Christianity is about Jesus. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is sent on a mission by Jesus. The book of Hebrews tells much of Him and the mission He has assigned to those who believe. Our study today centers on Hebrews 2:5-9 NASB:

For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking. But one has testified somewhere, saying,

"WHAT IS MAN, THAT YOU REMEMBER HIM? OR THE SON OF MAN, THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HIM? YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET."

For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him. But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

To begin to grasp how far Jesus descends to save us, we want to understand origins better. Today then, a review of verses 5-8 and the divine design for humans. Then, a concluding look at verse nine and its description of the work of Jesus.

Let's share today on two topics. One, I know a great deal about; and one, I know very little about. I know quite a bit about meanness. I know only a little bit about grace. In other words, I am, I think, quite a great deal like you all. You all know great deal about meanness, and, you all know just a little bit about grace. I don't know actually what is in your heart in any definite way, and would not dare to suggest I do. But my working starting point today is that you are all quite educated in how to be mean, and likewise that most of you are but poorly tutored on how to exercise grace.

"And taking the twelve, he said to them, 'See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.' But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said" (Luke 18:31-34 ESV).

Very recently, we invested several weeks walking line-by-line through the moving story of Ruth. Today we turn to other urgent ideas. These are of such moment that, if we receive them, they change our whole approach to what we believe. Where you start very largely determines where you end.

Redeemed!

And now, at last, we complete our series on Ruth with part 4. The last point we recall from the previous scene was Naomi telling Ruth that Boaz will not rest until he has completed the matter. And it is true. We'll see now, as we read the text, the next day, Boaz rises, goes and sits in the gate, waiting for the redeemer who one notch closer than he is to show up. We don't know how long he is there, but it could have been for some time. Listen now to verses 1-12:

We are going to look briefly at two Psalms. Compare these. Both, through the inspired Psalmist, state the thoughts of God. First, Psalm 93 ESV:

We have entered into a study of the four chapter book of Ruth, and accomplished already the first half of the story. Elimelech and Naomi leave Bethlehem in the famine and go to live in Moab with their two sons. Tragedy comes when Elimelech dies. The two young sons take Moabite wives, but tragedy strikes again. Both sons also die. Three widows, Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth remain.