RPG Adults
THE BLESSING OF THE HOME (4)
LORD’S DAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Ruth 4:11-22
Proverbs 11:16-28
“…to him that soweth righteousness
shall be a sure reward.”
THE BLESSING OF THE HOME (4)
Christian weddings are public events. In them, we have both the witness of the blessings pronounced on the couple and the vows of commitment taken by the couple. No one can seek and enjoy the blessings of marriage without one’s commitment to it. The prayers, counsel and support of the church family help where commitment is.
“…which two did build the house of Israel…” (Ruth 4:11). The intent of Boaz was “to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance” (Ruth 4:10) and the blessing pronounced was corresponding to it, i.e. his wife Ruth may be like the two women which “did build the house of Israel.” Leah and Rachel bore the twelve sons of Jacob who became the twelve tribes of Israel. They laid the foundations for the multitude who then inhabited the land. As God had used them and blessed them, their prayer was that He may do so to Ruth too. Good works and acts of piety and charity come with a reward. When Boaz chose that which his brother and nearer kinsman thought would mar his inheritance, God did not mar his inheritance, rather, He established it. God, in the workings of providence, has established principles that reward piety and charity. Similarly, marriages and other Christian relationships are destroyed by selfishness, or blessed by selflessness.
“…and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem” (Ruth 4:11). The blessing started with “the LORD make the woman.” It then proceeded to Boaz himself. Boaz had desired to fulfil God’s will and plan, and to raise a name for Elimelech just as God had instructed. For him, the blessing was that he prospered in righteousness. And as the psalmist said, “those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing” (Ps 92:13-14), so the elders wished Boaz an increase in grace, comfort, and blessedness that he might accomplish much and have the strength and vitality undiminished to bear much fruit for the LORD.
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 10:22.)
PRAYER: O, Father, be Thou my sufficiency and joy in my home.