Fear No Fear

(All scripture from the World English Bible, ebible.org, all rights reserved)

“Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?”
(Ruth 3:1)

“Open your mouth for the mute,
    in the cause of all who are left desolate.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
    and serve justice to the poor and needy.””
(Proverbs 31:8-9)

Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz all have the same motivation throughout this story: charity. Generosity and helpfulness. Provision of security. It is a very Messianic character trait. It’s what Messiah is meant to do. Provide for God’s people (Jew and Gentile), be generous to them, help them, and provide them security without end. Mercy and constant grace is shown by these three people to these three people. It’s layered and protective. Through their actions for each other, a way is made not only for the present but also for the future.

The true business of kings is defending the weak by using their power to give help to those who are helpless. Self-control, not excess, is the path to keeping your eyes clear. If the king was to foster a lifestyle where they were always giving into their urges, they would be unable to see the needs of those who had no voice. Who could not cut through the roar of personal pleasure with their cries. It is how rulers, leaders, and governments forget what it is they are meant to do. It is how they become self-serving and concerned only with perpetuating their position.

Summary

God calls us more than friends (John 15:15), and more than children (1 John 3). God calls us KINGS (Revelation 1:6). We are also priests, but it is almost easier to tend to people’s spiritual needs than their physical ones. It can be easier to minister, pray, and support them than it is to sacrifice, bless, and lift them to where they have functional lives and possible futures. Our mission is and has always been outward facing (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). Compassion is a key value of the Kingdom. Jesus had a heart of compassion and we are to model Him. By renewing our minds with the Word, we can start growing His Fruit in our hearts and dealing with the world around us as He always meant us to.