The Bible contains many words of fighting talk. Fix the nets that have broken. Mend the bones that have broken. Repair the damage to the ship after the storm. Tend to the lambs and sheep who have been hurt.

1 – Strong leadership in the midst of difficulties

See Zechariah 13:7 – “Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter”. Sheep require a strong shepherd. In the Bible it is the shepherd who leads the sheep. We must look to those leaders who have stayed with the church and the Lord through difficulties.

2 – The enemy and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18)

The church is under attack so watch out for wolves who seek to get at stray sheep. See Acts 20:17, 28-31.

3 – Rumours can frighten the flock

A good shepherd will lead you to quiet waters. See Psalm 23:2 & 2 Samuel 13:30-33.

4 – Dealing with difficulties (Ruth 1:1-2:7)

Notice the different ways these women dealt with difficulties.

• Orpah – She turned back. She gave up. She returned to Moab and was never heard of again.
• Naomi – She became bitter. (See 1:19-22).
• Ruth – She trusted in the Lord. Her faith kept her going on. As a result she experienced Gods’ blessings. See Ruth 1:15-18; Ruth 2:8-13.

1. The Jewish Sanhedrin and religious leaders saw her as the perfect proselyte (convert) to Judaism. There was salvation to the Gentiles!
2. A godly husband, Boaz. He was a kinsman-redeemer.
3. Through the lineage of Boaz and Ruth came Obed, Jesse, David and eventually Jesus Christ!
4. A good name. See Ruth 3:11 & 4:14-16.

Categories: Hebrews