Boaz praises her (v.10) and says he will do according to her request (v.11), but informs her that there is a nearer kinsman-redeemer (v.12). Boaz tells her that if this man will redeem her, that is fine, but if he will not, he himself will redeem her according to her request (v.13). Early in the morning he loaded her up with six measures of barley and sent her on her way before anyone else would be awake or could recognize anyone else (vv.14-15). When she arrived home, she told her mother-in-law of all that happened and Naomi told her to be patient until the matter was settled (vv.16-18).

WILMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

1. Naomi sends Ruth to Boaz with instructions for her to assume a position at his feet. This has been looked upon by some as an immoral act, but no one who knew the custom of Israel and the ancient oriental world would make such a claim. According to Hebrew law, Ruth was entitled to call upon her nearest of kin to fulfill the various duties of a kinsman redeemer. By this course of action, Ruth was doing just this. Boaz understood fully her request to: “spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou are a near kinsman” (3:9).
   From this point on, Boaz took the necessary steps to marry Ruth. This custom is still practiced to some extent among the Arabs today.
2. Boaz then explains to Ruth why he had not proposed marriage to her before this time: “There is a kinsman nearer than I” (3:12).
3. Ruth returns home to Naomi with a full report. Naomi reassures her concerning Boaz (3:18).

MATTHEW HENRY’S ABRIDGED COMMENTARY
The Directions Given To Ruth By Naomi
Ver. 1-5. The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connection for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should carefully advice their children in this important concern, that it may be well with them as to their souls. Be it always remembered, That is best for us which is best for our souls.
The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws and usages of Israel. If the proposed measure had borne the appearance of evil, Naomi would not have advised it. Law and custom gave Ruth, who was now proselyted [proselyte: a person who converts from one belief to another] to assert this claim, Deut. 25:5-10. But this is not recorded for imitation in other times, and is not to be judged by modern rules. And if there had been any evil in it, Ruth was a woman of too much virtue and too much sense to have listened to it.
Boaz Acknowledges the Duty of A Kinsman
Ver. 6-13. What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge in Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person.
The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He attempted not to take advantage of Ruth; he did not disdain her as a poor, destitute stranger nor suspect her of any ill intentions. He spoke honourably of her as a virtuous woman, made her a promise, and as soon as the morning arrived, sent her away with a present to her mother-in-law. Boaz made his promise conditional, for there was a kinsman nearer than he, to whom the right of redemption belonged.
Ruth’s Return To Her Mother-in-law
Ver. 14-18. Ruth had done all that was fit for her to do, she must patiently wait the event. Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have true believers to cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them. Our strength is to sit still, Isa. 30:7.
This narrative may encourage us to lay ourselves by faith at the feet of Christ: He is our near Kinsman; having taken our nature upon him. He has the right to redeem. Let us seek to receive from him his directions: Lord, what will you have me to do? Acts 9:6. He will never blame us as doing this unseasonably. And let us earnestly desire and seek the same rest for our children and friends, that it may be well with them also.

Ruth 2: Ruth Requesting

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED:
Meanings of Names
Elimelech = My God Is King
Naomi = My Pleasant One, or Pleasant
Ruth = Appearance, or Beauty
Boaz = In Him Is Strength
The Lord (JHVH; Heb. Jehovah) = He That Is, That Was, And That Is To Come

Summary of the Chapter
Upon settling down in Bethlehem, Ruth asks her mother-in-law if she can go and glean some grain so that they might be able to eat. Naomi gives her permission (v.2). She happens upon a field owned, unknowingly to her, by a near kinsman-redeemer to Naomi named Boaz (v.3). When Boaz arrives home, he prays for his servants and they respond back with a prayer (v.4). Boaz notices this young lady in his field and asks where she came from. The servant in charge of the reapers explains to Boaz who she is and what she requested (vv.5-7). Boaz then spoke to Ruth and told her not to go to any other field, but to stay with his maidens and to eat of the provisions offered to the reapers as a reward for her kindness she showed to her mother-in-law. He even commanded the reapers to drop some of the handfuls of purpose for her (vv.8-16). Ruth then brought what she had gleaned back to her mother-in-law and told her of her day and her experiences (vv.17-21). Naomi encouraged her to accept Boaz’s kindness (vv.22-23).
Verse 10 contains a question that the believer should be asking God. “Why have I found grace in your eyes, that You should take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” We, as sinners, are strangers to God. In fact, the Bible calls us enemies of God. So why have we found grace in the sight of a Holy God who cannot look upon sin? Upon accepting Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we must be willing to forsake all – our families, our country, our possessions – when we come to a family (Christians) we never knew before. If these things hinder us, we must be willing to leave them behind for Christ’s sake.
The Hebrew word for “next kinsman” in verse 20 is gaălim, which means “one who has the right to redeem or avenge.” Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer, as Jesus Christ is our kinsman-redeemer.

WILMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

1. Ruth goes out to glean wheat and, in the providence of God, picks a field belonging to Boaz, a near relative of Elimelech (2:1-3). Boaz was the son of the ex-harlot, Rahab (Mt. 1:5).
2. Boaz sees her, and apparently falls in love with her. He treats her kindly and orders his hired hands to do the same (2:15-16).
3. Ruth brings home some thirty pounds of barley and reports the kindness of Boaz to Naomi, who immediately begins planning a wedding (2:19-23).

MATTHEW HENRY’S ABRIDGED COMMENTARY
Ruth Gleans In the Fields of Boaz
Ver. 1-3. Observe Ruth’s humility. When Providence had made her poor, she cheerfully stoops to her lot. High spirits will rather starve than stoop; not so Ruth. Nay, it is her own proposal. She speaks humbly in her expectation of leave to glean. We may not demand kindness as a debt, but ask, and take it as a favour, though in a small matter.
Ruth also was an example of industry. She loved not to eat the bread of idleness. This is an example to young people. Diligence promises well, both for this world and the other. We must not be shy of any honest employment. No labour is a reproach. Sin is a thing below us, but we must not think any thing else so, to which Providence calls us.
She was an example of regard to her mother, and of trust in Providence. God wisely orders what seem to us small events; and those that appear altogether uncertain, still are directed to serve his own glory, and the good of his people.
The Kindness of Boaz to Ruth
Ver. 4-16. The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our fields; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct of Boaz and his reapers. But true religion will teach a man to behave aright in all states and conditions; it will form kind masters and faithful servants, and cause harmony in families. True religion will cause mutual love and kindness among persons of different ranks. It had these effects on Boaz and his men. When he came to them, he prayed for them. They did not, as soon as he was out of hearing, curse him, as some ill-natured servants that hate their master’s eye, but they returned his courtesy. Things are likely to go on well where there is such good-will as this between masters and servants. They expressed their kindness to each other by praying one for another.
Boaz inquired concerning the stranger he saw, and ordered her to be well treated. Masters must take care, not only that they do no hurt themselves, but that they suffer not their servants and those under them to do wrong. Ruth humbly owned herself unworthy of favours, seeing she was born and brought up a heathen. It well becomes us all to think humbly of ourselves, esteeming others better than ourselves.
And let us, in the kindness of Boaz to Ruth, note the kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ to poor sinners.
Ruth Returns To Her Mother-In-Law
Ver. 17-23. It encourages industry, that in all labour, even that of gleaning, there is profit. Ruth was pleased with what she gained by her own industry, and was careful to secure it. Let us thus take care that we lose not those things which we have wrought, which we have gained for our souls’ good, 2 John 8.
Parents should examine their children, as Naomi did, not to frighten or discourage them, so as to make them hate home, or tempt them to tell a lie; but to commend them if they have done well, and with mildness to reprove and caution them if they have done otherwise. It is a good question for us to ask ourselves every night, Where have I gleaned today? What improvement have I made in knowledge and grace? What have I done that will turn to a good account? When the Lord deals bountifully with us, let us not be found in any other field, nor seeking for happiness and satisfaction in the creature. We lose Divine favours, if we slight them.
Ruth dutifully observed her mother’s directions. And when the harvest was ended, she kept her aged mother company at home. Dinah went out to see the daughters of the land; her vanity ended in disgrace, Gen. 35. Ruth kept at home, and helped to maintain her mother, and went out on no other errand than to get provision for her; her humility and industry ended in preferment.

Ruth 1: Ruth Renouncing

THE ARGUMENT
This little Book, by whomsoever written, which is not material to know, is annexed to the Book of Judges, and by some of the Hebrew doctors made a part of it. It is useful, as for many other points, so especially to show the genealogy of David, and consequently of Christ; and the rise of Christ from a Moabitish woman; which was a useful document, and a great encouragement to the Gentiles to believe in Christ.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED:
Meanings of Names
Elimelech = My God Is King
Naomi = My Pleasant One, or Pleasant
Mahlon = Sick
Chilion = Pining
Orpah = Neck, Hind, or Fawn
Ruth = Appearance, or Beauty
Mara = Bitter
The Lord (JHVH; Heb. Jehovah) = He That Is, That Was, And That Is To Come
Almighty (Heb. Shaddai) = All Sufficient
Bethlehem = House of Bread

Summary of the Chapter
The event in this book takes place approximately B.C. 1322, during the Judges Stage where Israel was judged by the Judges. It begins with a famine in the land of Judah and a family traveling to Moab because of that famine (v.1). Elimelech dies not long after (v.3). His two sons take wives of the Moabite people and the family resides in Moab for 10 years (v.4). Then both the sons die, leaving three widows behind (v.5). Approximately B.C. 1312, Naomi hears how the LORD has provided bread for His people and so she decides to travel back to her homeland (v.6). Naomi tries convincing her daughters-in-law to go back home to their families and their gods, even using sarcastic questions relating to the Hebrew Law of Deuteronomy 25:5 (vv.11-13), but Ruth wants to remain with Naomi and the True God, Jehovah (vv.8-17). Ruth accompanies Naomi back to Bethlehem where Naomi, which means “Pleasant,” undergoes a name change to Mara, which means “Bitter” (v.20).
The bread in verse 6 indicates a blessing amongst the famine mentioned in verse 1. Oswald Chambers once said, “If you are going through a time of discouragement, there is a time of great personal growth ahead.” Personal growth can be a blessing. Likewise, this can apply to the situation of the land. Though they were experiencing a great time of discouragement, God had a blessing planned for them.
The word for God here in the text is the Hebrew Elohim, which is plural, indicating the Triune Godhead – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

WILMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

1. During a famine, a Bethlehem citizen named Elimelech (which means, “God is King”), his wife Naomi (“the sweet one”) and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion (“sick” and “pining”) leave Palestine and go into Moab (1:1-2).
2. The two boys marry, but soon tragedy strikes, for at first the father dies, and then both sons, leaving three saddened widows (1:3-5).
3. Naomi decides to return to Palestine and is accompanied by her older daughter-in-law, Ruth. Naomi attempts to persuade Ruth to go back to her own home. Ruth’s answer must be counted as one of the most beautiful statements ever to come from the human throat. (1:16-17).
4. Ruth and Naomi begin their difficult trip, walking nearly 100 miles and crossing mountains a mile high. Upon their return, a disillusioned Naomi instructs her old neighbors to call her “Mara,” which means, “bitter,” and not Naomi (1:20-22).

MATTHEW HENRY’S ABRIDGED COMMENTARY
Elimelech and His Sons Die In the Land of Moab
Ver. 1-5. Elimelech’s care to provide for his family, was not to be blamed; but his removal into the country of Moab could not be justified. And the removal ended in the wasting of his family. It is folly to think of escaping that cross, which, being laid in our way, we ought to take up. Changing our place seldom is mending it. Those who bring young people into bad acquaintance, and take them out of the way of public ordinances, though they may think them well-principled, and armed against temptation, know not what will be the end. It does not appear that the women the sons of Elimelech married, were proselyted [proselyte: a person who converts from one belief to another] to the Jewish religion.
Earthly trials or enjoyments are of short continuance. Death continually removes those of every age and situation, and mars all our outward comforts: we cannot too strongly prefer those advantages which shall last for ever.
Naomi Returns Home
Ver. 6-14. Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-law with prayer. It is very proper for friends, when they part, to part with prayer. She dismissed them with affection. If relations must part, let them thus part in love.
Did Naomi do well, to discourage her daughters from going with her, when she might save them from the idolatry of Moab, and bring them to the faith and worship of the God of Israel? Naomi, no doubt, desired to do that; but if they went with her, she would not have them to go upon her account. Those that take upon them a profession of religion only to oblige their friends, or for the sake of company, will be converts of small value. If they did come with her, she would have them make it their deliberate choice, and sit down first and count the cost, as it concerns those to do who make a profession of religion. And more desire “rest in the house of a husband,” or some worldly settlement or earthly satisfaction, than the rest to which Christ invites our souls; therefore when tried they will depart from Christ, though perhaps with some sorrow.
Orpah Stays Behind, But Ruth Goes With Naomi
Ver. 15-18. See Ruth’s resolution, and her good affection to Naomi. Orpah was loth [loth: unwilling to do something contrary to one’s ways of thinking] to part from her; yet she did not love her well enough to leave Moab for her sake. Thus, many have a value and affection for Christ, yet come short of salvation by him, because they will not forsake other things for him. They love him, yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better. Ruth is an example of the grace of God, inclining the soul to choose the better part. Naomi could desire no more than the solemn declaration Ruth made. See the power of resolution; it silences temptation. Those that go in religious ways without a stedfast mind, stand like a door half open, which invites a thief; but resolution shuts and bolts the door, resists the devil and forces him to flee.
They Come To Bethlehem
Ver. 19-22. Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem. Afflictions will make great and surprising changes, especially the great change!
Naomi signifies “pleasant,” or “amiable;” Mara, “bitter,” or “bitterness.” She was now a woman of a sorrowful spirit. She had come home empty, poor, a widow, and childless. But there is a fullness for believers of which they never can be emptied; a good part which shall not be taken from those who have it. The cup of affliction is a “bitter” cup, but she owns that the affliction came from God. It well becomes us to have our hearts humbled under humbling providences. It is not affliction itself, but affliction rightly borne, that does us good.

Unicorns

The modern-day myth of the unicorn (a horse with a horn) does not discredit the fact an animal was called or described as thus. In fact, the term may have referred to the single-horned rhinoceros (which we see today, but is endangered), or it may refer to some animal long since extinct (perhaps the Elasmotherium—this animal apparently resembles a horse, which if described thus could easily over time be exaggerated into being an actual horse with a horn, just as we see depicted today). Regardless, you cannot take modern day fictionalizations of unicorns (or dragons for that matter) and attempt to conclude that the use of such terms, such as in the Wycliffe through KJV Bibles, are automatically mythical. This is an unscientific approach.

Elasmotherium	Single-horned Rhinoceros

"God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn" (Num. 23:22).

"God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows" (Num. 24:8).

"His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh" (Deut. 33:17).

"Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?" (Job 39:9-10).

"Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns" (Ps. 22:21).

"He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn" (Ps. 29:6).

"But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil" (Ps. 92:10).

“And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness” (Isa. 34:7).

When you consider these verses from the Geneva and KJV Bibles, the Elasmotherium or single-horned rhinoceros seem like likely candidates. What kind of strength does a horse have in contrast to that of a rhinoceros? The reference to the description of its strength should be noted; not just the name. This animal is obviously very powerful.

The Hebrew word rendered as unicorn in many of our older translations appears as riem (ראם), rieym (ראים), reym (רים), or rem (רם), which The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament writes, "A masculine noun indicating a wild ox. It refers to a large animal with horns that are powerful offensive as well as defensive weapons." However, this definition is wrong, as we will see in a moment! The fact is, English translators from the past chose to translate it as unicorn for a reason. Rather than assume, based on modern ideas and concepts of what a "unicorn" is, we would do well to find out why these translators chose this word and what it meant to them. I am quite certain it was not the mythical one-horned horse we see depicted today. Chances could be quite possible that they were referring to an animal that we no longer see today; a very real and non-mythical animal referred to as the unicorn. However, I believe that we do see this animal today.

The Webster's New World Dictionary says of the word 'unicorn': "A mythical horse-like animal with a single horn growing from its forehead." The 1828 Noah Webster American Dictionary of the English Language says of the word 'unicorn': "An animal with one horn: the monoceros. This name is often applied to the rhinoceros." Notice how this definition says nothing about a "horse", a "horse-like animal", a "mythical animal", a "fictitious creature", or "Greek mythology"? It says this name is often applied to the rhinoceros. People frequently and erroneously think of rhinoceroses as having two horns. If you look up the word "rhinoceros" in the same dictionary, you read: "A genus of quadrupeds of two species, one of which, the unicorn, has a single horn growing almost erect from the nose. ... There is another species with two horns, the bicornis." Noah's original dictionary was written almost 200 years ago. The KJV Bible was translated over 400 years ago. The Wycliffe Bible was first published in 1382 and used the word 'unicorn'. So if the definition of the word 'unicorn' has changed in the last 200 years from a rhinoceros to a horse, it does not make sense to take a modern definition of the word 'unicorn' and apply it to a 400-year-old and a 600-year-old translation of the Bible. That is illogical.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) translated these words as monokeros (μονοκερως), monokerotos (μονοκερωτος), and monokeroton (μονοκερωτων), which literally mean "one horn"; μονος "only, alone, without others" (i.e., "one") and κερας, "horn". Nearly 2,000 years before the Geneva and KJV Bibles were produced, the Hebrew scholars who translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek chose these words. The Latin Vulgate translates the first 5 passages as rinocerota, rinoceros, and rinocerotis (rhinoceros), while it translates the last 4 passages as unicornis , unicornes, and unicornium. The Douay-Rheims Latin Bible renders Psalm 29:6 as rinocerotis and Psalm 92:10 as monocerotis (Remember Noah Webster's definition? Remember the Septuagint's rendering?). Interestingly enough, the scientific name for the single-horned rhinoceros is Rhinoceros unicornis.

You see, in Deuteronomy 33:17, it says, "His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh." The Hebrew word for 'unicorn' is singular, whereas the Hebrew word for 'horns' is plural possessive. Now, look closer at this passage and what it says: "his horns are like the horns of unicorns"; and it goes on to say "they are the ten thousands of Ephraim" and "they are the thousands of Manasseh." Back in Genesis 48:19, it was prophesied that Ephraim would be greater than Manasseh. In the Latin Vulgate, the word 'unicorn' here is rinocerotis; the two-horned rhinoceros. Ever examine the horns of a two-horned Rhinoceros?

Ephraim is compared to the larger horn of the two-horned Rhinoceros, while Manasseh is compared to the smaller horn. Although the Wycliffe through KJV Bibles have a mistake here, they still had it right whereas our modern versions have it wrong. A wild bull or a wild ox is not a suitable translation for these passages. These translators have rendered it this way because, rather than believe the Bible and do their homework, they feared the Bible might have been referring to modern-day understanding of the mythical unicorn. We can trust our Bibles, people! Something to think about.

Tattooing

“You shall not eat anything with the blood: neither shall you use enchantment (spells or witchcraft), nor observe times (astrology). You shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shall you mar the corners of your beard. You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead (bloodletting, scarification, piercing, self-mutilation), nor print any marks (tattoos) upon you: for I am the Lord. Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom and the land become full of wickedness” (Lev. 19:26-29).

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom. 6:14). “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Rom. 6:1-2). “What? Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Cor. 3:17).

Leviticus 19:28 is the Christian (or so-called Christian?) tattooist and tattoo-bearer’s worst nightmare. The Lord plainly, clearly, strongly, and without a doubt condemns the tattoo. The clear statement from the Word of God does not settle anything for this generation of disobedient, carnal, worldly, tolerant, non-judgmental Christians. Rather than obey God, they run miles and miles out of their way to “justify” their open disobedience to the Word of God.

A lot of Christians when confronted with Leviticus 19:28 scream, “Hey, man! That’s not for today. That’s the Old Testament. I’m under the New Testament. That was for the Jews. I’m a Gentile. That was under law. I’m under grace.”

Let’s look at this sick, perverted, wicked line of reasoning, shall we? They say:

• “That’s the Old Testament. I’m under the New Testament.” I hate to disappoint you, but the New Testament is a fulfillment of the Old Testament. What one condemns, the other does not condone, and vice versa. Christ Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law.


• “That was for the Jews. I’m a Gentile.” So, if those commands were only for the Jews, does that mean that the Gentiles can go ahead and be homosexual? participate in bestiality? eat raw meat? practice witchcraft and astrology? cut their hair idolatrously to conform to the haircuts of the gods? perform self-mutilation? get tattoos? prostitute their own daughters?


• “That was under the law. I’m under grace.” So, does being under grace mean that we can continue in sin hoping that grace will abound? If one uses that logic, then they condone all of the above condemnations that were under the law. While they will argue all but a single point (because their own beliefs cling to it), in reality they are saying that it is okay to be homosexual; to participate in bestiality; to eat raw meat; to practice witchcraft and astrology; to cut your hair idolatrously to conform to the haircuts of the gods; to perform self-mutilation; to get tattoos; and to prostitute your own daughter.

A lot of Christians make the excuse that it is your motivation behind it that determines whether it is right or wrong. They say that if they want to praise and worship God, getting a tattoo with a Christian message is okay. Well, in that regard it also means that if I want to carve the name of Jesus into my flesh with a razor, it is okay to do as well. My motive is right, after all. C’mon. Get real. Whom are you trying to convince with your dishonesty and disobedience to God’s Word? You are merely offering up excuses to cover your sick, perverted, wicked line of reasoning. God said what He meant and meant what He said. Christians are not to get tattoos.

For the Christian who argues that there is no Scripture that speaks against this in the New Testament, I suggest you read Jude 8. The Greek word for “defile” means “to stain, to tinge, to dye with another colour.” In other words, to tattoo.

Christianity vs. Religion

What is the difference between Christianity and religion? Religion is a system of do’s and don’ts. Christianity is a relationship with a person—the person of Jesus Christ.

Religion says, “Do this!” Christianity says, “It is already done!” or as Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished!”

Does this give us a license to sin or even continue living in sin? No! Consider Paul’s words in Romans 6. “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (5:20b). “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (6:1b). “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (6:16).

If we are truly born again and truly love Christ Jesus as our own personal Saviour, we will obey the 10 commandments and God’s other moral laws out of our love for Him—not out of duty. Duty is what religion is based upon. Love is what Christianity is based upon.

It was the love of a merciful Creator who manifested Himself in the flesh, to suffer as a man and die on a cross that should have been ours, so that we could be reconciled to Him and be given eternal life. Nobody sacrifices themselves for another person for any other reason other than love.

Followers of Christ Jesus were first called “Christ Ones” in Antioch. That is what “Christian” means: “Christ Ones” or “Christ Followers.” I believe this term was used as a derogatory comment toward believers. Should that not give us stronger conviction about who we are and Who we follow? I am called a “Christ One” because I follow Christ Jesus, the living God, and the world hates Him. I should be proud to wear the world’s derogatory term “Christian” for the sake of my Saviour, Christ Jesus!

“Sometimes Love has to drive a nail into its own hand.” –Chris Rice

God wants my fellowship, communion, and love. Is it the love of Christ that constrains what I do? Or a list of do’s and don’ts? Our greatest need has already been met! We can never do enough to earn God’s grace or get into heaven. Christ Jesus did it all. We can accept it or reject it.

Christ Exalted!

by James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855

If we look at the comparisons which are made use of by the Holy Spirit to set Christ forth, we behold something more of His loveliness.

He is compared to a MOTHER, and is said to have more than a mother's tenderness, kindness, and care.
His concern for His people is constant,
He never loses sight of them for a moment, and
He pledges His Word that He will never forget them!

He is the CITY of REFUGE, with . . .
  the broad and clear road,
  the gates wide open, and
  the hearty welcome awaiting every sinner who approaches to escape the threatened vengeance!

He is the STRONGHOLD, which emboldens, supplies, and secures all the prisoners of hope.

He is the ROCK, which shades, shelters, and refreshes the weary traveler.

He is the DAY-STAR, which betokens brighter scenes, and guides the vessel of mercy across the boisterous deep to the haven of perfect redemption and safety.

He is the SUN of RIGHTEOUSNESS, whose rising . . .
  cheers the benighted pilgrim,
  makes glad the weary citizen of Heaven, and
  produces moral beauty and fruitfulness in our world.

He is the APPLE-TREE among the trees of the forest . . .
  whose blossoms are beautiful,
  whose shade is refreshing, and
  whose fruit is sweet to the taste.

He is the BREAD of LIFE, which came down from heaven . . .
  satisfying the hungry,
  strengthening the weak, and
  giving life unto the world.

He is the BRAZEN SERPENT, which heals easily, instantly, and perfectly all who look to Him by faith.

He is the WATER of SALVATION, which . . .
  cleanses the filthy,
  refreshes the weary, and
  makes glad the city of God.

He is the only WAY, which leads from sin, condemnation, and wrath to life, holiness, and heaven!

He is the HEAD, which thinks, plans, and contrives for the welfare of the whole of His mystical body.

He is the DOOR, which admits to . . .
  the pastures of Divine truth,
  the privileges of His Church below,
  and His Father's glorious presence!

He is the FOUNDATION on which all must build for eternity, and which alone is able to support our hopes and sustain our souls amidst the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds!

He is the CORNER-STONE, which unites, beautifies, and strengthens the whole building of divine mercy.

He is the TEMPLE, where God . . .
  meets with us,
  accepts us, and
  imparts His blessing to us.

He is the ALTAR, which sanctifies both the gift and the giver.

He is the VINE, which communicates life, nourishment, and fruitfulness to all its branches.

He is the ROSE of SHARON and the LILY of the VALLEY, fragrant, lovely, attractive, perfuming, and unequaled in beauty and grace!

He is the FORERUNNER, who is gone before His flock . . .
  removing the obstacles,
  marking out the road, and
  ready to receive them as they finish their course.

He is the FRIEND . . .
  who loves at all times,
  whose mind never changes,
  whose love never cools, and
  who never neglects a friend in distress.

He is the greatest, best, and most glorious GIFT of GOD, including, securing, and conferring every good thing upon those who sincerely receive Him.

He is the KINSMAN . . .
  who redeems the forfeited inheritance,
  who ransoms all His poor relatives from slavery,
  and whose name is held in renown.

He is the LAMB of GOD, who took up, expiated, and forever put away the sins of all who trust in His blood.

He is the MESSENGER of the COVENANT, who . . .
  brings good news from God,
  carries all our requests to God, and
  ever stands as a Mediator between us and God.

He is the PEARL of GREAT PRICE, or the priceless pearl, which . . .
  all who sincerely seek find,
  all who find may claim, and
  all who possess are enriched forever!

He is the PHYSICIAN, who . . .
  heals all disorders,
  restores every patient to perfect health,
  and bestows medicine and care, freely.

He is the RANSOM, which . . .
  procured our release,
  ensures our liberty, and
  preserves us from going down into the pit!

He is the RIGHTEOUSNESS, which . . .
  justifies us from all charges,
  entitles us to eternal life, and
  enables us to lift up our heads with boldness in God's presence.

He is the TRUTH, which . . .
  enlightens the mind,
  purifies the heart, and
  regulates the life.

He is the FIRE, which . . .
  purges our dross,
  brightens our graces, and
  cleanses our consciences from works which deserve death.

He is the SHEPHERD, who . . .
  knows every sheep,
  watches over the whole flock, and
  never loses a lamb, by disease, accident, or beast of prey.

He is the CAPTAIN of SALVATION, who . . .
  collects His soldiers,
  disciplines His troops, and
  leads them forth to certain victory over sin, the world, and the devil.

He is the LADDER, by which we . . .
  rise from this earth,
  lose sight of carnal things, and
  ascend to the presence of God!

He is the SURETY . . .
  who engaged for us in the everlasting covenant,
  who is held responsible for our salvation,
  who has pledged to set us before His father's throne forever.

He is the WALL of FIRE, which surrounds, enlightens and infallibly protects all His redeemed people!

He is the chief among ten thousand, and the ALTOGETHER LOVELY ONE!

Precious Lord Jesus, allow me . . .
  to know You more fully,
  to trust You more heartily,
  to serve You more diligently,
  to enjoy You more frequently,
  to imitate You more closely,
  to exalt You more highly, and
  to show forth Your salvation from day to day!

Your love is my heaven,
Your presence is my delight, and
Your service is the joy of my heart!

Let me daily . . .
  walk with You,
  work for You,
  and bring glory to You!

Oh, send Your Spirit to my poor heart . . .
  to exalt You,
  to honor You,
  to endear You to my soul!

Use me to bring . . .
  lost sinners to Your cross,
  believers to Your throne of grace,
  backsliders to the path of obedience.

Be my . . .
  strength in life,
  solace in death, and
  eternal portion beyond the grave!