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| "Whither Thou Goest (Ruth and Naomi)" by Sandy Freckleton Gagon |
Liturgy for Saturday, July 9, 2016 Service | Book of Ruth Sermon Series Part 3
For links to audio from previous sermons in this series, check out:
+ Sermon Audio 1: Ruth 1:1-5: In the Days of Judges and Famine, the God of Love is Still Here
+ Sermon Audio 2: Ruth 1:6-18: The Choice of Love in the Face of Lament and Death
Book of Ruth Sermon | Homily 3 Audio
Links to Previous Sermon Notes, Songs, and Liturgies:
+ Ruth 1:1-5: In the Days of Judges and Famine, Our God of Love is Still Here
+ Ruth 1:6-18: The Choice of Love in the Face of Lament and Death
+ Ruth 1:1-5: In the Days of Judges and Famine, Our God of Love is Still Here
+ Ruth 1:6-18: The Choice of Love in the Face of Lament and Death
Artwork Explanation
I felt that the imagery of the journey of Ruth and Naomi to Bethlehem was deeply symbolic of the journey each of us must take in mortality. In the painting, Ruth, in the extremity of adversity with Naomi, reaches up and covers them both with her cloak, just as Christ blankets each of us. In Aramaic, the word atone means “to embrace.” I am grateful for that grace. The Lord intends everything in the Old Testament to bring us to Christ. As our goal in life is to “come unto Christ and be perfected in him,” the Old Testament becomes precious and invaluable. The embrace of Naomi by Ruth is a beautiful image of having our Savior take us in his embrace and declare that we belong to him. Regardless of the difficulties we encounter in remaining faithful, we must remember that Jesus Christ will not fail to honor His covenant with us. He will gather us to Himself as Ruth covenanted with and cared for Naomi, and as Boaz covenanted with and cared for Ruth. In Isaiah 49:15-16, He eloquently states: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.”
I felt that the imagery of the journey of Ruth and Naomi to Bethlehem was deeply symbolic of the journey each of us must take in mortality. In the painting, Ruth, in the extremity of adversity with Naomi, reaches up and covers them both with her cloak, just as Christ blankets each of us. In Aramaic, the word atone means “to embrace.” I am grateful for that grace. The Lord intends everything in the Old Testament to bring us to Christ. As our goal in life is to “come unto Christ and be perfected in him,” the Old Testament becomes precious and invaluable. The embrace of Naomi by Ruth is a beautiful image of having our Savior take us in his embrace and declare that we belong to him. Regardless of the difficulties we encounter in remaining faithful, we must remember that Jesus Christ will not fail to honor His covenant with us. He will gather us to Himself as Ruth covenanted with and cared for Naomi, and as Boaz covenanted with and cared for Ruth. In Isaiah 49:15-16, He eloquently states: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.”
+ Sandy Freckleton Gagon, "Whither Thou Goest (Ruth and Naomi)"
From Famine to Feast | Ruth 1:14-22 | The Focus of Love in the Midst of No Recognition Key Quotes
Have you heard of or recognized Hannah More?
Whether she was opposing anti-clericalism and French radicalism under the pseudonym “Will Chip,” educating hundreds of impoverished children in Cheddar Gorge (area where miners worked and lived), writing Strictures on the Modern System of Female Education to bring a biblically robust view of women and their education to light, or helping Willem Wilberforce and “the Clapham Circle” bring the abolition of slavery to England, Hannah More fought for love and justice regardless of recognition.
In 1804 A.D., seven years after the death of Hannah More, Percy Bysshe Shelley’s famous essay, “In Defense of Poetry” was published. In it, as Karen Swallow Prior mentions in her book on More called Fierce Convictions, Shelley credited “the effects of poetry” of Christians with ending slavery and emancipating women. The last line of his essay can serve as her fitting epitaph: “Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.” More’s philosophy was that one must not merely rail against the darkness, but must instead light a proverbial candle by creating literary and cultural works that rival and surpass the bad. + Eric Metaxas, 7 Women and the Secret to Their Greatness
Have you heard of or recognized Mary Mott?
What happened in April 1994 was even more shocking than Jeffrey Dahmer’s depravity (kidnapping, rape, necrophilia, cannibalism of boys and men). While in prison, Dahmer gave a television interview and mentioned in passing that he wished he could find some inner peace. Mary Mott saw the interview and thought, I know where you can find inner peace. So she mailed several Bible studies to Dahmer. After receiving them, Dahmer immediately read them all and wrote her back asking for more. So she sent more. Shortly after, Mott contracted Roy Ratcliff, a minister who lived near the prison, and asked him to visit Dahmer to share the gospel with him. He nervously did and after sharing the good news of Jesus, answering some questions, and studying the Bible together, God’s grace flooded Dahmer’s dark soul. And he was later baptized. You can read more in Ratcliff’s book Dark Journey, Deep Grace. Dahmer’s bloodstained hands were washed clean with the blood of the Lamb. + Preston Sprinkle, Charis: God’s Scandalous Grace for Us
Mary Mott was so focused on the love of God regardless of recognition (much, if any, was negative in this scenario) that she was able to offer someone even like Dahmer God's grace.
Apart from the Gospel, we'll whine more than we'll worship. Apart from the Gospel, we'll judge people more than we'll seek to understand them. Apart from the Gospel, we'll get our feelings hurt quicker than being careful not to hurt others. Apart from the Gospel, we’ll avoid people who want more from us than we want to give them. Apart from the Gospel, we'll react selfishly to irritants rather than responding graciously. Apart from the Gospel, we'll talk more than we'll listen. Apart from the Gospel, we’ll think about ourselves much more than we think about anyone else. Apart from the Gospel, we won't risk anything; we'll do just enough to get by. + Scotty Smith, Everyday Prayers
Prayers of Confession
God and neighbor, I confess my mixed motives.
Help the fruit of my efforts to be beautiful and just.
God and neighbor, I confess that I'm tempted to contribute
in ways that make me feel best, not that help most. Help me to slow down to serve my neighbor in the best way possible.
God and neighbor, I confess I want to be seen as good.
Free me to do what is good.
God and neighbor, I confess that I claim too much credit.
Grow my humility and show me how to rightly give credit to others.
God and neighbor, I confess I'm sometimes empty of compassion.
Renew me in the deep gladness of the call to work for justice.
God and neighbor, I confess the privileges that benefit me.
Help me to give them away again and again.
God and neighbor, I confess that I have caused pain of, and
am hurt by, injustice.
Help me to participate in healing for others and myself.
God and neighbor, I confess my hope is in You and in Your
Eucharist | Thanking God for Communion with Christ and His Church
Let Justice Roll
By Sojourn Worship
2015 A.D.
Forgive us Lord, for passing by
When children cry for bread.
Forbid it Lord, that justice lie
When children cry for bread.
Forbid it Lord, that justice lie
In tatters, cold and dead.
Outside these walls run desperate streets
Where greed is law and life is cheap.
We bar the doors, refuse to see,
Or hear the words You said:
Outside these walls run desperate streets
Where greed is law and life is cheap.
We bar the doors, refuse to see,
Or hear the words You said:
Let justice roll like a river, like a river, let it roll!
Let justice roll like a river, like a river, let it roll!
Let justice roll like a river, like a river, let it roll!
Convict us Lord, we dance and laugh
Ignoring those who weep.
Correct us Lord, our golden calf
Has lulled our hearts to sleep.
The gap between the rich and poor
Grows ever wider, shore to shore.
There’s racial hate, religious war
And wolves among the sheep.
Correct us Lord, our golden calf
Has lulled our hearts to sleep.
The gap between the rich and poor
Grows ever wider, shore to shore.
There’s racial hate, religious war
And wolves among the sheep.
(Repeat Chorus)
Indwell us Lord, and purify
Our hands to work for You.
Enlist us Lord, to serve nearby
And ʻcross the waters, too.
Your image-bearers on the earth
Will never know how much theyʼre worth
Unless we love and help them first
And show the way to You!
Our hands to work for You.
Enlist us Lord, to serve nearby
And ʻcross the waters, too.
Your image-bearers on the earth
Will never know how much theyʼre worth
Unless we love and help them first
And show the way to You!
(Repeat Chorus)
Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate. Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing river. + Amos 5:14-15, 24
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
To God and to the Lamb, we will sing, we will sing;
Oh how high, oh how wide, oh how deep is Your love!
And when from death we're free, we'll sing on, we’ll sing on;
(Repeat bridge)
Wondrous Love
By Journey Collective (original by Anonymous)
1811 A.D.What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb, we will sing, we will sing;
To God and to the Lamb we will sing.
To God and to the Lamb who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, we will sing, we will sing;
While millions join the theme, we will sing.
To God and to the Lamb who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, we will sing, we will sing;
While millions join the theme, we will sing.
Oh how high, oh how wide, oh how deep is Your love!
Oh my soul, set on fire by Your wondrous love for us!
And when from death we're free, we'll sing on, we’ll sing on;
And when from death we're free, we’ll sing on.
And when from death we're free, we’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity we’ll sing on, we’ll sing on,
And through eternity we’ll sing on.
And when from death we're free, we’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity we’ll sing on, we’ll sing on,
And through eternity we’ll sing on.
(Repeat bridge)
Lord, I Need You
By Matt Maher (original by Chris Tomlin)
2011 A.D.Lord, I come, I confess,
Bowing here I find my rest.
Without You I fall apart.
You're the One that guides my heart.
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You,
Every hour I need You;
My one defense,
My righteousness,
Oh God, how I need You!
Where sin runs deep,
Your grace is more.
Where grace is found is
Where You are.
And where You are,
Lord, I am free,
Holiness is Christ in me!
(Repeat Chorus)
Teach my song to rise to You.
When temptation comes my way,
And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on You.
Jesus, You're my hope and stay.
(Repeat Chorus)
Nothing I Hold Onto (Climb This Mountain)
By United Pursuit Band
2010 A.D.I lean not on
My own understanding,
My life is in the hands
Of the Maker of Heaven.
I give it all to You, God,
Trusting that You'll make
Something beautiful out of me!
I will climb this mountain
With my hands wide open,
I will climb this mountain
With my hands wide open!
There is nothing I hold on to,
There is nothing I hold on to,
There is nothing I hold on to,
There is nothing I hold on to!
Yes Lord, Yes | In My Weakness Gospel Medley
By Shirley Caesar and Stephanie Robinson
2007 A.D., 1994 A.D.
I’ll say yes, Lord, yes
To Your will and to Your way!
I’ll say yes, Lord, yes
I will trust You and obey!
When Your Spirit speaks to me
With my whole heart I’ll agree,
And my answer will be
Yes Lord, yes!
In my weakness
You my God are strong.
In my trials, You are my song.
I fall on my knees, I can’t go on,
By Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago
2013 A.D.My God is awesome,
He can move mountains,
Keep me in the valley,
Hide me from the rain.
My God is awesome,
Heals me when I'm broken,
Strength where I've been weakened,
Forever He will reign!
My God is awesome, awesome,
Awesome, awesome!
My God is awesome, awesome,
Awesome, awesome!
My God is awesome,
Savior of the whole world
Giver of salvation,
By His stripes I am healed
My God is awesome,
Today I am forgiven
His grace is why I'm living,
Praise His holy name!
(Repeat Chorus)
He's mighty, He's mighty,
He's mighty, He's mighty,
Awesome, awesome!
He's holy, He's holy,
He's holy, He's holy,
Awesome, awesome!
He's great, He's great,
He's great, He's great,
Awesome, awesome!
He's mighty, He's mighty,
He's mighty, He's mighty,
Awesome, Awesome!
Deliverer, Deliverer,
Deliverer, Deliverer,
Awesome, awesome!
He's holy, He's holy,
He's holy, He's holy,
Awesome, awesome!
Provider, Provider,
Provider, Provider,
Awesome, awesome!
Protector, Protector,
Protector, Protector,
Awesome, awesome!
My God is awesome,
He can move mountains
Keep me in the valley,
Hide me from the rain.
My God is awesome,
Heals me when I'm broken
Strength where I've been weakened,
Praise His holy name.
I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. + Psalm 18:1-2
Doxology
By Thomas Ken
Praise Him above ye heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Next post: Ruth 1:20-2:23: The God of Love's Gracious Surprises + Saturday, July 16, 2016
1674 A.D.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!Praise Him above ye heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Benediction
May God bless you so you may deeply know that blessing and bless others.
May God keep you so as you know God's embrace you then reach out to embrace others.
May God's face shine upon you so you may experience with others the warm light of creating together with God.
May God be gracious to you so our practices of justice don't feel like rules but like freedom and joy.
May God's face turn to you so you know you aren't left to do this alone.
May God give you peace so step by step we practice moving together toward the flourishing of God's Kingdom.
+ Numbers 6:24-26 and Slow Kingdom Coming
– Sully
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