Week of November 2, 2008

Ruth 4:7-17

Matthew 23:1-12

Boaz knows a good package deal when he sees one.  So he shrewdly arranges for the proper men of authority to be present at the city gate when he maneuvers an ancient public ceremony of the seller (an anonymous relative) giving his sandle to the buyer (Boaz) to confirm the real estate transaction.  Then Boaz speaks about buying Naomi's land and Ruth as his wife in order to perpetuate the male name of the dead.  And the people affirm, "We are witnesses.  May God bless this family."  And God does so, bestowing the gift of new life through the union of Ruth and Boaz.  Then the women praise God for transforming Naomi's emptiness into fullness through Ruth's faithful love, and name the newborn Obed, who became the father of Jesse, who became the father of David.

Jesus taught his disciples to not do as the scribes and Pharisees do, for they are poor examples to follow.  They are vainly preoccupied with fulfilling the jots and tittles of the law which has made the law a burden.  Also, do not make claims for yourself.  You are all one in Christ.  Your greatness is revealed by your service to neighbors.