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The book of Ruth (November 2 and 9) is a marvelous missionary and discipleship story that holds Ruth as a role-model and early example of commitment to faith and following. The second lesson continues the on-going discussion about Christ as the High Priest, and the gospel gives us a thumbnail glimpse of conflict-agreement. These texts move us through Scripture in continuity with the previous week. Each can stand alone or with arbitrary connections. (For materials pertaining to All Saints Day--November 1, please click here: All Saints Day)

RUTH 1:1-18-INAUSPICIOUS BEGINNINGS

We might consider the events of Naomi’s life in the first chapter as the counterpart to the story of Job. In both cases suffering is attributed to God. Naomi, in describing the grief and bitterness from the loss of her husband Elimelech, and her sons Mahlon and Kilion says, "Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD himself has caused me to suffer" (v. 13). The lesson sets the context for the narrative of Ruth: the event occurs in the pre-monarchial period, famine has forced a family of four to immigrate south to Moab, and while there a famine of a different kind hits them. Bereft of her husband and two sons. Naomi hearing news about home, prepares to return. At this point we learn of Orpah (not Oprah) and Ruth, her widowed daughters in law. Will they return with Naomi? Will they abandon their past, their country, and their families to accompany Naomi to a new land and future? The writer indicates a split decision. One remains and presumably settles into life among her people. And the other? Ruth will participate in an adventure that will memorialize her and provide great a great example of discipleship-and romance.

HEBREWS 9:11-14-THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST

At this point in the discussion about Jesus as the High Priest, we have learned of how Christ in the high priestly office differs from earthly high priests and in Hebrews 8 we discover that everything about the priesthood is a shadow of the real Priesthood in heaven. Our lesson amplifies that idea. Christ the High Priest over all good things has entered the perfect place of sacrifice with the blood of his own suffering to secure our salvation. The second part of the lesson-the next paragraph-contrasts the effectiveness of the blood of animal sacrifices with that of Christ. In the first case animal sacrifice served to make presentable people through the removal of ritual impurity so that they might approach God’s presence. However, with self-giving of Christ as the perfect sacrifice, the effectiveness goes deeper than simple ritual and rubric; the writer/pastor teaches that Christ can make people presentable before God by cleansing "our hearts from deeds that lead to death" (v. 14).

MARK 12:28-34-YOU ARE NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM . . .

Now well within Jerusalem and facing conflict and accusations and rebutting his opponents with pointed stories, Jesus encounters an on-looker, someone who has been observing Jesus under attack from the Pharisees and Sadducees who have engage Jesus in a battle of biblical interpretation. The question posed, "Which is the most important commandment?" Jesus responds with the recital of the Schema and the reaction of the "teacher of religious law" is surprising. No "yes, but," or "is not," or other sophistries. The man simply says, "You’re exactly right; I agree!" That’s a rare and welcomed response given Jesus’ passion timeline. Jesus responds with, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."