The Right Way

2007-09-08 20:31

Ruth had left her country (the world) and went to the country (the kingdom of heaven) of her dead husband (Jesus) and her mother-in-law (the Spirit). Ruth didn't know which way was to Bethlehem (the kingdom of heaven). It was the way that she had not taken yet.

Ruth very closely clung to her mother-in-law not to lose her way. It is written, "At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her." (Ruth 1:14).

Young Ruth is swifter of foot than her old mother-in-law. The way to Bethlehem is not simple. Sometimes going before, Ruth herself thinks that a certain way is the way to Bethlehem. But her mother-in-law behind her corrects her mistake. She can hear her mother-in-law's whisper because she clings to her on the way.

The Bible says, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" (Isaiah 30:21). Those words are fulfilled between Ruth and her mother-in-law.

Those words are not only for a woman Ruth. They are not just for "you" but also "you people." They are for all people who walk in the Spirit. When her old mother-in-law behind her says, "This is the way; walk in it," Ruth is moved to endless tears with a heart full of joy.

Hearing that voice, I am also writing this with tears of joy. I left my country and I am going to the country of Jesus who died for me. Only the Spirit of Jesus lives in me and I follow his voice that is heard from what is written.

In man's point of view, the broad way looks like the right way. But the way to the country of dead Jesus is narrow. Today many people leave the right way and take the way of destruction which is broad and easy. They were destined for it by God.

It is written, "and, 'A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.' They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for." (1 Peter 2:8). And also, "For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ." (Philippians 3:18).

Because the way to the country of Mahlon the dead husband is narrow and the gate is small, everyone cannot find it. The Bible calls that way the message of the cross. It is written, "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:14).

In man's point of view, the way to live looks like the way to the kingdom of heaven. But in God's point of view, the way to die is the way to the kingdom of heaven. He said by His prophet, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Therefore, the Bible says, "For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:3-6).

The requirement of the law is not the flesh but the Spirit. It's not sin but righteousness. Therefore Jesus became the end of the law by his flesh in order to fulfill the requirement of the law. It is written, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." (John 12:32).

Therefore, Ruth received rest in a better country. She rested in the arms of Christ (Boaz), who was resurrected. These words were fulfilled, "One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, 'My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for?'" (Ruth 3:1).

The Bible says about those in whom righteousness, the requirement of the law, was fulfilled through Jesus Christ, "The righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers That the righteous is taken away from evil. He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his uprightness." (Isaiah 57:1-2).

"They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his uprightness." Amen. Thank you, Lord.