I guess my final question before we all move on to Chapter 3 is this... where do you find yourself in this story so far?
You've heard me use this quote of Rob Bell so often but I'm going to use it again because I think it so profound. It's found in his book 'Velvet Elvis' and Rob makes this observation..
"Their story is our story. We see ourselves in them. The story is true because it happened and because it happens. It's an accurate description of how life is. The reason it resonates with so many people over the years is that they have seen themselves in these stories...
He goes on to say:
And this is why the Bible loses its power for so many communities. They fall into the trap of thinking that the Bible is just about things that happened a long time ago. But the Bible is about today."
Where do you see yourself in Ruth 1&2? Is it:
- in the famine experience where you feel that no growth is happening in your life - you're hungry for more but it's just not happening?
- that you think God has dealt you a bad hand in recent life; that you can join with Naomi in saying "I went away full but the Lord has bought me home empty."?
- in the way God has provided for you and protected you recently, just as Boaz provided and protected Ruth?
- in the way God is working behind the scenes in your life so that certain things are fitting together as if by chance, but you're starting to see God planning behind it all?
- in the loyalty and devotion that you show to/are being shown by someone else?
For me, I think I find myself in the place that Ruth did - enjoying the generosity and favour of The Boss. Throughout my life and leadership at The Forge (and MCF), it seems to me that God has been so kind and generous. As we have moved forward, it's as if God has intentionally dropped the heads of barley/resources that we've needed. I think he's put the word around to not give me a hard time - even when I get a driving ban! I do feel safe (not neccessarily comfortable) and he's put some fab workers around me to provide a level of protection.
Ruth 2 is a good chapter because it is about today.
I would love to know where you find yourself in the story? Why not share it with me and others through clicking on the 'comments' icon at the bottom and adding your own thoughts.
Have a great Saturday and I'll see you in the morning - 10.30am sharp!
Great question... Where do I see myself in the story so far? If I'm honest it feels like I'm hungry. The phrase 'there must be more than this' often runs through my mind. Whose feet do I need to sleep at do you think? Oops... getting a little abhead of the game. Can't wait for Sundays talk. Chapter 3 here we come!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog Steve! I guess for me, I too am feeling the generosity of the boss. We've got some good feeback on Small Group so far which seems to be going really well, and whenever I am I doing God's will, everything always seems to flow sooo much easier... Lovin' the Ruth series!
ReplyDeleteAmazing blogging all week! I'm currently in a place where God has provided in abundance for me. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that he provides to someone so undeserving but then i guess that's Grace for you!
ReplyDeleteI can really see myself in the place of Ruth. Having felt the terrible loss of family members and the loneliness and sorrow that follows, but also putting faith in God and being under his protection. As Steve said last week, a bit like a baby chick under it's mothers wings. A much needed time to rest and recover and also giving time out to appreciate God's blessings.
ReplyDeleteClaire
I know I'm a litle late with this post, but having had a busy weekend, I've only Just read it.
ReplyDeleteI see myself almost in the middle of two. I feel in the famine as I am struggling with my daily readings, and learning from God in general, and yet I am so certain the He is working in the background for me, preparing a bountiful harvest, I cant wait for harvest time!
thanks for the Blogs, although I havent been there to hear the sunday talks, Its still been great to follow!
God Bless