Visible Signs of Invisible Realities (Hebrews 9:15-24)

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Christian Spirituality Blog, Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. (Hebrews 9:15-24)

The Hebrew Christians were tired. They had faced adverse circumstances, unjust imprisonments, persecution, prejudice, confiscation of their property, and public ridicule.

Most of all, they encountered rejection from their Jewish families of origin. There was precious little support for them, outside of their group.

The suffering went on long enough that the Christians began to experience a weakening of faith. In their distress, they started considering whether to return to Judaism, and renege on their commitment to Christ.

The author of Hebrews saw the struggle and spoke up, encouraging and exhorting the believers to keep going, to exercise faith and perseverance in the face of their ongoing troubles.

The author’s overall message to the discouraged believers was that Jesus Christ is superior over everything and everyone. Christ is better than the angels, Moses, and Aaron. Jesus is the ultimate high priest who offered himself as a sacrifice, once for all.

By means of the cross, Jesus became the mediator of a new and better covenant. There is, therefore, no more need of another high priest. Christ now occupies that office permanently.

Jesus Christ Points us to God, by Elizabeth Wang

Christ’s death was efficacious for all. The sacrificial system with all of the officiating Levitical priests was the old order of things, meant to point us to Christ.

Offering sacrifices day after day, and engaging in prescribed liturgical rituals in order to access God, are no longer necessary. Perpetual anxiety exists wherever people keep wondering if they have done enough to satisfy their guilt and/or responsibility.

The answer of Christianity is yes, the work is finished; Jesus completed it, once and for all.

There is no longer anything that can distress us. Sin, death, and hell have been conquered through the death of Christ. His singular sacrifice has achieved victory over the sinful powers, and reconciliation and peace with God.

Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them
    and in whose spirit is no deceit. (Psalm 32:2, NIV)

The covenant code’s sacrificial system was never designed to be a permanent way of doing things. All of the implements used in that system were symbols pointing to the real deal. They were a temporary means of leading people to Christ, who is the once for all sacrifice to end all sacrifices, the one who truly takes away our guilt and shame forever.

The picture is of Christ, as our high priest, who sprinkled us with his own blood and made us clean – not only today or for some temporary period of time – but for all time. We are not only made clean; we are made clean forever by the blood of Christ.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7, NIV)

The historical person of Jesus – his life, ministry, crucifixion, death, resurrection, ascension and glorification – was a visible image showing us the great importance of invisible realities.

The Ark of the Covenant was a visible sign of God’s invisible presence, and the need for a restoration of the divine/human connection.

The temple, the worship implements, and the whole sacrificial system was a visible sign of God’s invisible holiness, and the need for purity of heart amongst the people.

Jesus was a real person with a real body and real human needs, a visible reality which showed us the invisible God, and what God truly deems as right and good.

It is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of Humanity, in whom we have redemption the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God. (Colossians 1:14-15)

Christ is our Mediator, bridging the gap between heaven and earth.

Christ is our Savior, delivering us from our guilt and shame, our worry and anxiety, and our old enemy, death itself.

Christ is our Advocate, stepping in and acting on our behalf, and sending the Holy Spirit to be his continuing presence on this earth.

Christ is our champion, the pioneer of our salvation, securing redemption for us through his singular death.

Christ is our Intercessor, who even now lives to intercede for us, as we strive and struggle to live in humility, justice, and righteousness, as peacemakers in this world.

What this all means, from the vantage of Christianity, is that we need Jesus.

Without Christ, there is no hope. With Christ, all things are possible.

Jesus is the answer to every question, because Jesus is the center of all things. He is the fertile soil from which all of life sprouts; the first-fruit which provides life; and the continuing sustenance which saves us from a disconnected, fragmented, discouraging existence.

Along with the ancient Hebrew Christians, let us be encouraged with Christ, who is truly our everything.

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word, and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit; that we may know you and make you known; and through your Spirit, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

Work and Family (Psalm 127)

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Christian Spirituality Blog, Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
The Carpenter’s Son, Holy Cross Chapel, Houston, Texas

Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city,
    the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil,
    for he gives sleep to his beloved.

Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
    are the sons of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has
    his quiver full of them.
He shall not be put to shame
    when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (New Revised Standard Version)

God is the Creator. We humans are creatures, created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, we are inextricably tied to God, and quite dependent upon the Lord.

For the activities of our daily human life, we need God. When it comes to establishing a home, protecting our community, daily work, and raising children, we very much need God’s help to do all of this in a way that is successful and good.

Unless God is with us, in the center of all that we do, then our work in building a good life shall be in vain. How we go about living our lives with work and family, and who we look to as role models, makes a significant difference in the quality and effectiveness of our labor and relationships.

When my wife was growing up, her family had a prominent portrait of John Wayne in the living room above the television. That picture spoke volumes about the family ethos. They had horses and loved to ride and enjoy the outdoors. Hard work was a daily reality of life, as well as a rugged individualism that often suppressed all else in order to engage in work. 

Doing your best, striving for excellence, and learning responsibility are good things that mature people do every day. Yet, there is a fine line between hard work that provides and enriches, and lonely work that is frenetic and fueled by anxiety about the future.

The motives behind why we burn the candle at both ends are just as important to the Lord as the work itself. The psalm for today is a wake-up call for us to consider the frenetic pace of work and family life.

If we independently believe that our life is in our own hands, and we work with a worry that animates our every task, then we have lost touch with the understanding that it is God who ultimately provides us with every good thing in life. 

However, if we begin to relax and let go of our stubborn independent streak, then we work hard with the strength God gives. We let the Lord watch over us.

Trusting God in our work is connected to children being a heritage from the Lord. In the ancient world, children worked alongside their parents. Fathers and mothers did not go it alone – work was a family affair, as well as a community endeavor. 

Whenever we slip into a groove of worshiping individualism, rather than simply taking personal responsibility, then we must come back to the inter-dependence we were designed for as created human beings. 

The ethos the psalmist espoused is trust in God, reliance on others, and working together for the common good of all. 

Here are a few ways of working together and not carrying the load of work on our own:

Ask for what you want and need to accomplish the task. Whenever we don’t ask, we inevitably go the route of hustling for help through manipulation, guilt, and shaming others.

If someone says, “no,” simply ask another person or persons. Asking once just won’t do. And neither is commanding others to get things done. We have the ability to ask calmly, confidently, and compassionately. Accept the “no” which you might get, without retreating back to manipulation. This is especially needful when it comes to asking family members.

Ask God to help you in your work. Each day as I enter the hospital for which I am a Chaplain, I say a prayer, “God almighty, blessed Father, Son, and Spirit, please go before me, with me, and after me to each patient, their family members, and every team member I encounter today, with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.”

Delegate, if possible. This is not the same thing as barking orders. Delegating is a realization that we are finite creatures with limitations of time, energy, and resources. It’s okay to share the load with others. In fact, most people are more than willing to help, if we but ask. It enables them to feel needed and important.

Be vulnerable and gracious. We all mess up our work, at times. And it’s important to own mistakes without heaping unnecessary criticism on ourselves, or others. Offering an apology, recognizing that you’ve bit off more than you can chew, and admitting your lack of energy are healthy, not sinful. Also, whenever others fall short of their responsibilities, it’s our job to handle it with grace – seeking to understand and help, rather than criticize and judge.

Working together, consulting, collaborating, and engaging in fellowship enable us to speak with those who may oppose, misunderstand, or misinterpret us. It’s also a more joyful way to live.

Sovereign God, you created all things and in you everything holds together. Preserve me with your mighty power that I may not fall into disconnection with you and others, nor be overcome by anxiety. In all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Show Some Basic Human Kindness and Love (Ruth 3:8-18)

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Christian Spirituality Blog, Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
Art by Chanelle Nibbelink

At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and there, lying at his feet, was a woman! He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant; spread your cloak over your servant, for you are next-of-kin.”

He said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter; this last instance of your loyalty is better than the first; you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not be afraid, I will do for you all that you ask, for all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman. But now, though it is true that I am a near kinsman, there is another kinsman more closely related than I. Remain this night, and in the morning, if he will act as next-of-kin for you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to act as next-of-kin for you, then, as the Lord lives, I will act as next-of-kin for you. Lie down until the morning.”

So she lay at his feet until morning but got up before one person could recognize another, for he said, “It must not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” Then he said, “Bring the cloak you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her back; then he went into the town. 

She came to her mother-in-law, who said, “How did things go with you, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her, saying, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” (New Revised Standard Version)

Boaz was an unmarried wealthy landowner. He was pious and conscientious. Ruth was a widow, a foreigner from Moab. Naomi was Ruth’s mother-in-law, and also a widow. Naomi and Ruth only had each other.

As one in poverty did in those times, Ruth walked behind the harvesters in the fields during the barley harvest, gleaning whatever was left behind. She was gleaning in the field of Boaz. He noticed.

Boaz was kind enough to make sure that Ruth was able to glean for two people. It turns out that Boaz was an in-law to Naomi, through her late husband Elimelech. Naomi sought to play matchmaker, so that Ruth would be well cared for. So, she instructed Ruth in what to do….

A woodcut of Ruth and Boaz on the threshing floor, by Unknown Artist

Harvest time in Judah was also a time of celebration and feasting. Late one night, on the barley wheat threshing floor, Boaz lay down to sleep after a day of bringing in the grain, and an evening of eating and drinking.

Doing exactly as her mother-in-law Naomi instructed, Ruth went to threshing floor, and then quietly laid down at the feet of Boaz. At midnight, Boaz was startled and woke up. There, at his feet, was a woman!

“Who are you? What do you want?” asked Boaz. And Ruth made herself known with the humble response, “I am Ruth, your maidservant.”

Ruth continued to follow Naomi’s guidance, and asked that Boaz spread his cloak over her, because he is the next of kin, the relative who could be responsible for engaging a levirate marriage with her (that is, a legal marriage involving in-law’s).

Although sleepy, and maybe even a bit tipsy, Boaz knew immediately that Ruth was asking him to marry her. Pious man that he was, Boaz would likely have realized the imagery of his situation, as likened to the prophet Ezekiel’s description concerning God’s love toward Jerusalem:

I spread the edge of my cloak over you and covered your nakedness: I pledged myself to you and entered into a covenant with you, says the Lord God, and you became mine. (Ezekiel 16:8, NRSV)

In following Naomi’s advice, Ruth put herself in a very vulnerable situation. Yet, Naomi’s observation of Boaz was spot on. Ruth’s faith in, and love for, her mother-in-law was well-placed.

The man Boaz responded favorably to the asking and overture of Ruth. He praised Ruth for her steadfast love and faithfulness; and her willingness to be with him, instead of a younger man.

Arising organically and sincerely from within Boaz was a prayer for God’s blessing upon Ruth. Not only would Boaz act to marry Ruth, but he also assured her that she belongs to God and God’s people.

The cloak of Boaz being spread over Ruth not only symbolized their upcoming levirate marriage, but it also communicated her marriage to God. Ruth was coming into God’s covenant as one of the people, as well as entering the marriage covenant.

I like that Boaz did not regard the actions and words of Ruth as something impertinent, immoral, or inappropriate. He fully recognized that she was operating consistent with the law of God in honoring a family obligation. And Boaz reciprocated by being honored to have been asked, and honored to comply with Ruth’s wishes.

It seems to me that this is love, as it is intended to be with us. We respect one another’s character, and seek to do whatever we can to meet this person’s need. When I love, I want to go out of my way to act on behalf of this person I admire and adore.

Boaz was not under a legal obligation to marry Ruth. He could have done nothing. But love compelled him – a love for Ruth which was grounded in an abiding love for God.

It wasn’t that Boaz should have, or could have, done something to help meet the needs of Ruth and Naomi. Boaz wanted to do something. He wanted to help Ruth. Boaz wanted to show kindness and steadfast love to Ruth. He wanted to fulfill her asking.

Naomi came up with a plan, because she trusted in the mercy, kindness, and generosity of Boaz. And also because she loved her daughter-in-law Ruth, and wanted her to be loved and cared for.

To show his goodwill and intention to fulfill Ruth’s request, he gave her a significant gift of barley. That is, he loaded her up with groceries to take home. This was a sign that Boaz would indeed make sure that the needs of Ruth and Naomi would be met this day, and into the future.

I am struck with how simple this story really is, at it’s core. It’s just three people, who each care. Caring is something that all of us can do, no matter who we are, where we are, or what situation we find ourselves in.

We really can show basic human kindness to another. We can be merciful, just, and generous. We can ask for what we want and need. We can help one another.

Perhaps, then, the real question for each of us is not whether we can speak and act with love, grace, and kindness; the real question is: Will I speak and act with love and mercy?

If we want to live in a world where there is justice, mercy, and love, then we must demonstrate those very things in our own lives, today and every day.

Live the way that you yourself want to be treated. And if you want mercy, generosity, and love from others, then ask for it.

God of steadfast love, help us each day in the midst of things we don’t understand, To those of us who are afraid, give courage To those who are exhausted, give strength To those in despair, give hope.

Comfort us in our struggles, O Loving God, and meet every need. Grant us safety, security and stability, and help us learn the lessons you are giving us, so that we may all work together to make this world a better place. Amen.

Redeem One Another (Ruth 3:1-7)

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Christian Spirituality Blog, Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
Boaz and Ruth, by John August Swanson (1938-2021)

Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” She said to her, “All that you say I will do.”

So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had instructed her. When Boaz had eaten and drank and was in a contented mood, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came stealthily and uncovered his feet and lay down. (New Revised Standard Version)

Naomi and Ruth were two widows – a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law – living in an ancient time when women were dependent upon men for survival.

Ruth had been out in the barley fields during harvest, gleaning as much as she could by walking behind the harvesters. It was what people in need did back then.

The owner of the land, Boaz, had heard of Ruth and took notice of her. He was kind and made sure she had enough for herself and Naomi.

So, Naomi, although too old to be out in the fields gleaning barley, could still use her wisdom. She decided to help Ruth have some security for the future. Naomi wanted to help her daughter-in-law,  so she instructed Ruth to make herself available to Boaz.

Boaz was a kinsman, connected to Naomi’s extended family. Naomi intended on using this connection to bring Ruth and Boaz together in marriage, thus settling her daughter-in-law in a good and secure life.

The approach of Naomi underscores her thoughtfulness, creativity, and limited resources. Most of all, however, Naomi’s plan rests entirely on the goodwill and generosity of Boaz. Naomi was observing Boaz, and assessed him as a person she could put her faith into.

Would Boaz be willing to act in Ruth’s favor, as a near kinsman to Naomi? Would he take up the mantle of kinsman-redeemer and enter a levirate marriage with Ruth?

A “levirate” is reference to an ancient marital system which involved in-laws. If a man died without children, the dead man’s name could be perpetuated through the widow’s marriage with a man related to the dead person.

Israel and Judah had a strong sense of community and family solidarity which is evidenced in God’s law. Members of the family and the community had a duty to watch out for each other and care for one another. For example:

“If anyone of your kin falls into difficulty and sells a piece of property, then the next of kin shall come and redeem what the relative has sold. If the person has no one to redeem it but then prospers and finds sufficient means to do so, the years since its sale shall be computed and the difference refunded to the person to whom it was sold, and the property shall be returned. But if there are not sufficient means to recover it, what was sold shall remain with the purchaser until the year of Jubilee; in the Jubilee it shall be released, and the property shall be returned. (Leviticus 25:25-28, NRSV)

Naomi did her best to try and prepare for a marriage to happen. And her best chance was with Boaz on the threshing floor after the barley harvest. Considering that arranged marriages were the norm, none of this was weird at the time.

She wanted to stir up this sense of duty in Boaz, and help him take responsibility for the family, so that Ruth could be properly cared for.

Israelites had a strong theological sense that their God had redeemed them out of Egypt, and therefore, they themselves were to act as redeemers, whenever needed, within their families and communities.

Another way of putting the matter, is that Israel’s covenant with Yahweh their God was to have the wider implication of covenanting to help and care for each other as Israelites. And this was especially true for one’s family.

Boaz was related to Naomi through her late husband Elimelech; and related to Ruth through Elimelech’s son Mahlon, who was Ruth’s late husband.

As you can imagine, not every scenario in Judah which involved redeeming one’s in-law’s actually happened. The question was whether Boaz would do anything. And Naomi was betting on the farm that he would care and help. Hence, Naomi’s advice to Ruth concerning Boaz.

Naomi instructed Ruth to make clear to Boaz that she wanted him to marry her. All of the preparation for the nighttime visit was designed to spark within Boaz that Ruth is asking for a levirate marriage.

Ruth did exactly what her mother-in-law told her. I believe that not only was Naomi looking out for her daughter-in-law, but Ruth was also looking out for her mother-in-law.

Neither one of them had to do what they did. Naomi didn’t have to make arrangements for Ruth to be cared for. But she did. And Ruth, as a foreigner from Moab, didn’t have to succumb to any Jewish covenantal understandings of things. And yet, she did.

Individualistic Western societies reflexively think of personal interest first, and often only think of the personal implications to just about everything – even concerning family. Many persons abandon their families and take up a sort of surrogate family.

They may feel no duty or responsibility to biological family connections. Even more persons move from place to place without much thought to the communities they leave, nor to how they might contribute to the wellbeing of their new community.

A careful reading of the Book of Ruth ought to challenge those types of approaches to family and community. Although none of us are living in the covenant society of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, there is an inherent universal ethic of caring for those closest to us, especially family.

Each day is an opportunity to act in redemptive ways which lift up and help others in whatever their need may be. I pray we all to have the sensibilities of persons like Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi.

Gracious God, enable us to understand and care about the needs of others. May your way of love open up for all those who suffer or are in any kind of trouble. Thank you for your steadfast love and abundant mercy. Help us to both accept your love and mercy, and to give it. Amen.