soaring hope

We are beginning a new series of messages. It is based on the Book of Ruth.

The Old Testament Book of Ruth is endearing to many because it is a love story. Though ancient, its themes resonate today: a young woman meets a man. They fall in love. The man goes to great lengths to make this woman his own, and in the process saves her from a life of destitution. They marry and end up having an enduring and famous relationship. 

However, it is not as a love story that this Bible book speaks to us most powerfully. It’s more important lesson is about hope. The Book of Ruth teaches us that we can hope even when life gives us no apparent reason for hope, because God’s faithfulness never changes. 

John Piper summarizes the book’s lessons well:

• It's a story for people who wonder where God is when there are no dreams or visions or   prophets. 
  

• It's for people who wonder where God is when one tragedy after another attacks their faith.
  

• It's a story for people who wonder whether a life of integrity in tough times is worth it. 
  

• And it's a story for people who can't imagine that anything great could ever come of their ordinary lives of faith.
  

What is the state of your hope? Could you use more of it?  The series is called “Soaring Hope”, and I pray that it will help your “hope-level” to rise! 

                                                                                                                              --Pastor Tom

 

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