by Leona Kidd

B.  THE JOURNEY – Chapter 1:1-22

 

Our story opens up during the time of the Judges.  The Israelites had turned to other gods, as a consequence of their sin God brought about a famine.

 

ELIMELECH (a lime a lech) and his wife NAOMI are from Bethlehemthe tribe of JUDAH with their two sons go toMoab to escape the famine.

 

Names were given that had meaning

Elimelech – God is my King

Naomi – Pleasant (becomes bitter then pleasant again – restoration)

Mahlon – Song

Chilion – Satisfaction

Bethlehem – House of Bread – meaning Word of God

Judah – Praise

 

John Courson – Applegate Fellolwship – “There is an intimate intricate correlation between the House of Bread which is the Word of God and Praise which ascends towards God.  David in Psalms 119 says, “I will praise thee O’Lord when I have learned thy statues.”  “A person who is learning about the ways of God and the character of God through the Word of God cannot help but to overflow in PRAISE to God.”

 

When we eat heavenly manna we experience earthly happiness (Psalms 1:1-3)

 

We can experience famine  – the Dry times in our life when we step away from the hearing the Word of the Lord.  (Amos 8:11) In our verse for this study – Psalms 63:1-5 “O God you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.  Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.”

 

There will come into our walk seasons of dryness and times of difficulty.

Do you still feel that you are hearing from God, or in communion with Him.  Are you still experiencing your first love – the passion – the excitement of knowing Jesus personally.

 

THE QUESTION IS NOT WHETHER TIMES OF FAMINE WILL COME. 

THE QUESTION IS WHERE WILL YOU GO WHEN THEY DO.

 

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SCENE 3 – THE STORY OF THE TWO DEBTORS

Verses Luke 7:40-49

This is the best part.  Jesus wraps it all up.  He tells Simon that he is going to tell him a story or a (PARABLE – this is an earthly analogy to illustrate a spiritual truth.)

 

Two men owed money to a man.  One a large amount and the other a smaller amount.  Both debts were cancelled. 

 

Jesus’ question to them “WHO DO YOU SUPPOSE LOVED HIM MORE AFTER THAT?”

 

Simon answers “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

Jesus answers ‘THAT’S RIGHT”  Turning to Simon he says, “Look at this woman kneeling here.”

 

Jesus continues telling them what the woman did for him and they had failed to do. 

 

It was common courtesy to provide water to wash a guest’s dusty feet.

Jesus was their guest yet no water was provided.

“She has washed my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.”

 

It was customary to greet a guest with the Kiss of Peace.  It was a greeting, it was an offering of peace be to you.

“The woman has kissed my feet continually.”

 

As an honored guest it was a practice to anoint their head with oil.

Its significance showed special honor, and God’s blessings.

“You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. 

 

“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven. 

 

“SHE HAS SHOWN ME MUCH LOVE, BUT A PERSON WHO IS FORGIVEN LITTLE SHOWS ONLY LITTLE LOVE.”

 

SCENE 4 – ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED

VERSE 50

 

Then Jesus turns to the woman and says ”YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN.  YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU; GO IN PEACE.”

 

TODAY HAVE YOU BEEN ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED

 

ARE YOU SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS

 

“An alabaster box held the costly perfume

she anointed Him that day

as the fragrance filled the room

She washed His feet with tears

And dried them with her hair

I know how she felt

As she was kneeling there  

 At your feet

 

It’s hard to understand

When life seems unfair

I’m carrying this load

That I’m not meant to bear

But you said in Your Word

That peace could be found

If I could find the courage

To lay it all down.

   At your feet.

 

I humbly bow before You

And with honor I adore You

There is no place that I’d rather be than

   At your feet.

           

 

 

I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Blog Island family, however, although it has only been a short time since we created and I started blogging at Her Christian Blog, I have other obligations at this time and I will have to say farewell to my faithful readers.

Please visit all the cool sites here at Blog Island until a new blogger can take on Her Christian Blog for you.

God Bless!