"My Two Husbands"

“My two husbands!”

Introduction:

Most born again Christians are living much likened unto Ruth when she first came into the promise land. She knew that she was a part of the family of Israel because of her marriage to Mahlon, but she had not yet assessed her full potential. Instead of living in a mansion, Ruth takes care of her Mother-in-law by living on mercies of the welfare system. She is allowed to glean from the leftovers and corners of the fields of wealthy land owners.

The amazing love story that brings to Ruth the full potential of grace, is the love story of two husbands: Mahlon and Boaz. These two men give us the full gospel message. Please consider with me the following two powerful thoughts which are brought about by asking two profound questions:

1. My First husband: Mahlon

Question: Why did God kill Mahlon?

The answer is in this verse:

(Deu 23:3 KJV) An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:

Elimelech was the father of Mahlon. His name means “My God is King.” Elimelech is a picture of the God the Father. He knew that by bringing his son into the land of Moab, he was endangering his life. The people of Israel were forbidden by God to have any intermarriage with the people of Moab. To disobey God is to bring about a death sentence.

If death would be the most assured result, why would Mahlon marry Ruth? (And Mahlon did die) Answer: Because he loved her!

God the Father knew that by allowing his only begotten Son to come into this evil world, it would mean the certain death of his Son. Why did God allow his Son to come? Because “God so loved the world (Ruth) that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, would not perish, but have everlasting life!” (John 3:16)

Jesus came into this world robed in the weakness of human flesh. The name Mahlon means weak and sickly. Just as Mahlon knew that to marry the moabitesh woman would mean his ultimate death, he did so. And in this act of love, by the act of marriage, Ruth was made “one flesh” with her husband. She could longer be considered a Moabite, but now, by the grace of God and the act of marriage, Ruth became an Israelite!

It took two men to bring about the salvation of mankind. The Son of Man, “Mahlon,” (weak and sickly), and the Son of God “Boaz” The name “Boaz” means “In him is strength!”

2. My Second husband: Boaz.

Question: Why didn’t God kill Boaz for marrying Ruth?

Answer: She was no longer a Moabite!

The same law that condemned Mahlon, now obligated Boaz! Mahlon’s love and marriage for Ruth brought Ruth into the family of God. But this love would require his death. Christ was crucified when he became “sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made into the righteousness of God!” (2 Cor. 5:21)

Boaz was obligated by law to become the kinsmen redeemer. Because Ruth was now in the family, as a widow, Boaz was obligated to take her as his own in marriage. (Gen. 38:8)

Jesus, as the Son of God, has guaranteed us his inheritance by his resurrection from the dead! The Church is the Bride of Christ! Salvation was a legal transaction that gave to us all of the rights of marriage. We have been one with God! Atonement!

Conclusion:

Because of the death of Christ (Mahlon), I have been brought into the family of God. Because of the Resurrection of Christ, (Boaz) I have been given the riches of Christ Jesus!

As a Christian, I do not have to live with a welfare mentality! I have been assured of all of the promises of Heaven. Ruth no longer had to abide at the edge of the field. When Ruth married Boaz, the field became hers. The riches of Boaz became her riches too!

I am not just saved from Hell, I am bound for Heaven. The riches of Christ Jesus are at mine! Celebrate!