SOAP 04/05/2014; Ruth 1:10-14

Today's reading: Ruth 1, 2; Psalm 53, 61; 2 Corinthians 5

S) "¹⁰ And they said to her, 'No, but we will surely return with you to your people.' ¹¹ But Naomi said, 'Return, my daughters. Why should you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? ¹² Return, my daughters! Go, for I am too old to have a husband. If I said I have hope, if I should even have a husband tonight and also bear sons, ¹³ would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters; for it is harder for me than for you, for the hand of the Lord has gone forth against me.'
¹⁴ And they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her."

Ruth 1:10-14 (NASB)

O) This is kind of a long passage to highlight, but Ruth's story is one of the most romantic in the Bible, and also one of the best at foreshadowing the Gospel. So, I wanted to be sure that I journal about its beginnings with a fair amount of attention. It's noteworthy that in vv. 8-9, not only does Naomi genuinely encourage both daughters-in-law to return to Moab, to their fathers' houses, she actually blesses them! That's important to note, because their reaction in v.10 is not one said of guilt or some compulsion, but sincere love for Naomi. Then, their mother-in-law makes a compelling argument for their departure. And now, we see the faithfulness of Ruth fully tested and fully proven. Not only is she legally allowed to leave, she is emotionally relieved to do so by Naomi's blessings. Furthermore, Naomi gives her a very logical, reasonable, compelling argument for leaving. Beyond that, there is the indirect peer pressure of knowing that her sister-in-law is making the choice to leave*. Not to mention the pressure of returning to her own family, and what their expectations were. But Ruth, through all of these reasons, is convicted to stay. Her obedience to those convictions is the start to, at least, one of, the most beautiful romances in the Bible.

*I am not arguing against the other daughter. She may have followed her own convictions correctly, just in a different area of obedience, to a different, justified, end.

A) There is a fairly straightforward application of this passage, in that, I need to follow through with my convictions. One thing that occurs to me as I type this out, is that Ruth listened to all of the facts. In a similar way, when I am faced with a big decision, and I have a particular conviction about it from the start, that doesn't mean that I should shut out, or cut off, all arguments against my conviction. It is completely appropriate to seek counsel, consider alternatives, and get all of the facts. If, after all of that, my convictions are still there, then I need to follow through. The only thing that should override my convictions automatically, and every time without fail, is the Bible. It is absolute in its authority over me. Ultimately, it is my hope, that my convictions will start with the Word, and go from there. Then I need to be careful to consider the wisdom of men of God around me, who have carefully studied the Scriptures as well, so that I am careful to correctly understand whatever I am reading (which is good discipline anyway).

P) Father, liven the Holy Spirit within me, to speak to my heart as I study Your words. I want to start from a place that is correctly discerning and understanding Your words, and that is only done through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let me also be teachable, always, so that I am counseled by other righteous men, again through Your word, primarily. Humble me, if I do not humble myself, and open my eyes to see, and my ears to hear, so that I am correctly convicted. Then, Lord, I will determine to follow those convictions, being sure that my convictions are through a solid foundation, built on Jesus Christ, the Word, and directed by the Holy Spirit, to walk in obedience, following Your Way. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/04/2014 Judges 19:3

Today's reading: Judges 19, 20, 21; 2 Corinthians 4

S) "³ Then her husband arose and went after her to speak ^[b]tenderly to her in order to bring her back, taking with him his servant and a pair of donkeys. So she brought him into her father’s house, and when the girl’s father saw him, he was glad to meet him."

Judges 19:3  (NASB)

O) I left the footnote (^[b]tenderly), because the more literal phrase really got my attention. It is noted, "Lit to her heart." This story starts off as a beautiful picture of reconciliation, and ends as one of the most tragic in the entire Bible. It was a catalyst to the united Israelite nation, but it also leaves myriad questions. I don't necessarily want to break all of those questions down now, though. Instead, I see this beginning as a truly wonderful, if brief, example of what it means to be a husband. We don't see the reason(s) why his wife left; the Bible only says she played the harlot against him (v.2), then returned to her father's house. It also doesn't tell us why her husband delayed 4 months (v.2). In the absence of those two details, though, I see two very important points.
1) When someone hurts us, their reasons don't always matter. In the end, their motives are not going to be what makes us forgive them. Their sin against us will hurt, and our decision to not hold it against them will be determined by only one thing - our view of the cross. We will either choose to forgive them because of the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, for the forgiveness of our very own sins, or we will ignore our own salvation in a stubborn determination to judge someone else.
2) No matter how long it takes, we need to let go of our selfish unforgiveness, and seek reconciliation. We cannot let ourselves or our enemies, lie to us, telling us that it is too late to seek peace and reunion. This is never more true, than in the most intimate relationship: marriage. When we finally determine to speak to that person, heart to heart, tenderly, in an effort to come back together, we need to act immediately, sparing no expense.

A) Occasionally, I get tricked. I get tricked into thinking that I want something dramatic to happen in my marriage so I have an opportunity to make some grand gesture to "win her back," like I see in the movies. But, here's the truth: I've lived that kind of dramatic life, and it. is. terrible. Through a process of prayer, counseling, healing, and more prayer, my marriage was set up to be very un-dramatic. I mean, Kristin and I have had emotional conversations about lots of things, but never, never ever, have either of us ever questioned our devotion to each other. That is exactly an answer to my prayers, from long ago through now, by the grace of God alone. Having said that, it is still crucial that I chase my wife down, to close any gap between us, no matter how small, not matter how much time has passed. It is important that I arise and go after her, to speak to her tenderly, to her heart, in order to bring her back.

P) Father, thank You for the incredible grace You have shown Kristin and me. Our marriage is nothing short of a miraculous testimony to Your grace, the power of prayer, and the sanctity and holiness of marriage. We have not always honored the gift perfectly, but we thank You that the grace we receive, and the mercy we receive, are renewed daily. Let me never become complacent in my marriage. I never want to be satisfied with the proximity I have to Kristin. Let me always seek more intimacy with her, and show me how to close every gap that could ever come between us. Please continue to protect our marriage, and let nothing and no one come between us. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/03/2014 Judges 17:3

Today's reading: Judges 17, 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3

S) "³ He then returned the eleven hundred pieces of silver to his mother, and his mother said, 'I wholly dedicate the silver from my hand to the Lord for my son to make a graven image and a molten image; now therefore, I will return them to you.'"

Judges 17:3  (NASB)

O) So, first thing is first - this kid, Micah, stole 1100 pieces of silver from his mother in the previous verse. When he fesses up, his mom rewards him... already we're seeing bad parenting. Then, in the following verse, she only gives the kid back 200 pieces to make this idol... so there seems to be some lying going on there, too. Then, the root of the problem, she wants to dedicate to the LORD, the One True God, the Living Creator, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the One who commanded that no one is to make any graven image - this LORD - she wants her son to then use that dedicated silver to make an idol.

A) So, this whole problem boils down to one of two problems. Either, she doesn't know the character of the LORD (i.e., His desires, commands, character), or else she doesn't care. This is, unfortunately, a problem I see in Christianity, all too often. People seem to know that Jesus exists, but they either a) don't know His instruction, teaching, and personality; or b) they don't care. I hear a lot of people say they believe in Jesus, and they quote John 3:16, and think they and God, "have an agreement." or some-such garbage. The truth, is that there is only one way for me to be clear about who God really is, what He really wants, and how I am required to live my life in obedience; I must be in the Word. In the Bible, the heart of God is revealed. I cannot allow myself to be misled, by my own flesh, or by some misguiding teaching, and the best way to be on guard is to have a familiarity with who the LORD is, and how He is; and that is best learned by studying how He has been, since we are assured that the LORD does not change (see Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8).

P) Father, I want to know You well. I want to know what You're like, so that when I come across something - a belief, interpretation, or anything else - I can easily know it for a truth or a lie. Your Holy Spirit is alive in me, and You can guard my heart and mind against false doctrines. Let me be careful to check everything against Your Word, LORD. Discipline my mind to know Your Word, and seal it in my heart to quickly identify whether or not something is in line with Scripture. I never want to be fooled, and I never want to get something twisted. Thank You for giving me, us, Your word. Let me keep it close. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/02/2014 Judges 14:4

Today's reading: Judges 13, 14, 15, 16; 2 Corinthians 2

S) "⁴ However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel."

Judges 14:4  (NASB)

O) This is one of the most alarming verses I've read in quite some time. It is a stark reminder that the will of God is sometimes both, beyond my awareness, and dangerous. In a world obsessed with coexistence and tolerance, this is another reminder that the character of our LORD is confrontational. That challenges the culture in which I live, and is very uncomfortable to envision in my life today.

A) In general, I don't mind confrontation. In fact, in some ways, I actually seek it out. However, those ways are typically on my terms, still. The thought of God using me, let alone my kids, to confront something so large, is just plain scary. I pray that my life, my own marriage, the lives of my progeny, their marriages - all of my family and decendents - I pray that there is as much peace throughout them as possible. But, I must concede that it is not my will to be done, but the LORD's will be done. In light of the truth, that God may choose something so tribulating for me or my family, I pray that He would make me aware. I know that my awareness will have everything to do with two main issues, though. First, I need to accept His will over mine, regardless of revelation. Second, I need to actively seek His will to be revealed.

P) Father, as Isaiah 55 reminds me, Your ways are not my ways, and Your thoughts are not my thoughts. I cannot pretend to understand why You want things done a certain way. I do, however, attest that Your will is better than my will. Your plans are better than my plans. These two things, Your will, and my will, could not be further apart in their nature. I accept that Your will for me, for my marriage, for my family and future, is beyond my natural comprehension. I choose, however, to accept it because I choose to acknowledge it is perfect and good. I pray, LORD, that You please reveal to me the plans You have for me and my family. Show me what I need to do to prepare and participate in Your will. Show me, according to Your will, though, because I want what You want, LORD. If it is at all possible, let my family be relieved of this type of drama, God. I do not want my children, or their children, or any of my offspring, to have this sort of difficulty in their lives. However, if that's what it takes for Your will to be done; if it requires risk, and trials, and conflict or war, even death; let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/01/2014 Judges 11:30-31

Today's reading: Judges 11, 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1

S) "³⁰ Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, 'If You will indeed give the sons of Ammon into my hand, ³¹ then it shall be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the sons of Ammon, it shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.'"

Judges 11:30-31  (NASB)

O) The first mistake he makes, is committing to such a blind vow. The second mistake he makes, is when he sees that it is his daughter, his only child, that comes out of the doors first - he still carries out his vow to offer her up as a burnt sacrifice. This is abhorrent to God (see Jeremiah 19:5), and this is an instance where the Old Testament provides an example of something that happened, but should not be repeated. Sometimes (as with this story), the instruction to not do something is not directly attached. So, we have to view God's character, as illustrated throughout the whole Bible, to see that He never commanded this.

A) This story echoes what I wrote about Deuteronomy 23:21-23, on 03/13/2014. It's also a reminder that I need to study the Word of God so that I am more and more familiar with His character. So I can rightly discern and understand a story as a warning, not an example to be imitated. This is a tragic story, and I pray that no mistake I ever make has such terrible consequences.

P) Father, by whatever discipline and intervention it takes, prevent this type of tragedy from ever befalling me! Continue to open my eyes to see Your character, Your will, so that I can correctly understand Your Word. I want to recognize the difference between an example to be repeated, and a cautionary account. Thank You for the grace You have given me, and the mercy for my own foolish mistakes. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/31/2014 Judges 9:19

Today's reading: Judges 9, 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16

S) "¹⁹ if then you have dealt in truth and integrity with Jerubbaal and his house this day, rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you."

Judges 9:19  (NASB)

O) These are the words of Jotham, the youngest, and only surviving, brother to Abimelech - the fratricidal "king" of Israel. Through conspiracy, Abimelech killed all of the sons of Gideon (Jerubbaal), and the his maternal relatives elected him as king. They elected him out of fear that one of the other 70 brothers might rise as king, or else all of the brothers might. They elected him out of greed, wanting their own on the throne. They did not elect him with sincerity (which is how the word "truth" could also be translated here).

A) Ultimately, this was somewhat rhetorical. Jotham knew they weren't sincere. But, his point was that, we can make bad decisions with right convictions. Ultimately, if my heart is right, I'll seek God before making decisions - at least the important ones. God's grace is still for me, because of the work of Jesus Christ, and that doesn't change or waver. That grace is evident when I make decisions with pure motives, that still miss God's mark. As a father, I pray that my kids will grow up to make godly, prayerful decisions. Second to that, I pray they make decisions based on their honest convictions. I believe it's the same with my Father in heaven and me.

P) Father, I know that You said, over and over in Your Word, that You desire honesty. I know You detest deceit. I also know that I cannot fool You. Even if there was purpose to being dishonest, it wouldn't even work. Beyond that, I desire to please You. Let me be honest with You, and reveal to me, convict me, when my heart is being dishonest about my motives for things. I know You have grace and mercy for me, because of what Your Son did. But, I also don't want to abuse that. I don't want to take it for granted, or as a license to make foolish decisions. Let me seek You first, and Your will, and Your way, always. If I am not hearing clearly, and I pray I do, but if I am not hearing You clearly, help me at least make the decision based on the honest convictions of my heart. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/30/2014 Judges 8:6-7

Today's reading: Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15

S) "⁶ The leaders of Succoth said, 'Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hands, that we should give bread to your army?' ⁷ Gideon said, 'All right, when the Lord has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will thrash your bodies with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.'"

Judges 8:6-7  (NASB)

O) They say history books are written by the victors. That's somewhat true, but also pessimistic. It is a severe lack of faith, to want God to show a victory before we'll submit to Him. We see it a lot, though. People want God to prove His meddle, despite the fact that His worthiness is written all over the Bible (or in this case, the Torah - Israel's history).

A) There is a fair amount of irony that Gideon is upset at their test, considering his fleecing experience in Judges 6. First, then, I suppose I need to be mindful of when I am holding against people, the things for which I am also guilty. That is plain old hypocrisy. Second, I need to believe in God's victory before I witness it myself, since He has already proven Himself mighty, faithful, and gracious. The Bible, and my own life, are all of the testimony I should ever need to believe in His deliverance and victory.

P) Father, forgive my unbelief. Please continue to change me, to remove all hypocrisy, and to be gracious with others - especially for the same things that give me trouble. Open my eyes and ears, to know the things You have planned for me, the battles and victories that You have already fought. Thank You for all of the pure grace and provision and victory You have given me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.