Ruth 2 | Peter MacPherson |
Redeeming Relationships is the title of our new preaching series. Rev Wei-Han Kuan began the series last week in the evening service by looking at Ruth 1. We will look at the rest of Ruth in both congregations over the coming weeks. Each week will include attention to the text of this lovely, thought-provoking little Old Testament book but also some comment on a relationship topic that flows out of the text. This week for example it is “Christian Workplace Relationships”.
This week I have thoroughly enjoyed reading The Gospel of Ruth: Loving God Enough to Break the Rules by Carolyn Custis James (Zondervan 2008). Carolyn is extremely good not only on the usual issues of language, theology and ancient customs but she writes very sensitively on issues that are particular to Naomi and Ruth like widowhood, barrenness, vulnerability and depression. Although many might interpret the Ruth/Boaz story as a romance Carolyn is very persuasive in >showing that there are other deeper issues at play particularly in Ruth 2 (most importantly to do with hesed, God’s steadfast love and kindness). I would recommend that both male and female Bible study leaders and teachers read this book. It really is very illuminating and enriching.