The Shepherd's Desk
May 10th, 2021
Author:Dr. Patrick Vossen
Author:Dr. Patrick Vossen
The Mystery of Grace
And it came to pass, when they [Naomi and Ruth] were come to Bethlehem that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi [the pleasant one], seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? (Ruth 1:19–21)
Naomi was very vexed in her spirit considering all that had transpired in the last 10 years proceeding this point. However, in the midst of her struggles God had a supreme plan. One that was a mystery that would see the revelation of the son of man, whom would redeem mankind from their sins.
When Christ came nearly 2,000 years ago, the people thought that He as the Messiah would immediately declare Himself King, throw off the Roman yoke, and bring in the glorious millennial reign of peace and righteousness. They did not see the mystery of the Church which must also be brought in. And so they asked Him, “Wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” His disciples even strove among themselves for prominent places in this kingdom. And then He made the shocking announcement that He would not set up the Kingdom at this time, but be rejected instead and as a result the nation of Israel would be judged, cast out of the land, and wander for centuries among the nations, where they would find a place of sorrow, tears, persecution and death. But by their rejection of the Redeemer, God’s plan for both Israel and the Church would find its fulfillment. And so Jesus went to the Cross instead, rejected by His own, and Israel (like the family of Naomi) is set aside, while the Church (like Ruth) is being prepared for Her Husband. And then, when She is complete, God will again begin to deal with Israel, and bring her (like Naomi) back to the land, and restore to her the lost inheritance.
Naomi might have been somewhat bitter and upset. Nevertheless, God’s plan in bringing her back home in the midst of a famine. Was exactly what God needed to put in place to see redemption’s mystery unfolded. Naomi’s Hail Mary Pass so to speak ( her hope within hope, that they could find shelter and food back home ). Was the hope God needed Naomi to hold onto, as He began to reveal His master plan. For in this partnership of Naomi and Ruth, God would fulfill His word and capture the hearts of men and women for centuries to come. While using these individuals to place the foundation for a Mystery of Grace, that would change the entire world.
Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and worship her God. She wasn’t going to go back to gods of the past, or the familiarity of her homeland. She was going to embrace a new homeland, a new people and the living God. Her life was going to become an instrument of God in a message of hope and redemptive love to a people who were not even considered God’s people.
“ Which in other [the former] ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
That the Gentiles [typified by Ruth] should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. “ (Eph. 3:5, 6).
Ruth is to become a piece in the story of the mystery of where God’s mercy is revealed to the Gentiles, those outside the camp if you will. Who by birthright could not claim to be of Jewish lineage, but were to become born again of an incorruptible seed by faith in Jesus Christ.
Like Naomi or Ruth. God has a definite plan for you in His unique operation of redemption, and your faithfulness to Him will ultimately reap its rewards.
I know at times your days might seem so dark, your path obscure and God’s plan so far from reality. Nevertheless, if you will but press on and continue in the promises of God. He will bring you through. It might seem like 10 years in exile and frustration like Naomi, with so many losses along the way. Yet, God is preparing a place for you in the presence of your enemies, and teaching you things you must know, in order for you to possess the promise land of opportunity He has reserved for you.
There are better days ahead. Greater opportunities around the corner, and God’s love remains the same. What seems a mystery in your calling, your profession, with your family, or at school, or whatever the endeavors of life you pursue. Our God has a plan, and is making a way for you, and will reveal the mystery. The fog will be lifted, and His Grace will be revealed.
And it came to pass, when they [Naomi and Ruth] were come to Bethlehem that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi [the pleasant one], seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? (Ruth 1:19–21)
Naomi was very vexed in her spirit considering all that had transpired in the last 10 years proceeding this point. However, in the midst of her struggles God had a supreme plan. One that was a mystery that would see the revelation of the son of man, whom would redeem mankind from their sins.
When Christ came nearly 2,000 years ago, the people thought that He as the Messiah would immediately declare Himself King, throw off the Roman yoke, and bring in the glorious millennial reign of peace and righteousness. They did not see the mystery of the Church which must also be brought in. And so they asked Him, “Wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” His disciples even strove among themselves for prominent places in this kingdom. And then He made the shocking announcement that He would not set up the Kingdom at this time, but be rejected instead and as a result the nation of Israel would be judged, cast out of the land, and wander for centuries among the nations, where they would find a place of sorrow, tears, persecution and death. But by their rejection of the Redeemer, God’s plan for both Israel and the Church would find its fulfillment. And so Jesus went to the Cross instead, rejected by His own, and Israel (like the family of Naomi) is set aside, while the Church (like Ruth) is being prepared for Her Husband. And then, when She is complete, God will again begin to deal with Israel, and bring her (like Naomi) back to the land, and restore to her the lost inheritance.
Naomi might have been somewhat bitter and upset. Nevertheless, God’s plan in bringing her back home in the midst of a famine. Was exactly what God needed to put in place to see redemption’s mystery unfolded. Naomi’s Hail Mary Pass so to speak ( her hope within hope, that they could find shelter and food back home ). Was the hope God needed Naomi to hold onto, as He began to reveal His master plan. For in this partnership of Naomi and Ruth, God would fulfill His word and capture the hearts of men and women for centuries to come. While using these individuals to place the foundation for a Mystery of Grace, that would change the entire world.
Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and worship her God. She wasn’t going to go back to gods of the past, or the familiarity of her homeland. She was going to embrace a new homeland, a new people and the living God. Her life was going to become an instrument of God in a message of hope and redemptive love to a people who were not even considered God’s people.
“ Which in other [the former] ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
That the Gentiles [typified by Ruth] should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. “ (Eph. 3:5, 6).
Ruth is to become a piece in the story of the mystery of where God’s mercy is revealed to the Gentiles, those outside the camp if you will. Who by birthright could not claim to be of Jewish lineage, but were to become born again of an incorruptible seed by faith in Jesus Christ.
Like Naomi or Ruth. God has a definite plan for you in His unique operation of redemption, and your faithfulness to Him will ultimately reap its rewards.
I know at times your days might seem so dark, your path obscure and God’s plan so far from reality. Nevertheless, if you will but press on and continue in the promises of God. He will bring you through. It might seem like 10 years in exile and frustration like Naomi, with so many losses along the way. Yet, God is preparing a place for you in the presence of your enemies, and teaching you things you must know, in order for you to possess the promise land of opportunity He has reserved for you.
There are better days ahead. Greater opportunities around the corner, and God’s love remains the same. What seems a mystery in your calling, your profession, with your family, or at school, or whatever the endeavors of life you pursue. Our God has a plan, and is making a way for you, and will reveal the mystery. The fog will be lifted, and His Grace will be revealed.
