Today´s reading:
OT: Ruth 2-4
NT: John 4:43-54
Ps: Psalm 105:16-36
Pr: Proverbs 14:26-27
Gospel Thread - OT:
Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I.
Ruth 3:12 (NIV)
The book of Ruth truly is a beautiful story of love, loyalty, and redemption. The historical importance of this story is the genealogy of King David; however, I believe the story of the kinsman-redeemer is also allegorical for our kinsman-redeemer: Jesus Christ.
Gospel Thread - NT:
Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and departed.
John 4:50 (NIV)
Jesus tests this man's faith in this exchange. The official demonstrates his faith in two ways: in both his words (verse 49) and in his actions (verse 50). When his servants tell him the exact time his son's fever broke, the official realizes that it is at the exact moment that Jesus tells him that his son will live (verse 53). However, I think equally important is the coincidence between the fever breaking and the man's actions that demonstrated his faith. In other words, had he not demonstrated his belief in Jesus' ability to heal his son by turning to leave, I do not believe Jesus would have healed him. It is the principle that faith without works is dead: that faith must be evidenced by the action resulting from the working of that faith (James 2:14-25).
Likewise, our salvation requires both faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, and also the confession of that faith and the deeds demonstrating the changes in our lives resulting from that faith.
Gospel Thread - Psalms/Proverbs:
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
Proverbs 14:27 (NIV)
"Fear of the Lord" is both reverence for God and also a sober understanding of the consequences of our sin with respect to our standing before a Holy God. Thus, when our thinking is properly aligned with reality, we understand our need for God's plan of salvation. Proper "fear of the Lord" prevents us from justifying or rationalizing our standing before God against some man-made standard. We must realize that God's standard is perfection, because God Himself is perfect and holy. Thus, we realize that we are helpless and without hope on our own - and it is in this state of realization that we are prepared for the saving work of God's grace through Jesus Christ.
The One Year Bible Blog´s comments for today.
