EXALTED

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Today’s Readings:

Ruth 2:1-3,8-11,4:13-17

Psalm 128:1-5

Matthew 23:1-12

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A good reputation speaks for you even before you enter a room. This is how Ruth found favour with Boaz. She had returned to Israel with Naomi, her mother-in-law. And like most patriarchal societies, Ruth needed a husband, one who would be a protector and provider for her family. With her mother-in-law’s permission, she goes to glean in the cornfields (a fanciful word for “shooting your shot”). Soon, she gains the attention of Boaz whose field she had gleaned. This is where it becomes interesting.

Boaz was not attracted by her physical beauty (I doubt she was ugly). Rather, he says, “I have been told all you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband’s death, and how you left your own father and mother and the land where you were born to come among a people whom you knew nothing about before you came here.” (Ruth 2:11). Ruth’s good reputation spoke for her, not her make-up or exposed body or her over-edited pictures on social media. A man is looking for a person who is kind, motherly and humble—someone he can adore as a wife and trust as a mother to raise his children the right way. Are you that kind of woman? Jesus tells us the kind of person we should be. Jesus begins by deconstructing how we should perceive persons in authority; respect their office, do what they say, but do not be guided by their hypocrisy. This is because there is often a disparity between what people say and what they do when they come to power. We are not to disrespect them. If anything, we should pray for them. How often do you pray for your leaders? You can make a statement by praying for them, that God may touch their heart, so that they show concern for those they govern.

Jesus goes on to speak about how we should conduct ourselves. We should treat others as equals, neither allowing them to call us “rabbi” nor “teacher”. A person in authority shall receive a stricter judgment from God. See your elevated status as an opportunity to serve and lift the weakest person. In a world that glorifies self, value humility and service. In a world where people are obsessed with their welfare, think of the welfare of those with few or no opportunities for growth. True greatness lies in lifting others as God lifts you “Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12.

                                                                                                JUDE-MARY OWOH

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To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

 If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.

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Prayer:

1. Eternal Father, bless me and bless your people. Bless the work of our hands and prosper it. Bless my family and grant us deep devotion to you and reliance on divine providence.

2. May I serve you faithfully all the days of my life? Amen.

3. You shall be exalted, singled out and approved for promotion. Your good works shall speak for you.

4. Goodness and mercy shall follow you always through Christ our Lord. Amen.