Author: Charlie Garrett

Acts 26:8

Charlie Garrett Acts (Written)

Top of capitol dome, Wisconsin.

Sunday, 24 March 2024

“Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? Acts 26:8

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

A more literal, even if a bit clunky, translation would be, “Why judge by you incredible if God raises the dead?”

Paul had just said to Agrippa the reason why he was being accused by the Jews, meaning his hope in the resurrection. With that, he next says to all at the hearing, “Why judge by you incredible if God raises the dead?”

Some versions make this a supposition rather than a statement of fact, such as, “that God should raise the dead.” But this isn’t correct. Paul is not asking it as if it were possible. He is stating it as an accomplished deed.

The “you” in this verse is plural. He is now not only speaking to Agrippa but to all of the people there. Agrippa was a Jew and his Scriptures testified to the fact that God could do it. Paul now says that He has done it. If Christ were not raised from the dead, then Paul would not be on trial for spreading the gospel. Instead, he would still be waiting for the Messiah to come.

Those gathered to hear Paul simply needed to believe the content of his words. When we witness to others about Christ, we may put such a question forward as a supposition, but before we are done, we will put it forth as a statement of fact. It would be pointless to tell somebody that it was merely possible to raise someone from the dead. Rather, our testimony is only complete when we avow that it has happened.

To substantiate his claim, he will next give his own personal testimony.

Life application: Life is filled with possibilities. When debating an issue, someone may raise a possibility. A debate about creation or evolution, for example, may raise the possibility of the gap theory of creation in order to then justify a long-term creation, even opening the possibility of evolution.

And yet, unless such a theory is based in reality, it doesn’t make it true. But people have been so conditioned to the supposed science of an old earth for the past several hundred years that the default belief is in a world that is billions of years old. To believe otherwise is to ignore the supposed specialists who know what they are talking about.

However, the Bible makes certain claims that are wholly incompatible with this notion. So, there is a dilemma that seemingly needs to be resolved. Enter the gap theory. Billions of years of time are shoved into the narrative between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. From there, an entire narrative is developed to show how all those fossils showed up in our geologic record.

This is convenient and it then hopefully keeps theologians from looking stupid in the eyes of mainstream science. But the gap theory is unsupportable by the Bible. Moreover, it is a theory that is totally unnecessary if the evidence for a short-term creation is considered.

We don’t need man’s inserted narrative in Scripture to accommodate unproven science. What we should be doing is testing Scripture that is verifiable and then saying to ourselves, “I will trust God’s word and evaluate the difficult parts as they are written, comparing what we can know from what is stated in Scripture.”

In doing this, we are not immediately dismissing either the evidence or Scripture. We are seeing if the two are compatible. Therefore, if you struggle with a short-term creation, but want to trust what Scripture says, read what evidence is presented by short-term creationists. See if their discoveries suitably explain what is presented. If they do, then the problem rests with the generally accepted science of an old earth.

Be willing to check things out, but don’t accept man’s inserts into Scripture that are not at all supportable by either the written Hebrew or in a comparison with the rest of Scripture.

Lord God, help us to rationally consider what is presented in Your word. May we be willing to take the time and effort to review those things that are difficult for us to understand and to learn from those who have spent their lives in pursuit of the knowledge that will help us to figure out where the truth of a matter lies concerning whatever issue we are struggling with. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 26:7

Charlie Garrett Acts (Written)

War memorial. Wisconsin State Capitol.

Saturday, 23 March 2024

“To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Acts 26:7

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

In the previous verse, Paul said, “And now, upon a hope, the [promise] unto the fathers – a promise having been made by God – I have stood, being judged.” He now continues with that thought, beginning with, “To this promise our twelve tribes.”

The word promise is inserted. It is the hope Paul spoke of, which is the promise made by God and to which the twelve tribes of the Jews were directed. Before going on, it is of note that Paul’s words reflect one of several times in the New Testament which confirm, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there are NO LOST TRIBES OF ISRAEL.

There are those of Israel who were lost, but of the tribes, there is no void. Paul, speaking many, many hundreds of years after the exile of Israel by Sennacherib, king of Assyria, notes the twelve tribes as existing and earnestly serving God. Members of almost all of the tribes are mentioned in Scripture after that exile, even in the New Testament. If there is one person left of a tribe, the tribe remains.

The word Paul uses that is translated as “twelve tribes” is found only once in Scripture, dódekaphulon. It comes from dódeka, twelve, and phulé, tribe. The other times the twelve tribes are mentioned, a variation using the word dódeka is used. Of these twelve tribes, Paul next says they were “earnestly serving God night and day.”

It is to the promise of the previous verse that these twelve tribes spent their time in this manner. The fact that this service was even conducted throughout the night is found in several places of Scripture, but Psalm 134 gives a clear enough witness to that fact –

“Behold, bless the Lord,
All you servants of the Lord,
Who by night stand in the house of the Lord!
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,
And bless the Lord.
3 The Lord who made heaven and earth
Bless you from Zion!” Psalm 134

The word translated as “earnestly” is en ektenei. It is only found here in the New Testament. It indicates “in intensity.” This intense “serving” refers to the religious aspects of the Jewish nation, meaning the special worship that is derived from their Scriptures.

They conducted the required sacrifices, they observed the holy days, they participated in the pilgrim feasts, etc. The conduct of their lives was centered on this service and the purpose of it was that they had a “hope to attain” the promise through it.

The word translated as “attain” indicates arriving at a goal, a final end. Therefore, the promise must be more than just the resurrection, but what accompanies the resurrection. A resurrection to live forever in a white box would be an eternity of boredom. A resurrection to live forever on this earth in the state we are in would be an eternity of frustration. But a resurrection that allows man to behold the fullness of his infinite Creator as He ceaselessly reveals Himself to His creatures would be a resurrection of eternal wonder.

That is what the faithful of Israel looked forward to with intensity, and that is the promise that the twelve tribes hoped to attain. And Paul includes himself and his trial in that hope. As he says, “For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.”

Paul has inextricably tied the charges against him by the Jews to the very thing that the twelve tribes hoped for. He has avowed that Christ is risen from the dead, and therefore, his hope in Christ cannot be sedition if it is true. Rather than sedition, it is submission to the fulfillment of the promise. Being accused by the Jews is then an implicit slap in the face of his accusers. They have failed to realize the very thing that the nation had hoped and striven for.

Life application: When asked what their religion is, people around the world will normally respond in whatever manner they were raised in. Some will say, “I am a Muslim.” Others, “I am a Buddhist.” Still others, “I am a Christian.”

However, when asked what that means, many of them will have no idea. They were born into a culture that is directed by a particular religion and so that is what they claim. They may know some of the basic rites of the religion, along with some of the cultural things that they do along with their religion, but they really have no idea what their claim of Islam, Buddhism, or Christianity actually teaches.

But there is a simple fact to remember which is that a person who has not received Christ is not a Christian. His claim is merely a cultural or family identification. A Christian is a follower of Christ. That comes from knowing who He is and what He has done, accepting the premise through belief, and being sealed with the Holy Spirit as a promise that God has saved him.

When you go out to evangelize, and you ask the question, “What do you believe about God?” if you are given the answer, “Oh, I’m a Christian,” you might want to ask more questions just to be sure. Many people raised as “Christians” have no idea what it means to be a Christian. Don’t assume. Instead, give the simple gospel and ask if they believe that. It can make an eternity of difference in that person’s life.

Lord God, may we never assume that just because someone claims to be a Christian he actually is. Help us to remember to be clear and precise about what You have done. People need Jesus, not just a title that was bestowed upon them at birth. Help us to remember this as we speak to others. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth Poem

Charlie Garrett Other

This is the entire book of Ruth, put into a poem format. The divisions correspond to the sermons I preached on the Book of Ruth and each poem was given at the end of those particular verses. The small dash in the middle of each poem is where the Bible text ends and my own ending poetry begins. I hope you will enjoy this poetic journey through Ruth.

Be advised, this is NOT to be considered for doctrine and is not an attempt to change the word of God from its intent and meaning. Rather, it is a poem based on Ruth, nothing more.

Ruth 1:1-5

A Famine in the Land

Now it came to pass, as we understand
In the days when ruled the judges
That there was a famine in the land
Which brought about difficulties, toils, and trudges

And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah
To dwell in the country of Moab went
He and his wife and his two sons
Until the time of the famine was spent

The name of the man was Elimelech
The name of his wife was Naomi
And the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion
Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah, their place of residency

And to the country of Moab they went
And remained there in a new emplacement

Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died
And she was left, and her two sons
A husband and a father, they were denied

Now they took wives of the women of Moab
Orpah was the name of the one
And the name of the other Ruth
And they dwelt there about ten years under Moab’s sun

Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died
So the woman survived her two sons and her husband
Surely at this time, God’s plans had her mystified

————

We too live in a world of troubles, trials, and woes
And often things occur which make us question God
We shake our heads and take the path where it goes
And each step can be a painful, heartbreaking trod

But at the end of the miserable, weary path
We find that God was there all along guiding us
We thought that we were the objects of His wrath
But instead we were being molded to be like Jesus

His ways are far above ours, so let us in Him trust
Let us never let our faith fail as each day we live
He is tending to us, and all His ways are just
And so let us to Him all our praises give

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 1:6-14

One Choice, Two Paths

Then she arose with her daughters-in-law
That she might from the country of Moab return
For she had heard in the country of Moab
Words which made her heart churn

That the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread
And so she prepared to move from Moab to Israel instead

Therefore she went out
From the place where she was on that day
And her two daughters-in-law with her
And off they went on the way

To the land of Judah to return
For her home her soul did yearn

And Naomi to her two daughters-in-law said
“Go, return each to her mother’s house I say affectionately
The Lord deal kindly with you my beloved
As you have dealt with the dead and with me

The Lord grant that you may find rest
Each in the house of her husband, may you be kept
So she kissed them, after them she blessed
And they lifted up their voices and wept

And they said to her through the streaming waters
“We will return with you to your people, surely
But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters
Why will you go with me?

Are there still sons in my womb
That they may be your husbands?
Save yourself from this gloom

Turn back, my daughters, go—
For I am too old to have a husband as you know

If I should say I have hope this day
If I should have a husband tonight, no longer alone
And should also bear sons, I pray
Would you wait for them till they were grown?

Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands too?
No, my daughters; this I cannot ask of you

For it grieves me very much for your sakes as you can see
That the hand of the Lord has gone out against me

Then they lifted up their voices
And wept again as if a dirge was sung
And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law
But Ruth to her tightly clung

————

 

In reality there was but one choice to make
Though down different paths it will lead
Will one cling to the God of Israel for heaven’s sake
Will they to His word pay heed?

If the answer is yes, the destiny is bright and sure
If the answer is no, there is no true hope at all
One must look to Jesus with a heart tender and pure
And on His glorious name each must call

Lord God, thank You for Jesus our Lord
Thank You for the chance to walk in His light
Help us all our days to hold to Your word
Until You bring us home to the land of delight

Until that day we will praise our Lord Jesus
Who has done such marvelous things for us

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 1:15-22

Your People, My People; Your God, My God

And she said, “Look, as you can see
Your sister-in-law Orpah has gone back
To her people and to her gods
Return after your sister-in-law, don’t be slack

But Ruth said in words heartfelt and true
“Entreat me not to leave, please don’t do so
Or to turn back from following after you
For wherever you go, I too will go

And wherever you lodge, I will lodge too
Your people shall my people be
And your God, my God, it is true
I shall not ever leave you, this you shall see

Where you die, I will die, may it be so
And there will I be buried, I speak plainly
The Lord do so to me, and more also
If anything but death parts you and me

When she saw that she was determined to go along
She stopped speaking; her determination strong

Now the two of them went
Until they came to Bethlehem
When finally the miles were spent

And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem
That all the city was excited because of them

And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”
She was a different woman, they could plainly see

But she said to them just the same
“Do not call me anymore Naomi
Instead now Mara is my name
For the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me

I went out full many years before
And emptily has the Lord has returned me to my door

Why do you call me Naomi
Since the Lord has testified against me

And the Almighty me He has afflicted
I have been tried by His trial and convicted

So Naomi returned along with Ruth
The Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her
Who returned from the country of Moab
Their future unknown and unsure

Now they came to Bethlehem the town
At the beginning of the barley harvest
There they together settled down
As the Bible story does attest

————

 

Lord, help us to see Your hand in all things
As directing our lives not for evil, but for good
Help us to accept everything that our life brings
And to honor you at all times as we should

Yes, troubles come our way, but there are always blessings too
And both the troubles and the blessings are being used by You

For our good and for Your glory
Everything comes as a part of Your plan for us
This is the message we find in Your gospel story
And it is all because of our Lord Jesus

Yes, thank You Lord for such kind and attentive care for us
And thank You for our blessed Redeemer, our Lord Jesus

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 2:1-7

The Lord be With You and the Lord Bless You

There was a relative of the husband of Naomi
A man of great wealth and fame
Of Elimelech’s family
Boaz was his name

So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi
“Please let me go to the field
And glean heads of grain after him
In whose sight I may find favor; who grace to me will yield

And she said to her, “Go, my daughter
It’s hot out there; please take plenty of water

Then she left, and went and gleaned
After the reapers, in the field
And she happened to come, it seemed
To a place where grace to her one would yield

To the part of the field belonging to Boaz, came she
To the field of Boaz who was of Elimelech’s family

Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem
And said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!”
“The Lord bless you!” they answered him
Yes, the Lord bless you too!

Then Boaz said to his servant
Who was in charge of those who reaped
“Whose young woman is this?”
When he saw her, maybe his heart leaped

So the servant who was in charge
Of the reapers answered and said
“It is the young Moabite woman
Who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab
Now she lives here instead

‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers, she said
Among the sheaves, was her request, to me this she pled

So she came and has continued
From morning until now
Though she rested a little in the house
She has worked steadily as her strength does allow

————

 

Though a foreigner to the land of Israel
Ruth has proven to be a humble, diligent soul
And though her state is lowly as the words do tell
It is apparent that she knows the Lord is in control

Oh if we could learn from her such a lesson!
To be faithful and diligent in our duties whatever they may be
Then we wouldn’t spend our time fretting and a’guessin’
What God has in store for us, instead we’d trust implicitly

We’d trust that He has every step of our life
Properly planned and carefully selected
Even the times of trials and strife
Can be times which are used to get our walk corrected

So let’s be like Ruth and hand our fate to the Lord
Trusting that He has it all under control
And let us continue to read, and love, and cherish His word
Let it nourish us and feed our hungry soul

For in this there is a great reward indeed
As we cling to Him and wait upon His return
May that day come soon and come with lightning speed
For this is what our longing hearts should yearn

Thank You O God for the hope which is instilled in us
Thank You O God for our Lord and Savior, our precious Jesus

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 2:8-16

Bread and Grace in the Field of Boaz

Then Boaz said to Ruth
“You will listen, my daughter, will you not?
Do not go to glean in another field
Nor go from here, not from this spot

But stay close by my young women here
You will be safe and shall have no fear

Let your eyes be on the field which they reap
And go after them, this you shall do
Have I not commanded
The young men not to touch you?

And when you are thirsty
Go to the vessels and drink the water
From what the young men have drawn
Do this too, won’t you my daughter?

So she fell on her face
Bowed down to the ground, and to him said
“Why have I found in your eyes this grace?
Such wondrous favor and not sternness instead?

That you should take notice of me
Since I am a foreigner, and thus unworthy

And Boaz answered and said to her
“It has been fully reported to me
All that you have done for your mother-in-law
Since the death of your husband, that calamity

And how you have left your father and your mother
And the land of your birth also
And have come to a people, yes another
Whom you did not before know

The Lord repay your work
And a full reward be given you too
By the Lord God of Israel
Under whose wings for refuge have come you

Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight my lord
For you have comforted me
And have spoken to your maidservant a kindly word
Though I am not like one of your maidservants, but unworthy

Now Boaz said to her at mealtime
“Come here, and eat of the bread

And dip your piece of bread in the vinegar
Come, and feel free as I have said

So she sat beside the reapers
And parched grain to her he passed
And she ate and was satisfied
And kept some back, feeling full at last

And when she rose up to glean
Boaz commanded his young men, saying
“Let her glean even among the sheaves
And do not reproach her, this to you I am relaying

Also let grain from the bundles
Fall purposely for her from your hand
Leave it that she may glean
And do not rebuke her, this please understand

————

 

Boaz’ care for Ruth is but a mere reflection
Of Jesus’ care for us, gentiles by birth
In Him there is a spiritual reconnection
So that now we have new and eternal worth

Thank You O God for the wondrous love You have lavished up us
And for the surety of life for eternal days
For You have sent us Your Son, our Lord Jesus
And so to You we extend all of our praise!

Yes! Now and forever hear our praise, O God
From our hearts and souls as in Your presence we trod

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 2:17-23

Gleaning Through the Harvest Season

So she gleaned until evening
Out there in the field
And beat out what she had gleaned
And about an ephah of barley her effort did yield

Then she took it up and into the city she went
And her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned
The effort for which her day was spent

So she brought out and gave to her from her pack
After she had been satisfied what she had kept back

And her mother-in-law said to her
“Where have you gleaned today?
And where did you work?
The one who took notice of you, blessed be he I say

So she told her mother-in-law, probably elated
With these words she did say
With whom she had worked, and she stated
The man’s name is Boaz with whom I worked today

Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law
“Blessed be he of the Lord, yes a blessing upon his head
Who has not forsaken His kindness
Both to the living and the dead!

And Naomi said to her as she spoke
“This man is a relation of ours
One of our close relatives is this bloke

Ruth the Moabitess said then
“He also said to me, I do attest
‘You shall stay close by my young men
Until they have finished all my harvest

And Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law then
“It is good, my daughter, as he revealed
That you go out with his young women
And that people do not meet you in any other field

So close by the young women of Boaz she did stay
To glean, until the end of barley harvest did draw
And the wheat harvest too, yes all the way
And she dwelt with her mother-in-law

————

 

Though the work was hard, hot, and tiring
Ruth continued with it day by day
Her example to us should be all the more inspiring
Knowing that God used her efforts in such a wondrous way

In the end her deeds and life have been given
As sure examples to follow for each one of us
To be humble, dedicated, and loyal in this life we are livin’
And as we anticipate the coming of our Lord Jesus

As surely as Ruth will receive her just due
So the same is true for us as we bring glory to God
In Christ there is the certainty of reward for me and you
For all we do in His name while on this path we trod

Thank You heavenly Father for your kind hand upon each of us
Thank You for the greatest gift of all, our Lord and Savior Jesus

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 3:1-5

Go Down to the Threshing Floor

Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, to her said
“My daughter, shall I not seek security for you
That it may be well with you and not difficult instead?
I will give instruction on what you are to do

Now Boaz, whose young women you were with
Is he not our relative whom we know?
In fact, he is winnowing barley tonight
At the threshing floor. Yes! It is so

Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself also
Put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor
But do not make the man yourself to know
Until he has finished eating and drinking, and is ready to snore

Then it shall be, when he lies down for his rest so sweet
That you shall notice the place where he lies too
And you shall go in, uncover his feet
And lie down; and he will tell you what you should do

And she said to her, “All that you say to me I will do
Ruth’s actions showed a daughter-in-law both faithful and true

————

 

Like Ruth we are to submit ourselves to the Lord
And to walk before Him in the Spirit and in righteousness
To learn how we can, we should attend to His word
And in doing so, our souls He will bless

Yes, God has given this wondrous treasure to us
In hopes that we will daily seek His face
And to fellowship with Him through our Lord Jesus
Living in His blessings and showered with His grace

Thank You, O God, for all You have done for us
Yes, heavenly Father, we thank You through Your Son
Our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer, Jesus

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 3:6-13

Midnight at the Threshing Floor

So she went down to the threshing floor
And did according to all
That her mother-in-law instructed her
At the time of nightfall

And after Boaz had eaten and drunk
And his heart was cheerful as well
He went to lie down at the end
Of the heap of grain to sleep for a spell

And she came softly, uncovered his feet
And lay down under the corner of his sheet

Now it happened at midnight
That the man was startled, to be sure
And turned himself; and there, ending his fright
A woman was lying at his feet; hard to figure

And he said, “Who are you? Tell me this thing
So she answered, “I am your maidservant Ruth
Take your maidservant under your wing
For you are a close relative, this is the truth

“Blessed are you of the Lord, My daughter!, he said
For you have shown more kindness at the end
Than at the beginning, instead

In that after young men you did not go
Whether poor or rich, you did not do so

And now, my daughter, do not fear
I will do for you all that was requested by you
For all the people of my town here
Know that you are a woman of virtue

Now it is true that I am a close relative, one cannot deny
However, there is a relative closer than I

Stay this night, and in the morning light
It shall be that if he will perform the task
Of a close relative for you, as is right
Good; let him do it, for this is what you ask

But if he does not want to perform the duty for you
Then I will perform the duty for you, it is true
As the Lord lives! Lie down until morning
Until the day dawns anew

————

 

Ruth has sought a kinsman to redeem
And she has found a man willing to do so
Whether it will be Boaz or another it would seem
That the new day the truth will show

We too have a Kinsman willing to redeem each of us
H is near to us because He is also a Man
And yet none other than the Lord God, Jesus
Such is the wisdom of God’s glorious plan

Let us come to Him and let Him His garment spread
Willingly over each one of us
For He is Christ the Lord, our Savior and our Head
He is the Incarnate Word – our glorious Jesus

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 3:14-18

Shesh Seorim – Six Measures of Barley

So she lay at his feet until morning
And she arose before one could tell another by name
Then he said, “Do not let it be known, as a gentle warning
That the woman to the threshing floor came

Also he said, “Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it
And when she held it, he measured six of barley
And laid it on her, this gift he did submit
Then she went into the city at that hour so early

When she came to her mother-in-law at the dawning of the sun
She said, “Is that you, my daughter?”
Then she told her all that the man for her had done
And she showed what she had brought her

And she said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me
For he said, ‘Do not go to your mother-in-law with hands that are empty

Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter
Until you know how the matter will turn out, I pray
For the man will not rest
Until he has concluded the matter this day

————

 

Like Ruth whose time for rest will come soon
We have a time of rest from our labors as well
Which is graciously granted to us by an act of faith
And with that we enter our rest as the Bible does tell

In Christ the hope of the seventh day is here
His victory over the devil ensures that we may so partake
Of this marvelous gift so precious and dear
Granted to us through a decision we make

Call on Christ Jesus and your labors will end
In Him there is an eternal blessing marvelous and grand
In His presence eternal life we will spend
As He sits on the throne at His Father’s right hand

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 4:1-6

To Perpetuate the Name of Elimelech

Now Boaz up to the gate went
And there he sat down
And behold, the close relative, the gent
Of whom Boaz had spoken came by the gate of Bethlehem town

So Boaz said, “Come aside, friend, sit down here.”
So he came aside and sat down kind of near

And he took ten men there
Of the elders of the town
And said, “Sit down here.”
And so they also sat down

Then he said to the close relative, there at hand
“Naomi, who has come back to Israel
From the country of Moab, sold the piece of land
Which belonged to our brother Elimelech who in death fell

And I thought to inform you, saying
‘Buy it back, for such is your right
In the presence of the inhabitants, I am praying
And the elders of my people, yes in their sight

If you will redeem it, redeem it
But if you will not redeem it, then tell me
That I may know, for I admit
There is no one but you to redeem it, as you can see

And I am next after you
And he said, “I will redeem it
This I will do

Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field
From the hand of Naomi, as you have said
You must also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess
Yes, from the wife of the dead

That the name of the dead through his inheritance will be perpetuated
This is what the law requires, just as I have stated

And the close relative said
“I cannot for myself it redeem
Lest I ruin my own inheritance
This won’t work out, it would seem

You redeem for yourself my right of redemption
For I cannot redeem it, I appeal to the law’s exemption

————

 

In the requirements of the law there is no hope
No man can meet its demands perfectly
It reflects God’s standards, far beyond the scope
Of our hopeless state, beyond all our ability

And yet for God all things are possible, we know
And so He stepped out of heaven’s glory
And united with human flesh in order to bestow
The good news found in the gospel story

Yes, Christ took on the likeness of a man
And in this appearance to the cross He went
Being obedient to the law to fulfill the plan
From heaven to earth on this mission He was sent

He alone can redeem man who fell so long ago
In His grace and mercy, He came to dwell among us
Fulfilling the plan when to the cross He did go
All hail the Lamb of God, our precious Lord, Jesus

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 4:7-12

I Eschew This Shoe

Now this was the custom in former times
In Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging
To confirm anything in those climes
Including even a marriage arranging

One man took off his sandal
And gave it to the other
And this was a confirmation in Israel
Of a matter between one another

Therefore the close relative to Boaz said
“Buy it for yourself.”
So he took off his sandal and gave it to Boaz instead

And Boaz said to the elders and all the people
“You are witnesses that I have bought this day
All that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s
From the hand of Naomi it has now come my way

Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon
As my wife, I have acquired
To perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance
Today this has transpired

That the name of the dead may not be cut off
From among his brethren in any such way
And from his position at the gate
You are witnesses this day

And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said
“We are witnesses here in Bethlehem, the House of Bread

The Lord make the woman who is coming to your house
Like Rachel and Leah, the two of them
Who built the house of Israel
And may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem

May your house be like the house of Perez
Whom Tamar bore to Judah in days gone by
Because of the offspring which the Lord will give you
From this young woman, now apple of your eye

————

 

There in that same town of Bethlehem as we know
Came the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus
He came without pomp or a flashy show
Instead He came and looked like any of us

The stories that we see in the Bible’s pages
Are given to show us hints of Him
God has marked out His plan for the ages
And done it in places like the town of Bethlehem

In these stories we can relate so well
Because they can fit the lives of any of us
Such is the masterful way the Bible does tell
Of the marvelous workings of God in Jesus

And so we thank You O God as we live out our days
Reading Your word and giving You all of our praise

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 4:13-17

And They Called His Name Obed

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife
And when into her he went
The Lord gave her conception, a new life
And she bore a son when her months were spent

Then the women said to Naomi
“Blessed be the Lord, who has not this day left you
Without a close relative
And may in Israel his name be famous too

And may he be to you of life a restorer
And of your old age a nourisher

For your daughter-in-law, who loves you
Who has borne him, she is better than seven sons, it’s true

Then Naomi took the child
Who seemed the lifting of her curse
And laid him on her bosom in a manner mild
And to him she became a nurse

Also the neighbor women to him a name they gave
Saying, “There is born to Naomi a son
And they called his name Obed, meaning a servant or a slave
He is the father of Jesse, the father of David
In Israel, he became a very great one

————

 

From sadness and heartache too great to be measured
Came joy and blessing more than could be thought
In Naomi’s lap was placed a son that she treasured
A son through whom her redemption was bought

In the marvelous way God directs our lives’ events
Even the worst of times will be forgotten memories
Some day the difficulties that we face will all make sense
We’ll understand why we faced such great adversities

Until then we need to trust God, giving to Him our cares
And hold fast to the promises of His word
In that treasure to us He gladly shares
The story of redemption centered on our Lord

Yes, it is all about our Lord Jesus
He who has done all things wondrously
And has promised to always care for us

Hallelujah and Amen…

——————————————————

Ruth 4:18-22

The Generations of Perez

Now this is the genealogy of Perez:
It is listed as follows, just as the Bible sez

Perez begot Hezron; Hezron begot Ram next
And Ram begot Amminadab, so says the text

After that Amminadab begot Nahshon, as the Bible so relates
And Nahshon begot Salmon, telling us names but no dates

Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed
Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David

————

 

These are the generations which are found in Ruth
And they are carefully placed here for us to learn
They show us glorious things and reveal deep truth
And knowing their meaning should make our hearts yearn

Some glorious day, we will be raptured out of here
We will be in the presence of our wondrous Lord
And shortly afterward purified Israel will shout and cheer
When Christ returns to them, so says the Word

And we have it all laid out before us
Here in detail in the Bible’s pages
All of it pointing to our Lord Jesus
The plan of redemption for all peoples and all ages

Hallelujah to our great Lord and our King!
Hallelujah, let us rejoice and to Him make noise and sing!

Hallelujah and Amen…

 

Acts 26:6

Charlie Garrett Acts (Written)

Nice plant urn. Wisconsin Capitol.

Friday, 22 March 2024

“And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. Acts 26:6

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

A literal rendering of the Greek is, “And now, upon a hope, the [promise] unto the fathers – a promise having been made by God – I have stood, being judged” (CG).

Paul’s previous words to Agrippa were about his conduct before the Lord, having lived according to the strictest sect of Judaism, being a Pharisee. Having said that, he now says that the very hope of the Pharisee is the reason for his present state. He indicates this with the words, “And now, upon a hope.”

Paul says ep elpidi, (upon a hope). It gives the sense of “upon the basis of a hope.” There is no definite article before “hope” in the Greek. It is a noun, not a verb, which will be qualified as he continues. Hence, it is “a hope.” In other words, this was not the only hope the fathers possessed, but it was certainly the key hope. It was the hope called out in Acts 23:6 and which will again be explicitly stated in verse 26:8. It is the hope of the resurrection.

This is a hope that the Pharisees possessed. The Sadducees did not (Acts 23:8), and so it explains why he singled out his life as a Pharisee in his explanation of his past. With that stated, he next explains the hope he is referring to, saying, “the [promise] unto the fathers.”

The Greek anticipates the word promise. Literally, it says “the unto the fathers.” It defines what the hope he is referring to is. It is something given to the fathers. Some texts here include the word “our,” saying “our fathers.” As the hope was originally given to Adam in Genesis 3:15, it would ultimately include everyone in attendance. If Paul is only speaking to the Jews, then it would be referring to only those in that particular line.

The latter, although it is what Paul will more fully explain in the coming verse, seems unlikely for several reasons. First, the hope was – in fact – given to Adam. It was not specifically stated later to Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob. As such, Paul’s words, “our fathers,” would have to then be referring to those who received the law. At that time, the specific promise was given –

“You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 18:5

Secondly, the promise of the resurrection remained a hope for non-Hebrew people even at the time of Job –

“For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
27 Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27

In Job 1 and 2, Job and those with this hope were called “sons of God,” meaning that they were accepted by God because of their faith. A counterargument to this will be stated later. Despite the inclusion of the word “our” in some manuscripts, the thought is understandable enough. As for this hope Paul is referring to, which is based upon the promise, Paul next says it is “a promise having been made by God.”

God spoke of the coming Messiah in Genesis 3. It can be inferred that Adam understood that what he had lost (meaning life) would be restored to him from the naming of his wife Eve. The Hebrew name is Khavah, Life. Adam demonstrated faith in the restoration of life by naming her Eve. With that, God covered them with skins of animals, thus making a picture of what God would do in Christ. Adam accepted the promise as did others after him. Even as late as Job there were people who accepted it.

However, the world eventually forgot the knowledge of the true God to the point where He again intervened in human affairs by calling Moses and giving Israel the law through him. The words of Leviticus 18:5 were a sure promise to the people, “Do this and you will live.” However, the history of Israel showed that nobody could do the things of the law.

Generations came and generations departed in death. Eventually, God spoke through Habakkuk to clarify the matter –

“Behold the proud,
His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:4

God was telling Israel that they could not meet the demands of the law. This was, from the very start, evidenced in the fact that they were given the Day of Atonement. It was a day set aside for the forgiveness of sins. Everyone had to observe it, meaning that everyone needed that atonement. And it was a day based solely on faith that God was forgiving them.

Law observance without faith leads to pride. However, faith alone is what brought forgiveness of sin. Paul understood this. And so, the hope was actually more than simply the resurrection. Rather, the hope of the resurrection is ultimately based on the messianic promise of a coming Redeemer. Most people believe they are going to heaven. However, without the coming of the Messiah, that could not happen. Only in the coming of Jesus is the hope truly realized.

Paul knew this and he placed himself completely at the mercy of God in Christ. It is for this promise that he next says, “I have stood, being judged.”

The verb is a perfect participle. He stood being judged, and he continued to stand being judged. He would not waver in his convictions, even after two years in chains. Nor would he ever waiver in them. His hope of the resurrection was based on his faith that Jesus is the resurrection, as He Himself stated. Responding to Martha’s words at the grave of Lazarus, He said –

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” John 11:25

Paul stood as an accused man for speaking of this hope. He was being judged for his stand. He would not waiver in his stand, even if it meant death. Where do you stand?

Life application: Earlier, it was noted that a counterargument to who “the fathers” is referring to would be given. Job was cited to show that the resurrection was his hope. However, Paul says this in Ephesians 2 –

“Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:11-13

Paul says that the Gentiles were without hope. And this is true. With the introduction of the law, the hope of God in Christ was narrowed down to the Hebrew people. Those outside of it were excluded from the promise.

This was not God being arbitrary and unfair. Rather, the world had sufficiently turned from Him that without His intervention once again into the stream of human existence, there would have been no knowledge of Him left at all. This is evident based on His words to Abraham about the turning of the Amorites in Genesis 15:16.

They were a people group like any other. Eventually, like all peoples, they turned from God so far that they needed to be eliminated. All other countries have followed this pattern. Israel was given grace when they were given the law. That may sound contradictory, but without that happening, they, too, would have faced God’s hand of wrath.

As noted above, the law provides mercy through the Day of Atonement. Thus, even if it is law, it came by God’s grace. The intent of the time of the law was to lead Israel (and, indeed, the whole world) to the understanding of the need for Jesus. Paul explains that in detail in Galatians.

In the next verse, Paul will note that the twelve tribes of the Jews earnestly served God because of this promise. However, that does not mean that the original promise was only given to them. Rather, it is probable that they had simply become the focus of it as it led to the coming Messiah.

Therefore, whether Paul was ultimately referring to Adam and those like him, or only the fathers who received the law, the same truth exists: The just shall live by faith. Adam did, Enoch did, Job did, and Abraham did as well. Such was the case with David and Samson. And such was the case with Paul. The Jews who accused him are excluded from the promise because they failed to seek out God through His provision of Jesus.

Don’t be like them! It is time for you to decide where you will hang your hat. Will you cling to the law and try to make God happy through your own effort, or will you trust in Jesus, who has done it all, so that you can stand justified before God based on faith in Him? Choose wisely.

Lord God, how grateful we are to You for our Lord and Savior, Jesus. We put all our hope, trust, and faith in Him! Hallelujah and Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 26:5

Charlie Garrett Acts (Written)

Another facade at Wisconsin Capitol.

Thursday, 21 March 2024

“They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. Acts 26:5

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The words are more literally rendered, “Knowing me firstly, if they willed to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I live a Pharisee” (CG).

Paul just referred to his life in Jerusalem, even from his youth, stating that the Jews were aware of it. Now, to explain what he was like, he tells the king, “Knowing me firstly.” The word translated as “firstly” is an adverb signifying “from above.” It refers to a point before, as in the beginning or of old.

We often tend to think of time or events as horizontally occurring, but this view looks at them vertically. Hence, if heaven is above, things started there and came down to where we are now. We still use this terminology at times when we say something like, “We need to accomplish this task, starting from the top down.”

As for Paul’s words, this statement is one that must be true. This is because it could be easily verified by Agrippa. To lie about something like this would only harm his case, which, to this point, had nothing standing against it. It would be foolish in the extreme to make such a claim if it were untrue. Paul is indicating that the Jews were fully aware of his conduct, even from the first “if they willed to testify.”

In these words, there is a strong note in his favor. It is obvious they would not be willing to do so because they knew that their testimony would only bolster his case. But the truth of the matter, according to Paul, is “that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I live a Pharisee.”

The word translated as “strictest” is akribestatos. It is the superlative and most accurate of all. It is only found here in the New Testament, and it is closely associated with the noun akribeia, which is found in Acts 22:3 where Paul said, “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.”

Another word that is introduced into the New Testament is found here as well, thréskeia, or religion. It refers to the reverence or worship of gods. Thus, it speaks of ritual acts, worship, religion, etc. Paul’s religion was Judaism, but he practiced it as a Pharisee.

Albert Barnes notes two pertinent points about this verse:

(1) As he had lived during the early period of his life without crime; as his principles had been settled by the instruction of the most able of their teachers, it was to be presumed that his subsequent life had been of a similar character.
(2) as he, at that period of his life, evinced the utmost zeal for the laws and customs of his country, it was to be presumed that he would not be found opposing or reviling them at any subsequent period. From the strictness and conscientiousness of his past life, he supposed that Agrippa might argue favorably respecting his subsequent conduct. A virtuous and religious course in early life is usually a sure pledge of virtue and integrity in subsequent years.

Life application: Paul made claims about his past conduct and religion in a court trial. If we mentally try to remember that our time after being saved is a period of time that will be judged, because it will be, then we can remind ourselves of the importance of being honest.

It is not uncommon to read or hear about accounts of pastors who have lied about their past achievements, such as being a fighter jet pilot or a Navy SEAL. These are things that can be verified. If they are not true, it is sure to make the news, simply because that is the kind of thing the news loves to focus on.

There are all kinds of other things we may claim that never really happened. Each one of these must be burned away at the judgment seat of Christ. As this is so, why would we want to continue to promote such falsehoods, engage in unholy activities, unjustly treat others, and so forth? This is why it is good to keep reminding ourselves of our position in Christ and what that means.

We all fail in various ways, but we don’t need to habitually do so. Keep your eyes on Jesus and remember His cross. Be willing to walk in a manner that will honor Him and testify faithfully to what He has done.

O God, may our lives and actions be wholly dedicated to You throughout our days. Give us the wisdom to think about what lies ahead when we must stand before You. Help us to be circumspect in our living and focused on what is right and appropriate. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.