August 8, 2014 | A Modern Day Ruth

Boaz replied to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know. May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” (Ruth 2:11-12 NASB)
  

 

A True Ruth

As I have been teaching the biblical book of Ruth, I have been again struck by her character. The moral fiber of so many souls in that true story is breathtaking! But lest we assume that such was only a “then and there” phenomenon, God continues to provide modern “Ruths” – people of stature and wisdom and grace. I have been blessed to know a number of precious and powerful Ruthian figures, including many of you.

One such character was the recently-departed Ruth Wardell. [Even the name matched!] Ruth moved from this place to glory after a lifetime of brilliant ministry to the Messianic Jewish community across America. The Jews she led to Christ include the great theologian Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. The many preachers and teachers she blessed include John Kanter, Steven Ger, Jeff Gutterman, and me. I was especially honored to study the scriptures with Ruth at Frisco Bible Church and participate in Christian bar-mitzvahs she helped lead.

If you live in the DFW area and want the encouragement of seeing how the scriptural Ruth’s character can be fleshed out today, I invite you to be my guest at Ruth Wardell’s memorial service this Saturday, August 9, 2 pm at Frisco Bible Church. All the above-mentioned Messianic leaders will be there, and we would love for you to come and rejoice with us. If you live further afield, you can instead curl up with a copy of her biography, Ruth with the Truth.