TO LOVE WITH PURPOSE

By Irving Serrano Sr

There once were two youngsters, being brothers that they were. They gathered their loose change and went to the neighborhood candy store. As they leave the store, the older of the two opens the wrapper of a candy bar they purchased to share. When he breaks it in half, he measures the two pieces. As he see`s one piece is larger, he then bites it to make both pieces the same. The younger brother accepts his share, as if everything is fine. This weeks theme reminds me of my own childhood, being surrounded by my brothers, and sisters. Along with two parents that showed an unconditional love towards all of us. The message is found in (Ruth 2:14 & 15) "When She arose to glean, Boaz commanded the servants saying; let her glean even among the sheaves". ( Regarding the word "glean"; means to pick-up, or gather.) This was more generous than the command in (Lev 19:9 & 10) because Boaz added the qualifier "among" the effect being to allow Ruth greater access than one could by trailing along after the workers (Ruth 2:7). In harvesting, the reapers would first cut the barley stalks by the handful. They were followed by others who bound 8-10 of these handfuls into sheaves. Only after the sheaves were carted off, were the poor permitted to pass over the field. But now Boaz permits Ruth to glean among his harvesters, and instructs them not to bind every handful, but to even leave some loose for her. (Ruth) These actions of Boaz, clearly indicates he taking more than just a passing interest in Ruth. The fellowship that Ruth had found at Boaz`s table does not cause her to forget her task. On the contrary, she draws new strength from it for fresh activity with more abundant and more blessed results than ever before. In order to be effective our work must flow from what we have achieved for ourselves and it will be all the richer in results the greater the measure in which we have personally enjoyed the Lords presence. A heart nourished and refreshed by Christ can never be selfish. It is written: "Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38) Ruth thinks of Naomi, ( her sister) and when she returns, she brings her the remainder of her meal, and that which she had gleaned. Likewise, the believer devotes the fruit of prosperity. How few Christians there are who realize these things. What importance does the prosperity of  Christ`s church have for those who prefer their own church, or their own people and their own God? God`s poor, afflicted people do not appear to be worth caring for to these indifferent hearts. They may perhaps insist on the work of the Gospel before the world, but a heart that is in fellowship with the Lord does not sacrifice one for the other. The Apostle Paul, was just as much a minister of the assembly as he was a minister of the Gospel. He loved the church which Christ in his love had purchased with his own blood. It was far from Paul to love a sect or a church of his own invention; He knew only Christ`s assembly, and he was jealous as to her with a jealousy which was of God, so that he might present her to the Lord as a chaste virgin. ( speaking of Ruth) Ruth found a husband where she only expected to find a handful of barley. So in prayer for others, God may give us such mercies that we will be astounded at them, since we expect but little. This is an important message, found in Ruth, for godly husbands as well. Paul striving in ( Colossians 1:29) and note; ultimately his power source - to emulate - enabled by the spirit and grace. ( Philippians 2:13) I urge you to please take the time to meditate upon this. It will help you understand how you are to carry out your role as a covenant defender of your own covenant partner, in the covenant of marriage. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.