Sunday, 24^th December 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: JOY AND HOPE ARE COME TO MANKIND

THEME SCRIPTURE: “So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.” – Ruth 1:22

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Where do you turn to and who do you look to in your moments of trials?

 

When God gave mankind Jesus Christ His Son, He gave us joy but also hope we never could have thought of.”

After the days of the porphet, which Malachi is considered the last prophet, 400 years elapsed and there was no major word from God to His people. During this time, you can expect that life was full of uncertainty. The voice of certainty was then not active among the people of Israel. Then, a virgin by name Mary was visited by an angel and the gloomy story changed. While there was a break and a silence, something was cooking. That which the prophets prophesied; the singular theme which did run through their prophecies was going to be unveiled. God was going to walk among men. Joy and hope was coming. 

In our focus text (Ruth1:22) we learn that Naomi,  accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, returned to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest. After enduring years of trials, losing her husband and two sons, Naomi through divine providence chose a moment of profound significance to return to her covenant community – precisely during the barley harvest, which marked the beginning of a series of joyful spring harvests in Israel. Similarly, the time God was going to give the Savior to mankind was at a time the Roman iron feet was crushing down and stamping hard the liberty and freedom of many nations. In Bethlehem (which means the house of bread), a Savior was going to be born.

Dearly beloved in Christ, the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz's meeting during this significant season of harvest emphasizes the idea that when it seems that hope is gone and joy has ceased God brings His best our way. 

Beloved, when it comes to God there is nothing as future. He has seen the future and it is history to Him. This is why what He says matters. From the garden of Eden, Christmas was history to Him. It was a great disappointment to God when man relinquished his liberty and dominion. Yet within God's perfect plan for mankind was an inbuilt recovery mode whereby no matter what man would do with his freewill, there will always be a door of hope and recovery. That door is Jesus.

Christmas reflects no mere celebration. It is a time we celebrate God's deliverance for mankind; His hope made available to us all.

Is there a family member you're think his case is hopeless? This Christmas, reflect on the fact that God's best comes our way when there seems to be no hope. Is there a friend who has lost his or her joy? Bring to that same person God's glad tidings- Jesus, his Savior, lives forever more.

Indeed, joy to the world because the Lord is come; let the earth receive her king. O, that you would be drawn to your Saviour and King this Christmas. O, that you will see Jesus as the reason for the season; finding a renewed hope and joy in Christ to continue in Him, with Him  and for Him. God bless you!

 

FURTHER READING – Psalm 31

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so. 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Do you believe that those who trust in God will never be put to shame?

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me by Your Holy Spirit to continually trust in You and to rest in the assurance that since my times are in Your hands, all things will work out for my good in Christ Jesus, Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Job 33; Zechariah 9; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation9