Old Testament reading: Ruth
Ruth is a beautiful story of the faith and faithfulness. The beauty of this story needs no comment; it simply needs to be read and appreciated. However, there are some things associated with this book that I find interesting. For example, when I was younger and living in Missouri, a song I often heard sung at weddings was “Whither thou goest.” The song was written by Guy Singer in 1954, and a rendition of it was made famous by Perry Como in 1959. The title and opening words were taken from this beautiful book – “whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people” (Ruth 1:16). These words are also quoted at weddings, adding the closing line, “And thy God, my God.” However, the song strays further from the text, referring to it as “that story long ago, the same sweet love story now is so; thy people shall be my people, my love.” While the text records Ruth’s love and loyalty, such was toward Naomi, her mother in law. It doesn’t fit the context of a wedding or the love and loyalty of matrimony. The song and the lyrics are beautiful, but the words do not reflect the context from whence they are taken. But it’s just a song; sing it anyway (assuming you like Perry Como!).
Our New Testament reading: Matthew 22-23
“He came here dressed like that?” Matthew 22 reveals to us the importance of being properly clothed for the great wedding feast God has prepared for his Son (22:1-14). In the parable there is found a man attempting to join the feast, but he is not properly attired. His presumptuous act results in him being cast out into outer darkness wherein there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. The church is the bride and wife of Christ (Eph 5:23-32). The only way we can be properly attired for the Judgment is to be clothed with Christ. The only way to be clothed with Christ is to put on Christ in baptism – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27). Like the man at the wedding feast, those who go to the Judgment without proper attire will likewise be cast out.
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