Renewal
GOD’S WORD
Ruth 4; Colossians 1:22; I John 1:9
As a little girl, I remember watching my grandmother take time each month to clean her silver tea set. She carried the tray with all its pieces to the sink, painstakingly washed each one, and then after they dried, applied a paste to remove any blemishes. I loved how she carefully handled each piece; taking a small, soft brush to clean out the intricate details engraved into each pot, cup, sugar and creamer bowl. When I was a little older, she would even let me help her. As I stood next to her at the sink, with the warm, sudsy water, we would take turns washing and rinsing carefully.
If you have ever owned anything silver, then you know the pesky black film that covers the metal over time. Sterling silver is an alloy containing other metals such as copper. When elements in the air mix with the metals, it is susceptible to tarnishing. The discoloration can be cleaned off but sometimes needs a little help with a gritty polishing agent and lots of scrubbing. The longer between washings, the darker and more blemished, the silver gets. But miraculously, when the polish is applied, the silver returns to its original brilliance.
The blemishes in our own lives can be just as dark and burdensome as the buildup on that silver tea service. Whether because of the sins we have participated in, or hardships that have come over time, we can become weary, weather torn, and worn down. Our hearts are tarnished and the only way for them to return to brilliance is through our own Family Redeemer, Jesus.
Paul states in Colossians 1:22, “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Jesus died on the cross so that you might be free of that burden of sin. Perhaps it is not just sin, but the elements of life that have darkened your exterior. Jesus helps with that too. He is here for you to care for you and make you brilliant again. John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
In the culminating chapter of Ruth, the young widow finds herself in the midst of a pivotal moment for her family. For months, maybe years, loss and hardship ravaged Naomi and her daughter-in-law and threatened their family’s legacy. What should have been a bright future for the young woman, was tarnished by the death of loved ones, extreme disease and famine. Two men had the opportunity to intervene and redeem the family name for Elimelech, and ultimately Ruth and Naomi. We only know the name of one: Boaz.
Perhaps we root for Boaz, because we are given the details of his kindness from the beginning. With each word spoken, with each stalk of grain left to glean, and each ounce of protection bestowed on to Ruth, it is as if you can see the change occur right before your eyes. In each act of kindness, Ruth’s brilliance was being renewed.
It wasn’t until the sandals were taken off and exchanged however, that Ruth and Elimelek’s redemption was complete. When Boaz made the other guardian-redeemer aware that Ruth and Elimelek’s family name were a part of the deal, the unnamed man could not risk His own estate. He released himself of the obligation which allowed for Boaz to redeem Ruth and her family. The proceedings suddenly turned into a ceremony. The witnesses immediately shared their blessings and well wishes upon Ruth and Boaz. “Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel” (Ruth 4:11). A woman with a bleak and tarnished past, now had a hope filled future.
The silver tea set from my childhood, now displayed in my dining room, reminds me of those precious memories with my grandmother, and holds significance in another way now. Instead of my grandmother beside me, it is now my Heavenly Father, showing me how He cleanses each person and where He needs a soft brush or perhaps a polishing cloth. He has placed a calling on my life to bring the precious people under my influence to the cleansing sink of Jesus. “Handle them with care,” He says, “They are precious to Me.” You are precious to Him, dear reader, and He desires to make you brilliant again.
OUR CORPORATE PRAYER
Father into Your strong arms we throw ourselves that we might overcome anything and everything Satan may throw our way. We know that we will be protected by the same arms that were outstreched for us upon and old rugged cross.
Please Father create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us.
And its in Your name we make this prayer, amen.