Discovering the Marvel of Ordinary Obedience
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Life of a Godly Person
- Setbacks on the Journey
- God's Work in the Midst of Setbacks
- The Significance of Obedience
- The Power of God's Covenant Love
- God's Redemptive Plan
- Seeing the Bigger Picture
- The Magnificence of Ordinary Obedience
- The Best Is Yet to Come
The Magnificence of Ordinary Obedience 🌟
In the journey of life, the people of God often encounter setbacks and challenges. Their path is not a smooth, straight path but rather a curvy, unpredictable road. In the Book of Ruth, we see the story of Naomi, a woman who faced numerous setbacks and trials. However, what stands out in this story is the magnificence that is found in ordinary acts of obedience to Jesus Christ.
Introduction
The Book of Ruth, preached by John Piper in a sermon at Bethlehem Baptist Church on July 22nd, 1984, unveils the significance of God's covenant love for His people and how it transforms every act of obedience into something cosmic and magnificent. It reveals how even in the face of setbacks, God is always at work for the joy and glory of His people.
The Life of a Godly Person
The life of a godly person is not devoid of challenges and difficulties. It is not an easy journey traveled on a well-paved interstate highway. Instead, it resembles a state road through the treacherous Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee. This winding road is filled with rock slides, dark mists, bears, and slippery curves, making progress feel like moving backward at times. But amidst these hazards, there are signs of hope, reminding us that the best is yet to come.
Setbacks on the Journey
The Book of Ruth is a series of setbacks and trials that Ruth and Naomi face. From being driven out of Judah due to famine, losing loved ones, and being left destitute, their lives are filled with heartache and sorrow. Each setback seems to overshadow any glimmer of hope, pushing them further into despair and bitterness.
God's Work in the Midst of Setbacks
However, what Naomi and Ruth fail to see in their setbacks is that God's covenant love is at work. Every setback they encounter is an opportunity for God to transform their circumstances for their ultimate joy and glory. It is a lesson for us to recognize that many setbacks in our lives, which may seem miserable, are actually owing to righteousness. They are a result of doing the right thing at the right time, even if it may not align with our immediate desires.
The Significance of Obedience
In the midst of their setbacks, both Naomi and Ruth display remarkable obedience to God. Ruth's commitment to Naomi's God and her willingness to leave everything behind to follow Him demonstrates the depth of her faith. Their obedience becomes a signpost of grace, pointing to the magnificence that lies beyond their present circumstances.
The Power of God's Covenant Love
God's covenant love for His people is a prevailing theme throughout the Book of Ruth. It is this love that compels Him to orchestrate every detail of their lives for their ultimate good. Even when it appears that all hope is lost, God's covenant love is the driving force behind the turn of events that leads to redemption and restoration.
God's Redemptive Plan
The twists and turns of the story ultimately reveal God's redemptive plan for His people. Through the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman, and the union with Boaz, a kinsman redeemer, God sets in motion a chain of events that will ultimately lead to the birth of King David. This lineage points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer, who will bring about a new age of peace, righteousness, and freedom.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
The Book of Ruth reminds us that our setbacks and ordinary acts of obedience are part of a much grander narrative. It is easy to become consumed with trivialities in our lives, focusing on things that have no eternal significance. However, when we lift our eyes beyond the immediate circumstances, we begin to see the connection between our obedience and God's unfolding plan for His kingdom.
The Magnificence of Ordinary Obedience
Every act of obedience, no matter how ordinary or insignificant it may seem, holds cosmic significance when done in obedience to Jesus Christ. The Book of Ruth teaches us that our lives are not meant to be consumed with trivial matters, but rather to be set on fire by magnificent causes. As we trust in God's work in the midst of setbacks and faithfully obey Him, our lives become a testimony to His grace and a signpost pointing to the glorious future He has prepared for us.
The Best Is Yet to Come
In conclusion, the Book of Ruth assures us that the best is yet to come. Our setbacks and trials are not the end of the story. God is always at work, turning our setbacks into stepping stones of joy and hope. Just as God's covenant love transformed the lives of Ruth and Naomi, He invites us to trust Him in every circumstance and believe that He is working all things together for our good. So, let us journey on with faith and anticipation, knowing that the best is yet to come.
Highlights:
- The Book of Ruth showcases the magnificence found in ordinary acts of obedience to Jesus Christ.
- God's covenant love transforms setbacks into stepping stones of joy and hope.
- Setbacks are often a result of righteousness and an opportunity for God's work in our lives.
- Our obedience to God is not insignificant; it is part of a larger, cosmic narrative.
- The Book of Ruth points forward to God's redemptive plan and the birth of King David, foreshadowing Jesus Christ.
- Trusting in God's work in the midst of setbacks leads to a glorious future and the assurance that the best is yet to come.
FAQ:
Q: Why is the Book of Ruth significant?
A: The Book of Ruth reveals the magnificence found in ordinary acts of obedience and demonstrates God's covenant love for His people. It points forward to God's redemptive plan and the birth of King David, foreshadowing Jesus Christ.
Q: What can we learn from the setbacks faced by Ruth and Naomi?
A: The setbacks faced by Ruth and Naomi teach us that even in the midst of difficulties, God is at work for our good. Many setbacks are a result of righteousness and provide an opportunity for God to transform our circumstances.
Q: How does the Book of Ruth encourage us in our journey with God?
A: The Book of Ruth reminds us that our ordinary acts of obedience have cosmic significance when done in obedience to Jesus Christ. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust that God is working all things together for our good.
