Last week,  I shared with you some notes from my introduction to Ruth & Esther, and how we’re all part of the Bigger Story.  Here is a recap of those notes:

• Our life counts for something bigger than just our life
• Our life in Christ becomes part of the bigger story of the story of salvation
• Our life is significant and plays a role in the unfolding of the world’s destiny

I continued on that track today in our study of Ruth and Esther. You see, hearing that our life is part of a bigger story is just part of it. We have to believe it. It is not until we believe this is true that we will be willing to take a risk. And only when we move from the safe harbor of theory to the rough waters of reality, will we see any changes take place.

Speaking of stories, here are three points from my teaching today about principles that we see in the story of Ruth:

1. The book of Ruth introduces us to the universal scope of redemption. The inclusion of a Moabitess, Ruth, as a Gentile participant in Israel’s kingly line is a picture of God reaching out to all people groups
2. The beauty of commitment and friendship and family commitment (seen in Naomi, Ruth and Boaz)
3. A book of redemption. The principle we see in the tradition of marriage (Deut. 25:5-10) reveals God’s will that we are all redeemable—our lives; our circumstances.

I hope you’ll join us as we dive into this story and then the story of Esther together.  You don’t have to be able to join us in-person, either –  you can join us “virtually” by streaming on your own or linking up with a Community Group in the Charleston area (or starting one wherever you are). All of the info can be found here.

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! (Deuteronomy 30:19)