Mary, a wise young girl, chose God’s Word over her feelings, even possibility of social condemnation. She fully surrendered herself to the Lord at an age when many young girls are often distracted by temptations, worries, and worldly cares typical of youth. Mary chose faith and wisdom, placing faith and trust in God above all competing influences.
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45
Jesus demonstrated the profound depth of His teachings through a life-changing miracle. He encountered a man suffering from an unclean spirit, a situation many might avoid or be fearful of. However, instead of stepping away, Jesus confronted the man’s condition head-on.
It’s easy to picture how one might shy away from someone in such a troubled state, but Jesus didn’t do that. He approached the situation with authority and compassion. His command was simple but direct: He ordered the unclean spirit to be silent and to come out of the man. It was as if Jesus was the commanding officer, with the same certainty and decisiveness as a police officer ordering a criminal to comply. Just as the officer would handcuff a wrongdoer and remove them from public view, Jesus took command over the unclean spirit, removing it from the man who had allowed it to take dominion over him.
Through this encounter, Jesus revealed the power of His word and the transformation He brings to those who are suffering. He didn’t just heal the man’s body, but also restored his soul and spirit, showing us the deep, life-altering change that can occur when we allow Jesus to confront and cleanse us.
Jesus’ authority over evil is a reminder that no matter how deep the struggle, His power is greater according to Mark 1:21-28.
As in Luke 4:31-37, Jesus commands a demon to leave a man’s body, and it obeys without hesitation. As the demon is cast out, something extraordinary happens—the man is left unharmed. No scar, no damage, just a complete restoration of his health and well-being. The power of Jesus’ words is evident, as He not only expels the demon but also redeems and heals the person entirely.
This moment is more than just an isolated event; it’s a powerful reminder of the authority Jesus has given to His followers. Through His redemptive work on the cross, Jesus has empowered us to do more than just watch from the sidelines. He has granted us the authority to drive out demons, heal the sick, and care for the broken-hearted.
Even today, this power is available to those who are born of God and believe in the redemptive work of Jesus. If you have faith in what He accomplished on the cross, you too can command unclean spirits to leave in Jesus’ name, and they will obey you. The authority of Jesus is not just something of the past—it’s alive and active in the lives of believers today.
As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in that same authority. Just as Jesus demonstrated His power over evil and restored health to the suffering, He has entrusted us with the ability to bring healing, deliverance, and hope to a hurting world. Whether in our daily lives or in moments of spiritual warfare, we can boldly declare the authority of Jesus, knowing that His name has the power to transform and restore lives.
Ruth’s reputation for kindness was widely known in Naomi’s hometown. However, Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, became increasingly bitter over time. She carried the weight of her uncertain future, grieving the loss of her husband and two sons, and enduring the hardships of life and emotional distress. Ruth faced the challenge of living with a bitter individual, an experience that may not have been pleasant.
Despite being advised to leave Naomi and pursue a prosperous life as a young widow, Ruth chose to remain by her side. She refused to give up on her identity and stayed in her rightful place. As a foreigner and stranger in the land, she had little reason to depend on her deceased husband’s family. The family’s wealth and reputation had diminished, and their desires went unfulfilled. Nevertheless, Ruth did not return to her parents and her homeland. Instead, she extended kindness to her mother-in-law (the only existing member of her deceased husband’s family).
Ruth’s good deeds and kindness earned her commendation. Boaz, recognizing her goodwill, believed that the Lord would reward her for her faithfulness and kindness. Despite her circumstances, Ruth determined that her identity was to position herself and find safety and protection under the wings of the Lord. She displayed determination, purpose, kindness, adaptability, and grace, pushing her limits and embracing change.
May we also seek solace in our Heavenly Father’s love, just as Ruth, a stranger, found favor and peace beneath God’s wings.
Taken from Scripture:
11 And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. 12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”
13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”
Ruth was profoundly moved by the genuine kindness demonstrated by Boaz. She felt a deep sense of humility. The remarkable generosity he showed towards a woman of a different language and background left her astounded. It was a favor that went beyond the confines of traditional stories, transcending the boundaries of culture, language, and upbringing that separated Ruth and Boaz. This newfound wave of mercy felt divinely inspired to Ruth, for it was a form of grace that was truly unique within their nation.
Never had Ruth envisioned encountering a man so kind-hearted, who not only offered her grains and food but also provided guidance on finding the right companionship and offered advice to ensure her safety and protection from harm and danger. In a world where women often found themselves vulnerable and prone to being misjudged and mistreated, the hope that Boaz extended to Ruth was a beacon of light. His words of caution served as a shield, discouraging any ill-intentioned men from taking advantage of her. This is a tale of kindness and freedom to a love-lost woman.
As seen in this Scripture verse – 10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
The freedom bestowed upon a foreign woman like Ruth by Boaz was a manifestation of grace. It exemplified the essence of Jesus, the epitome of grace, who bestows freedom and life upon all. The life-giving actions of Boaz revealed a personality characterized by grace. The true and perfect grace person is Jesus Christ.
9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”
Boaz urged the men to abstain from any acts of unkindness towards Ruth. He encouraged them to work alongside women and treat them with respect. He specifically instructed the men to fill water jars for the women workers to drink from. Ruth, being single was advised to follow along after the women and to interact with women. Boaz established a certain dynamic among his workers when Ruth became part of the group, ensuring her safety and setting boundaries for the men working with her. This truth about Boaz deepens the admiration and reverence for him as a leader. He paves the way for Ruth to find her place and establishes her boundaries. By following his wise counsel, she could thrive day by day without lacking anything.
Furthermore, Boaz exhibits similar qualities and attributes to Jesus Christ. Just like Jesus, Boaz genuinely cared for others and understood their cares and concerns. Through the Holy Spirit and by the grace of Jesus Christ, you can have hope for the future.
8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me.
Will someone extend kindness to a widowed woman with an unfamiliar voice? Boaz exemplified grace by extending his kindness to a complete stranger. In a world that seemed devoid of hope, he spoke words that breathed hope into her soul. He provided guidance emphasizing the path to receiving goodness and genuine contentment which is essential for everyday life.
Initially, she may have felt excluded among the workers, but his words spoke of inclusion in a diverse world. He called her like a caring father. He offered a helping hand to ensure a bright future for her and provided counsel for her safety. He didn’t leave her feeling isolated and lonely but instead placed her in the company of other women. This showcases the beautiful mind of Boaz, the reflection of Jesus Christ.
Such is the true essence of loveliness of mind of Christ.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
We have beautiful eyes gazing the earth, wandering around the world to never give up on the lost and the lonely.
It is the beauty of the Lord to remember the lonely, to bring to an environment of glad tidings, laughter and communion. He knows that two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. If two lie down together, they will keep warm.
The Spiritual truth is our Heavenly Father loves mankind. He makes way to enjoy their lives with the joy of companionship, family and community. It is not good for man to be alone, He said; so, He created a right companion, a woman.
God places the lonely in families; Psalm 68:6
That draws a boundary. He sets them in a place of love, comfort & joy and His saving grace is their only source of victorious lives.
Taking delight at the thoughts of our future is an attribute of mind of Christ.
If you are building a house, do you take delight in the thoughts of a housewarming party? Do you imagine your neighbors joining in and kids playing around? Or if you are engaged: do you take delight at the thought of togetherness, love, having abundance & increase in health & wealth? Or do you feel anxious and worry?
You can be still, take delight, be thoughtful and rejoice. Jesus rejoiced at the thought of saving mankind of their sins, rebelliousness and its consequences.
Hebrews 12:2
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Have a wonderful week!
Happy Friday, courteous readers! I’m sharing my reflection on the mind of Christ Jesus. I encourage readers to dig in, try and savour the loveliness of His mind.
Mind of Christ is incredibly strong willed, good willed, focussed and joyous, as I see it in below scripture.
Continue reading “Mind of Christ Jesus -1”My Daddy, a humble & patient soul;
Man of few words & of gentle tongue.
A firm believer of the truth, and doubter of vain hope;
Captivates the hopeless & homeless.
A seeker of divine wisdom & keeper of Godly knowledge;
Walks with the wise, walks away from harm.
A risk-taker, braves the storm;
His tranquil quietens the restless.
A generous giver & sower,
Follower of the heart and finger of God.
An overcomer, wise, rich & strong,
Ever pleasing to God, the Father.
Hard-pressed on all sides but not crushed;
Perplexed but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken;
Struck down, but not destroyed.
Lived righteously, Spoke rightly;
His hand never took a bribe,
Stopped his ears from listening to bloodshed,
Shut his eyes against evil schemes.
His brokenness leaked only goodness;
His overflow spoke of his kindness;
Cast down but unconquered,
Grieved but rejoicing in the truth.
Poor in spirit, pure in heart,
Full of meekness and mercy.
An immutable salt of the earth,
The infallible light of the world.
What a mighty man of valour!
My Dad (Mr. D. Anbunathan), the Amazing Superman!
Enchantments of a beautiful mind 