Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

April 5: Ruth 1-2; Psalm 53, 61; 2Corinthians 5

Scripture: Ruth (NIV) 2:23 So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

Observation: Ruth, the great grandmother of King David, would become the wife of Boaz, a wealthy land owner with servants who worked his fields. My attention was drawn to her beginnings. She was a foreigner who was diligent in her work. She identified with the servants. The foreman reported to Boaz how “steadily” she worked. Boaz’s attention was drawn to Ruth’s selfless service to her mother-in-law and her attitude toward work.

Application: My “church” ministry started about age 10; I remember helping my mom clean the church. Later I remember times when I cleaned it by myself. I have learned that in God’s Kingdom, even though the job may change, we start out as servants and we continue as servants. I have learned that there are great benefits to being a servant! (Just read the short book of Ruth!) Being a servant is not something we outgrow. In their letters Paul (in Philippians and Titus), James, Peter, and Jude identified themselves as servants. Of course, it all depends on who I am serving!

Prayer: Lord, it is my privilege to be YOUR servant. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!