Ruth 1 – A Love Story

Ruth 1 – A Love Story                                 April 28, 2018 

The Book of Ruth is a book of prophecy. It is a book of love and carries this romance along, brings out the romance of redemption and gives us hints about God’s plan; example about the Kinsman-Redeemer (the theme) that points to Jesus, Israel and the Church.  Author is Unknown. 

This event is historical, an event that actually happened; it occurred in the time of the first half of Judges, around 11 century B.C..  There are applications from this book that will apply to our own lives.  We see Ruth faithfulness are clear implications of our Lord’s redeeming work.  Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, point to Jesus, Ruth portrays enters new life through Jesus. 

Bethlehem  to the Cross; to the Crown; to the Throne of David. The Kinsman-Redeemer; the distinction between the Church and the Nation Israel.  We need to understand this, is essential to understand the Book of Revelation.  The Jewish people read this book on Pentecost every year. 

Book of Ruth 

Chapter 1: Love’s Resolve, Deciding - Ruth staying close to Naomi

Chapter 2: Love’s Response, Serving - Ruth gleaning

Chapter 3: Love’s Request, Resting - The Threshing Floor Scene

Chapter 4: Love’s Rewarded - The Redemption of both Land and Bride 

*Matthew 1:5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,  {Rahab, Ruth – Gentile Brides in Jesus lineage} {Notice, Rahab, Ruth have no death recorded} 

Naomi Widowed, Famine in Judah 

Ruth 1:1 Now there came a time of famine while judges were ruling in the land of Israel. A man from Bethlehem of Judah, his wife, and his two sons left to live in the country of Moab.   (Jewish family)   

This first verse tells us what happen, where it took place, when it took place, and how it took place.  Bethlehem is about 5 miles south of Jerusalem. 

The period of time about 400 years when the judges ruled was after Joshua had conquered the land, but before King Saul, is when Ruth takes place during that time period.  The famine is one of 13 famine mention in the Bible is the reason the family had to leave their home.   

Because of the Book of Ruth, the House of David is link to Bethlehem 

*Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting." 

Remember, Country of Moab;  Moab was the son of Lot and one of his daughters.  

*Genesis 19:36-37 That's how both of Lot's daughters became pregnant by their father. (37) The firstborn gave birth to a son and named him Moab, and he is the ancestor of the Moabites to this day. 

*Deuteronomy 23:3 "No Ammonite or Moabite may participate in the assembly of the LORD, and none of their descendants shall be admitted to the assembly of the LORD, to the tenth generation, 

Living in Moab 

Ruth 1:2 The man's name was Elimelech, his wife's name was Naomi, and their two sons were named Mahlon and Chilion--Ephrathites from Bethlehem of Judah. They journeyed to the country of Moab and lived there for some time.  

Names of the family, who are the players: 

Elimelech: “God is my king.” (Interesting name: during the time of the judges they had no king.)

Naomi: “pleasant.”

Mara (Naomi): means bitter

Machlon: means “to be sick.” “unhealthy, sickly.”

Chilion: “wasting” or “pining.”

Orpah: “fawn,” or “gazelle.”

Ruth:  “friendship,” “desirable.” 

The route to the pagan land of Moab, had to go past Jericho, Judean wilderness near the Dead Sea, across the Jordan River and into the land of Moab, with the intention to return. 

Ruth 1:3 Then Naomi's husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons.  

Ruth 1:4 Each of her sons married Moabite women: one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. After they lived there about ten years, 

Machlon married Ruth (4:10), Chilion married Orpah. 

Jews were forbidden to marry Gentile women, especially those from Ammon and Moab 

Ruth 1:5 both Mahlon and Chilion died, leaving Naomi alone with neither her husband nor her two sons.

{lost male protector, become dependent on society} 

When Elimelech left Bethlehem, he lost his property, either sold it or lost it by debt and part of this story will deal with “redeeming the land.” 

To be a childless widow was to be among the lowest, most disadvantaged women in the ancient world. There was no one to support them, and you had to live on the help from strangers.  Only recourse for them was to go home to Bethlehem. 

Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi, return to Judah 

Ruth 1:6 She and her daughters-in-law prepared to return from the country of Moab, because she had heard while living there how the LORD had come to the aid of his people, giving them relief. 

Ruth 1:7 So she left the place where she had been, along with her two daughters-in-law, and they traveled along the return road to the land of Judah.     

Ruth 1:8 But along the way, Naomi told her two daughters-in-law, "Each of you go back home. Return to your mother's house. May the LORD show his gracious love to you, as you have shown me and our loved ones who have died.    

Ruth 1:9 The LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband." So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 

Notice Naomi described marriage as a place of rest or security.  

Ruth and Orpah would be better off in Moab than Bethlehem where they would be outcasts.  Naomi freely blessed them and prayed that they would remarry. 

When the women wept shows evidence of the real relationship of love between Naomi and her daughter-in-laws. 

Ruth 1:10 They both replied to her, "No! We will go back with you to your people." 

Ruth loyal decision 

Ruth 1:11 But Naomi responded, "Go back, my daughters. Why go with me? Are there still sons to be born to me as future husbands for you? 

According to the laws of ancient Israel, if a young woman was left widowed, without having had a son, then one of her deceased husband’s brothers was responsible for being a “surrogate father” and providing her with a son. Naomi here says that she has no other sons to give 

Ruth 1:12 So go on back, my daughters! Be on your way! I'm too old to remarry. If I were to say that I'm hoping for a husband tonight and then also bore sons this very night, 

Ruth 1:13 would you wait for them until they were grown? Would you refrain from marriage for them? No, my daughters! I'm more deeply grieved than you, because the LORD is working against me!" 

Naomi recognized what happen to her was not by pure chance, but by the hand of God.  What did she do, leave Israel and marrying her sons.  Notice, she did not grow bitter against God.  Israel law – Levirate marriage. 

Ruth 1:14 They began to cry loudly again. So Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye, but Ruth remained with her. 

Ruth stayed with Naomi because she needed someone to take care of her.  What happen to Orpah, we do not know.   

Ruth 1:15 Naomi told Ruth, "Look, your sister-in-law has returned to her people and to her gods. Follow your sister-in-law!" 

Moab national god was called Chemosh which has human sacrifices. 

*Numbers 21:29  Woe to you, Moab! You are destroyed, you people of Chemosh! He has given up his sons as fugitives and his daughters have gone into captivity to Sihon, king of the Amorites. 

Ruth 1:16 But Ruth answered, "Stop urging me to abandon you and to turn back from following you. Because wherever you go, I'll go. Wherever you live, I'll live. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. 

Famous saying comes from:  your God, my God.   

Ruth was raised in Moab, an idol-worshiping Gentile country.  She was abandoning everything, not because she was married to a husband, but to follow her mother-in-law, including adopting a strange and totally different way of life.  Was this by the example of her life, which Naomi set for Ruth. 

Ruth 1:17 Where you die, I'll die and be buried. May the LORD do this to me--and more--if anything except death comes between you and me." 

Interesting, Ruth invoked the name of God (Lord) in her oath and not the name of Moeb Chemosh god.  Ruth intends to care for Naomi's burial and the rituals connected with death, and to be buried in the same place as Naomi.  She totally cast her lot in with Naomi and set aside her formal life. 

How then could Ruth enter into the congregation of the Lord?  By trusting God’s grace and throwing herself completely on His mercy. Law excludes us from God’s family, but grace includes us if we put our faith in Christ. 

Ruth 1:18 When Naomi observed Ruth's determination to travel with her, she ended the conversation. 

Naomi and Ruth Return, back to Bethlehem 

Ruth 1:19 Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the women said, "Is this Naomi?" 

This would make a journey of about 75 mi., and not a straight or level path. It meant they would have to descend from the Moabite highlands to the Jordan Valley, a descent of 4,500 feet, followed by an ascent to Bethlehem of 3,750 feet, walking through desert territory, through the Wilderness of Judah.  There was probably less 200 people in town. 

Ruth 1:20 But Naomi replied, "Don't call me 'Naomi'! Call me 'Mara'! That's because the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me. 

Remember, Mara means bitter. She felt this way, but she was not bitter against the Lord. Naomi came back repentant and honest about her situation. 

Ruth 1:21 I left here full, but the LORD brought me back empty. So why call me 'Naomi'? After all, the LORD is against me, and the Almighty has broken me."   {she believe God was behind all things and her course in life} 

Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned to Bethlehem from the country of Moab, along with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabite woman. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. 

Barley ripens before wheat and began to be reaped or harvest sometimes as early as March or April, when rainy season came to an end. 

Maps of trip of Naomi and Ruth,

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=naomi+travel+from+moab+to+bethlehem+map&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS541US541&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjvqYCpzt_aAhWKyoMKHazyCvMQsAR6BAgAEEQ#imgrc=_&spf=1525009311649

 

 

 

Mark 6:35-56 Unbelief of Jesus Disciples

Mark 6:35-56  Unbelief of Jesus Disciples         April 14, 2018

God takes unbelief seriously. So should we.  Chapter 6 Outline.  This is what is covered in Chapter 6

•      The Unbelief of His Friends           Mark 6:1-13

•      The Unbelief of His Enemies         Mark 6:14-34

•         The Unbelief of His Disciples     Mark 6:35-56

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Mark 6:34 When he got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd. He had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.

This happen around the Passover time – March/April.

Mark 6:35  When it was quite late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and it's already late.

*Luke 9:12 As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away to the neighboring villages and farms so they can rest and get some food, because we are here in a deserted place."

Mark 6:36 Send the crowds away so that they can go to the neighboring farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat."

The day is almost gone. It is drawing near night.

So they are out in the boondocks and a large crowd at the end of the day. 

*John 6:5-6 When Jesus looked up and saw that a large crowd was coming toward him, he asked Philip, "Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?" (6) Jesus said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do.  (Notice, to test Philip)

Mark 6:37  But he answered them, "You give them something to eat. "They asked him, "Should we go and buy 200 denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?"  (they have a crowd and no one has a budget)

*Luke 9:13 But he told them, "You give them something to eat. "They replied, "We have nothing more than five loaves of bread and two fish--unless we go and buy food for all these people."

The amount required to purchase that much bread equates to about a 2/3 to a year’s wages.

Denarii: the Roman penny is the daily pay of a Roman soldier in the time of Christ. 

*John 6:7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread isn't enough for each of them to have a little."

Mark 6:38 He asked them, "How many loaves of bread do you have? Go and see. "They found out and told him, "Five loaves and two fish."

Someone little boy brought their lunch.  Did it take faith of the person who had the fish and bread to give to Jesus.

It was the disciple Andrew who discovered a lad who apparently had brought his lunch.

*John 6:8-9 One of his disciples, Andrew, who was Simon Peter's brother, told him, (9) "There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two small fish. But what are these among so many people?"

Is this another test of the disciples faith yet again.

Mark 6:39 Then he ordered them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.

Green grass:  is inserted by Mark alone, in his usual graphic way.  Green grass: Only Mark includes this scenic detail.  Why green grass, a deeper meaning. What does it tell us - Time of year, not desert, etc? 

*John 6:4 Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. (this happen before Passover – March or April)

*John 6:10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was plenty of grass in that area, so they sat down, numbering about 5,000 men.

*Matthew 14:21 Now those who had eaten were about 5,000 men, besides women and children.

Mark 6:40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.

So many different guess on how they sat down:  fifty or 100 in rank or depth, and a hundred or 50 in file or front?  They had to serve them.

*Luke 9:14 Now there were about 5,000 men. So he told his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about 50."

*Luke 9:15 They did this and got all of them seated.

Mark 6:41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed them. Then he broke the loaves in pieces and kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.

*Matthew 14:19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed them. Then he broke the loaves in pieces and gave them to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

*John 6:11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were seated. He also distributed as much fish as they wanted.

*Luke 9:16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed them. Then he broke the loaves in pieces and kept giving them to the disciples to pass on to the crowd.

Multiplication of the loaves took place in Jesus' hands as He continued or kept on giving the bread and fish to the disciples.  Did they had the basket then.

Mark 6:42  All of them ate and were filled.  

*Luke 9:17 All of them ate and were filled. When they collected the leftover pieces, there were twelve baskets.

Mark 6:43  Then the disciples picked up twelve baskets full of leftover bread and fish.  (why 12 baskets - left-over basket for each disciple)

Twelve baskets - These were either the baskets belonging to the disciples which they carried their provisions, or baskets belonging to some of the multitude, who might have brought some with them to carry provisions, or other things necessary for the sick, whom they brought to Christ to be healed.

*Matthew 14:20 All of them ate and were filled. Then the disciples picked up what was left of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.

*John 6:12 When they were completely satisfied, Jesus told his disciples, "Collect the pieces that are left over so that nothing is wasted."  (Why nothing wasted?)

*Luke 9:17 All of them ate and were filled. When they collected the leftover pieces, there were twelve baskets.

The lesson in faith for the disciples is that Jesus is the source of their sustenance.

Mark 6:44  There were 5,000 men who had eaten the loaves.

It was Jewish practice to number a crowd by the number of men.

Besides women and children: Assuming at least an equal number of women and children—having used one of their lunches!—the total was twice what is commonly taught: 5,000 + 5,000 = 10,000? And

—the total was twice what is commonly taught: 5,000 + 5,000 = 10,000+? 

Jesus Walks on the Water, on the Lake

*John 6:14-15 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they kept saying, "Truly this is the Prophet who was to come into the world!" (15) Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, withdrew again to the hillside by himself.  (a miracle, Jesus sent them away, both disciples and people)

Truly this is the Prophet:

*Deuteronomy 18:15 "The LORD your God will raise up a prophet like me for you from among your relatives. You must listen to him.

*John 6:16-17 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, (17) got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. Darkness had already fallen, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

Mark 6:45 Jesus immediately had his disciples get into a boat and cross to Bethsaida ahead of him, while he sent the crowd away.  (by themselves)

*Matthew 14:22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.  

Notice the disciples were made to get into the boat.  They did not want to go without Him.  Wonder how He did it.  People wanted to make Him king.

Mark 6:46 After saying goodbye to them, he went upon a mountain to pray.

*Matthew 14:23 After dismissing the crowds, he went up on a hillside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

He retired to the mountain alone - Having ordered his disciples to cross over the lake.  He said goodbye?

In the previous storm, He was with them. This time He was on the mountain praying for them. He was teaching them to live by faith. He sent them in the ship alone.  We know Jesus is in Heaven praying and interceding for each of us.

Mark 6:47 When evening had come, the boat was in the middle of the sea, while he was alone on the land. (It was now dark, and Jesus has not gone to them)

*John 6:16-17 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, (17) got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. Darkness had already fallen, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

*Matthew 14:24-25 By this time the boat was in the middle of the sea and was being battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. (25) Shortly before dawn Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.

Mark 6:48  He (Jesus) saw that his disciples were straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.   (only walking – another test to the disciple faith)

These professional fishermen were concerned that they might be swamped and working hard with the oars.  Jesus observed the distress the disciples were in. Did Jesus walk fast or normal to the boat.  Probably tired after 3 miles.  Fourth watch: 3 - 6 AM.

*John 6:18-19 A strong wind was blowing, and the sea was getting rough. (19) After they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea toward their boat. They became terrified.

Mark 6:49  but when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and began to scream.

*Matthew 14:26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified and cried out, "It's a ghost!" And they screamed in terror.

Did you realize the disciples believe in ghost?  Did Jesus confirm it?

*Luke 24:37-39 They were startled and terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. (38) But Jesus told them, "What's frightening you? And why are you doubting? (39) Look at my hands and my feet, because it's really me. Touch me and look at me, because a ghost doesn't have flesh and bones as you see that I have."

Walking upon the sea: Interesting side, this event is not recorded.   Mark (wrote for Peter, really is Peter Gospel) omits the story of Peter attempting to join Jesus.  To embarrassing Peter?  Only Matthew has it.

*Matthew 14:28-32  Peter answered him, "Lord, if it's you, order me to come to you on the water." (29) Jesus said, "Come on!" So Peter got down out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came to Jesus. (30) But when he noticed the strong wind, he was frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, "Lord, save me!" (31) At once Jesus reached out his hand, caught him, and asked him, "You who have so little faith, why did you doubt?" (32) As they got into the boat, the wind stopped blowing. 

Mark 6:50  All of them saw him and were terrified. Immediately he told them, "Have courage! It is I. Stop being afraid!"

*John 6:20 But he told them, "It is I. Stop being afraid!"

Mark 6:51 Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped blowing. The disciples were utterly astounded,

*John 6:21 So they were glad to take him on board, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

*Matthew 14:32-33 As they got into the boat, the wind stopped blowing. (33) Then the men in the boat began to worship Jesus, saying, "You certainly are the Son of God!"

Interesting, we just had 3 miracles done.

(1) In the darkness Jesus saw the disciples out in the storm miles away.

(2) Jesus walked on the water.

(3) Jesus showed complete control over His creation when the wind

stopped.

Mark 6:52 because they didn't understand the significance of the loaves. Instead, their hearts were hardened.

This is most disturbing to me. Feeding the 5000 plus, did they just forgot this miracle and lost their faith so fast.  But aren’t we also guilty? 

Even a disciple of Jesus can be slow to understand His power and fail to respond to the spiritual lessons that must be learned in the course of  our walk in the Christian life. 

If we really understand who He is, none of these narratives are surprising. A lot of time, I do not think we really understand who Jesus really is by our actions.

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

Mark 6:53  When they had crossed over, they came ashore at Gennesaret and anchored the boat.

*Matthew 14:34 They crossed over and came ashore at Gennesaret.

This land was on the west side of the Sea of Galilee.  Use anchors, must be fairly large ship or tied to the land with rope.

Mark 6:54 As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus.

*Matthew 14:35 When the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word throughout that region and brought him everyone who was sick.

The people knew who Jesus was, having seen and heard him before.

Mark 6:55  They ran all over the countryside and began carrying the sick on their mats to any place where they heard he was.

Words gets around and every place Jesus goes is healing individuals.

Mark 6:56  Wherever he went, whether into villages, towns, or farms, people would place their sick in the marketplaces and beg him to let them touch even the tassel of his garment, and everyone who touched it was healed.

*Matthew 14:36 They kept begging him to let them touch just the tassel of his garment, and everyone who touched it was completely healed.

Again, the borders of the garments were a target.

When people say, “Have faith!” That is an empty suggestion unless it is faith in Jesus!

Faith Does Not Save Us, we are saved not by our faith, but by the One in whom we trust. It is Jesus who saves us.

*Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.

Last Day of Unleavened Bread

Last Day of Unleavened Bread                  April 06, 2018

 

Leviticus 23:7-8 On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it. (8) But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD for seven days. The seventh day shall be a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it.' " 

We are here today to celebrate this High Day, the Last Day of Unleavened Bread.  A sacred assembly, we are told to meet together. 

How did it go this last week?  Did we make an effort to eat Unleavened Bread every day or meal?  Are we already tired of the Unleavened Bread?  Are we ready for some bread, like a hamburger, ice cream cone, regular bread or hot rolls?  What will be the first thing you will eat with leaven? 

What I ask now, what are we going to do now.  We are on the last day of Unleavened Bread.  We ate unleavened bread through the 7 days of Unleavened Bread.  

From the Scriptures It looks like the Children of Israel came out of Egypt (a type of sin used in the Scriptures) on this Last Day of Unleavened Bread; led by, delivered by, and baptize by God. 

Because Israel experienced a type of baptism in passing through the Red Sea on the last day of Unleavened Bread about 3,500 years ago 

1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, (2) all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, (3) all ate the same spiritual food, (4) and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 

This was the baptism of all of Israel that came out of Egypt (in the cloud and in the sea) on the last day of Unleavened Bread (came out of sin). The day that we are keeping, celebrating, observing today.  

Just as God saved the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and anguish – leading them through the Red Sea – God through the Power of His Holy Spirit saves and delivers us – His People, today, from Slavery and Sin and the difficult problems we face – even the major obstacles that we think stand in the way of our Christian lives. 

When we study the time line of events when Israel left Egypt – we will find that more than likely; Israel came out this “Morning” – the Last Day of Unleavened Bread.  They came completely out of Egypt (sin), crossing through the Red Sea. 

The Children of Israel were unable to escape from Egypt by their own power; then needed God’s help, for God’s deliverance.  Parting of the Red Sea. 

This Last Day of Unleavened Bread Pictures coming completely out of sin – but let’s understand this: we desperately need God’s help because we cannot overcome sin – we cannot conquer sin, without God’s help. 

First, what is sin: 

1 John 3:4 ISV Everyone who keeps living in sin also practices disobedience. In fact, sin is disobedience. 

1 John 3:4 NKJV Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 

1 John 3:4 KJV  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 

Paul tells us: 

Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 

Tragically, sin in any amount will distance us from God. 

We must cry out to God; we must plead with Him to help us.  We need the power of God’s Holy Spirit. 

Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. (2) But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. 

Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears. 

1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 

2 Corinthians 7:10  For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 

God knows that to overcome sin and obey Him we need His Spiritual help, therefore, He wants us to know that He is there for us in times of need. 

Brethren, let’s understand that we are in “distress” because we are sinners.  Again, this Holy Day pictures our coming completely out of sin.

These are eternal spiritual principles – they are sure and positive when we put sin completely out of our lives. 

Galatians 1:3-4 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, (4) who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 

And deliver us from Satan – as Jesus taught us to pray 

Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 

Here we see a picture of this Last Day of Unleavened Bread – coming completely out of sin – and being delivered by God. 

We, as Christians, put ourselves in bad positions because of our sins.  Therefore, we must rely on God to come to our aid and assistance and deliver us. 

Psalms 25:20 Keep my soul, and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. 

Psalms 31:1 In You, O LORD, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness. 

The Feast of Unleavened Bread pictures coming out from under a death sentence; that we brought on ourselves 

2 Corinthians 1:9-10 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, (10) who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 

2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! 

Applying the spiritual lessons 

We learn by doing. We learn spiritual lessons by doing physical things. As we leave here, we need to watch for sinful thoughts and actions so we can avoid them. God knows that, in spite of our good intentions, we all sin. 

Many years after Paul conversion, he described the powerful human tendency to sin: 

Romans 7:21-25 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. (22) For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. (23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  

(24) O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (25) I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. 

Paul show that we can be free of the way of sin and death—with Christ’s help through God’s Holy Spirit. 

Romans 8:1-11 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (3) For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, (4) that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  

(5) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.  

(8) So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

(11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 

We are here today, the last day of 7 days, picture completion. 2 Holy Days during this feast.  We are to become perfect as God is perfect.  Impossible task with men, but not with God. 

Matthew 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. 

Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

We are saved by grace through faith.  

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 

Let’s look at one example that happen on this day in history, Israel cross the Red Sea on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread.  Have you seen the Ten Commandments movie. 

The Pharaoh, we know was evil.  He ordered the killing of the baby boys. 

Exodus 1:22 So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, "Every son who is born you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive." 

Exodus 5:2 And Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go."

Exodus 14:9 So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon. 

Notice: 1. all the horses 2. chariots of Pharaoh, 3. his horsemen and

4. his army 

What does the Bible say who was drown in the sea on this day. 

Exodus 14:23 And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 

In this verse, we learn only the following went into the sea:  1. Pharaoh's horses, 2. his chariots, and 3. his horsemen. 

Notice, troops or foot soldiers are not mention.  This makes sense when we think about it, the chariots and horsemen are much faster than the troops who were on foot and they got there faster. 

Exodus 14:28 Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. 

Exodus 15:19 For the horses of Pharaoh went with his chariots and his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them. But the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. 

Deuteronomy 11:4 what He did to the army of Egypt, to their horses and their chariots: how He made the waters of the Red Sea overflow them as they pursued you, and how the LORD has destroyed them to this day; 

The troops were probably watching from the shore.  Someone had to tell the story. 

What about Pharaoh, nowhere in this story says what happen to Pharaoh.

One verse hints saying that Pharaoh was destroyed on this day. 

*Psalms 136:15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endures forever. 

On this day, Pharaoh and his horsemen did die in the Red Sea with His troops. 

People reap what they sow.  Because Pharaoh had done, evil before God,  

Christians cannot expect to reap a blessing if they are disobedience to God. 

Do we like what we are reaping, if not, we might want to change what we are sowing.   

We are told we have the Holy Spirit living in us to help us.  This is very encouraging.  Let’s work on putting sin out of our lives as we are led. 

Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 

Yes, Jesus will make a way to escape for us, you and me.