The Book of Ruth - Introduction

Hello Everyone,

I pray that all is well with everyone.  I'm sure you enjoyed the much needed break.  However, I hope that you took some time to review the book of Ruth.  If not, we will do a brief background about the book of Ruth this week.  We want everyone to be familiar with the content in an attempt to start us all in the same place.

The book of Ruth carries many life lessons that God would like us to carry during our walk with Him.  We find in this book excellent examples of faith, piety, patience, humility, industry, and loving-kindness, in the common events of life (Henry 1997).  In addition to offering a feast of examples for us to apply to our lives as Christians, the book of Ruth helps define the blood lines traced to Christ. Ruth is the great-grandmother of David and this book establishes the lineage of David, the ancestor of Christ (Mears 1999).

Some bible scholars elude that a full understanding of the book of Ruth can only be accomplished if the study is parallel with the book of Judges.   This delightful story should be read in connection with the first chapters of Judges, as no doubt it gives us an idea of the domestic life of Israel at that period of anarchy (Mears 1999).  However, the book of Ruth, alone, offers such bountiful accounts of life lessons that aid in the understanding of some of God's most simplistic expectations of us.  The book of Ruth shows the special care which God's providence takes of our smallest concerns and encourages us to full trust therein (Henry 1997).

This book specifically accounts Ruth's faithfulness and loyalty, in addition to her strength in making a difficult choice.  This narrative masterpiece tells the story of the salvation of Ruth through her relationship with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and the discovery of the living God (Allen, Houxe, & Radmacher 1999).  We can all draw from Ruth's experiences through her daily walk.  We may view this book as beautiful, because natural representation of human life; as a curious detail of important facts; and as a part of the plan of redemption (Henry 1997).

As we delve into this great work, written by Samuel, and inspired by God, we will uncover a multitude of God's principles for Christian women.  The book of Ruth is a beautiful love story of love, loyalty, and redemption (Allen, House, & Radmacher 1999).  Many commentaries define the purpose of this book, in addition to the book of Esther, as specific accounts to guide women in their journey; it would seem that we all can take away lessons that are pivotal to a life with Christ.

Application

Please take some time this week and seek the Lord on your specific purpose in this study.  Ask God to reveal to you your own significance in studying the book of Ruth.  Additionally, take time to review the book of Ruth with regards to the notes provided above.

I pray that we all will receive a mighty blessing through discovering the book of Ruth.

Be blessed,

T. Carter

Allen, Th.D., Ronald B., House Th.D., J.D., H. Wayne, & Radmacher, Th.D., Earl D. (1999). Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nelsons Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee

Henry, Matthew (1999). Mathew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible.  Nelson Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee

Mears, Henrietta (1999). What the Bible is All About.  Regal Publishing. Ventura, California

The Book of Esther - Review

Hello Everyone,

I pray that all is well with you today.  I hope that you all have enjoyed studying the Book of Esther.  This book is one of the most controversial books of the bible.  So many commentaries differ in their assessment of the purpose, author, and depiction of this book.  However, there is an agreement on common threads such as; endurance, sacrifice, and obedience.  Despite these differences, I hope that you have gleaned something inspirational from this study.  My ultimate prayer is that this study has grown you closer to our Lord and Savior in a newer and more in depth way.

This week we will review the main points covered over the nine lessons of the Esther.  It will just be a simple review or refresher, at-a-glance, for your convenience.  I find that when I enjoy a lesson, series, or a book, it is good to have a quick note reference sheet to refresh my memory from time to time.  Therefore, I hope this will aid you in that point.

Lesson 1 – Coming Under Authority

Esther 1:9-12, 15-20

· It is better to obey than to sacrifice

· The promise of protect is under His authority

· Submission and obedience are key components

Lesson 2 - Obedience

Esther 2:7-10, 15-20 – Keeping Silent

· A prompt conduct of obedience

· Submitted to God’s authority

· Discipline/Self-control

Lesson 3 – On Divine Assignment

Esther 2:21-23, 3:1-6

· Exhibit biblical faith

· Operating in Godly obedience

· Surrendering to God’s purpose

Lesson 4 - Endurance

Esther 4:1-17

· Withstanding hardship or stress

· Resolve on God’s resolution

· God is faithful

Lesson 5 - Sacrifice

Esther 5:1-14

· Surrendering to His will

· Positioning for God’s plan

· Respect God’s process

Lesson 6 – God’s Plan

Esther 6:1-14

· Maintain humility

· Relegate all authority to God

· Trust God

Lesson 7 – God’s Favor

Esther 7:1-10

· We are a chosen people

· His grace is sufficient

· He has our best interest at heart

Lesson 8 – Rewards and Redemption

Esther 8:1-16

· The power of God

· Stand still and know that He is God

· A return of service

I just want to thank you all for continuously reading my blog.  I pray that God is using this blog to bless you all as much as it blesses me.  God is truly doing a work in me through this process.  Additionally, I am so grateful to all the international readers and their faithfulness to the blog.

Next week we will take a break.  During this break, I pray that you all will review the Book of Ruth.  We will begin the Book of Ruth the following week. 

I have truly enjoyed studying the Book of Esther with all of you.  I pray that God will use the Book of Ruth to bless us all even more.

Enjoy the break!

Be blessed,

T. Carter 

 REFERENCES

All scriptures are extracted from The Bible - New King James Version.  YouVersion (2013).

Allen, Ronald B., House, H. Wayne, & Radmacher, Earl (1999).  New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee

Carpenter, Eugene E. and McCown, Wayne (1992).  Asbury Bible Commentary.  Wesleyan Publishing

Henry, Matthew (1999).  Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary of the Whole Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee

Mears, Henrietta (1999).  What the Bible is All About.  Regal Publishing.  Ventura, California

M-W.com (2013). Merriam-Webster Dictionary Web Version. Retrieved from: App Store

Lesson 9: The Book of Esther - Summary

Hello Everyone,

I pray that you all had a great holiday weekend.  It is always nice to have an extra day of relaxation.  While God has called us to rest on the Sabbath (Sunday), many of us do not (Exodus 20:10).   Many people catch up on their household chores or simple paperwork on Sundays, so to have Monday is truly a gift to many. 

After making my list of redemptions and rewards that the Lord has continuously blessed me with, I felt refreshed at the fact that God has been faithful to me.  I will never deserve the extent of His goodness, kindness, faithfulness, forgiveness, and grace.  He is the giver of life and I am grateful for my life (Acts 17:28). 

Sometimes we have a tendency to focus on our situations or circumstances and fail to give credence to the awesomeness of God.  How awesome He is to allow us to live in His constant presence regardless of our unworthiness.  It is a graciousness that is immeasurable.

Studying the accounts of Esther has definitely caused me to take pause in the gratitude area.  I cannot imagine having to protect my family in the manner in which Esther and Mordecai did. Esther and Mordecai were basically protecting their immediate family and their extended family, the Jews. We are all protecting the family of Jesus Christ as we walk and live out His word daily.   We are protecting the integrity of the gospel by the way we live (Romans 12:1).

I commend Esther and Mordecai for their faithfulness to God and their beliefs.  They are specifically chosen by God to fulfill His divine purpose and they remained consistent on their journey.  Just like David and Joseph, Esther was chosen and hidden away for His purpose then brought out to do the front work for His plan (Mears 1999). 

In present time, we are challenged to "live out loud" for Christ.  God has called us to walk boldly on His Earth in order to fulfill His purpose.  We are challenged to operate in His will while no one is watching and while everyone is watching.  We must set the standard and live it (Isaiah 59:19).

Many commentaries are astound by the Book of Esther.  These commentaries denote that they are unaware of the author, nor are they absolutely certain of the time in which this incident occurred.  However, the most agreeable analysis of this book is that God is not mention throughout (Carpenter & McCown 1992).  The massive metaphorical declaration implies that even in the appearance of the absence of God, we should operate accordingly; loudly and quietly.

The Book of Esther has held an important place and a strong testimony to God's providence and protection of His people (Allen, House, & Radmacher 1999).  This book delivers so many spiritual lessons that we as Christians must strive to implement in our daily lives.  We must, with God's help, exhibit sacrifice, patience, submission to authority, and endurance (Proverbs 3:5-6).

As we reflect on the Book of Esther, we should honor the purpose of the book and all the lessons it has to offer.  God allowed the author of this book to share these accounts with us for a reason.   We are obligated, as Christians, to seek after God and His purpose for His words for our lives.  Let us from this be encouraged to pray always to our God, and not to faint (Henry 1997).

I hope that you have enjoyed this study of the Book of Esther.  I pray that you have received something that will increase your relationship with Christ, encourage you to seek after Him, and empower you to live a Godly life, quietly and loudly.  We are all purposed for a reason and God has clearly amplified that notion through the Book of Esther.

This week take some time to reflect on the principles displayed in the Book of Esther.  Review some of the studies and take some time to focus on the one that posed the most challenging to you.  Ask God to help you overcome and give you tools to do so.  We are all more than conquerors in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37).

Next, we will study the Book of Ruth.  Please take some time next week to review the Book of Ruth and we will start the study the following week.

I pray that you all have a blessed week.

Be blessed,

T. Carter

References

All scriptures are extracted from The Bible - New King James Version.  YouVersion (2013).

Allen, Ronald B., House, H. Wayne, & Radmacher, Earl (1999).  New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee

Carpenter, Eugene E. and McCown, Wayne (1992).  Asbury Bible Commentary.  Wesleyan Publishing

Henry, Matthew (1999).  Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary of the Whole Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee

Mears, Henrietta (1999).  What the Bible is All About.  Regal Publishing.  Ventura, California