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In what ways do we see God’s Spirit at work in the books of Judges and Ruth?
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20 Replies
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We see God’s Spirit at work in the books of Judges and Ruth when He demonstrates His mercy and His judgment. In Judges, God disciplines Israel whenever they disobey and turn from His ways, but He also is always ready to receive them back, and show them kindness and mercy.
In Ruth, we see that even when life circumstances bring pain and sorrow, God will turn things around for good when we trust and obey Him. It may take a while, but God is faithful to give us peace and victory when we follow His plan and purpose.
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ruling over His people, then they ask for a king like the other nations in truth utterly rejecting God to rule over them, God chooses Saul, however, he will be succeeded by David because he was the lineage through which Christ would come.
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God’s Spirit worked in Judges as He disciplined Israel, in love though they were disobedience. In Ruth the Spirit of God showed how He can restore and provide for those who trust in Him. He allowed Ruth to turn from her God to the true and living God. Then allowed her to be the care-giver for Naomi. Naomi who thought God dealt bitterly with her so she wnated to be called ,”Marrah.” God showed up for the them in a mighty way causing their lineage to be the one that will produce Kings. God works in mysterious ways to fulfill His plan for mankind.
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In the book of Judges, despite the idolatry, immorality and the unfaithfulness of the Israelites to God’s covenant, God’s Spirit was at work to raise judges at different places at different points of time to deliver His people when they called out to Him. He also raised these judges to turn them from idols back to God, which they did so, at least temporarily. From this sporadic leadership, we see the need for Israel to have a good king.
In the book of Ruth, God’s Spirit was at work to convert Ruth, a Moabite woman, to worship the true God. Even the calamity that befell this family was used in God’s wisdom and sovereignty to bring Naomi and Moab back to Israel. Here, again under the hand of God, circumstances transpired such that Ruth would eventually wed a righteous man Boaz. Finally, we realize that God’s Spirit was not merely working out good things for a woman. God was working out good things for the nation. God was preparing the lineage of David, who we realize later will become a good king over Israel.
#Judges Ruth
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God is a forgiving God, full or mercy and faithfulness. He cares for His own not willing for any to perish but to come to repentance. Time and again in Judges we see this very thing. As the sheep that wanders away from the flock the Shepherd will find it and bring it back leaving the 99. Israel and Christians today are the same. We both need a redeemer and God in His faithfulness and love provides one.