10/5 Reading (Ruth 1-4; 1 Corinthians 10)

One thing I’ve learned during this experience is that it’s challenging to reflect on individual chapters in each book. Sometimes it’s more appropriate to reflect on the three readings from the OT as one statement. That’s what I will do from time to time.

Ruth 1-4: I decided to combine all 4 chapters of Ruth into one post for simplicity. I really liked Ruth. First, I liked that the book was focused on women and written from the perspective of women. That’s really cool. Second, I found it interesting that everyone seemed to be more concerned about others and the overall community than about themselves. The people all seem to respect each other and respect those in positions of authority too. I found this really interesting and refreshing, especially after the end of Judges.

1 Corinthians 10: As I’ve gotten behind I’ve started to do several days’ worth of reading for either the OT or NT reading in one sitting. I’ve focused on the OT reading lately that I’m kinda lost as to where I was with this one. Just a fun little tidbit for myself to remember if I ever look at this again. Hopefully I will.

As I read back on some other notes as well as the notes in Bible Gateway from the How to Read the Bible Book by Book source that Paul is addressing some issues that have plagued the Corinthians. In this chapter he reminds them of what happened to their ancestors when they were wandering in the wilderness after they left Egypt during the time of Moses (sexual immorality, testing Christ, complaining, etc.). However, I find this following verses very interesting here: “No temptation has seized you that isn’t common for people. But God is faithful. He won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities. Instead, with the temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be able to endure it” (CEB Study Bible p. 320NT; 1 Cor. 10.13). What I find interesting about this is that it seems like Paul recognizes the pressures of everyday life and that God will be there to assist the people. According to the notes, Paul was most likely recognizing the role of societal pressures, especially when it comes to people’s economic situations, may make them feel like they need to do things that would anger God (like eat in the temple, eat food meant for sacrifice, etc.). Paul wants them to realize that God will provide a way out for them. Kinda interesting.

The rest of this chapter focuses on the importance of avoiding false Gods. They shouldn’t eat food sacrificed to a false God and they shouldn’t eat food meant to be sacrificed to God himself. I really like one verse from this part of the chapter: “No one should look out for their own advantage, but they should look out for each other” (CEB Study Bible, p. 321NT; 1 Cor. 10.24). This one phrase makes me think of Ruth and the whole focus on doing what’s best for the community and taking care of each other. If only our current elected officials did things this way now. It drives me crazy that they don’t seem to truly want to help those who are struggling the most and need the most help.