Ruth 1:8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

Here begins a lesson on memories. Ruth’s husband has died and she clings to Naomi and her God and her people. As I see the actions of Ruth through her telling I cannot help but think that the life she had with her husband must have been good for her. The Lord had dealt kindly with her indicates to me a life that was good.

She soon meets Boaz and Boaz makes life easier for her. Read for yourself those things that Boaz did for her. It was a kindness he did not have to extend. Eventually they marry and have a son in the lineage of Jesus Christ. What a blessing to be taken out of Moab and all that it means and enter into this new life.

In this telling I find not one mention of the life she had with her first husband. She did not indicate any sorrow in the life that she lost nor used it to plead her case in the new life she sought. I find this to be an inspiration to me not to carry the memories of an old life into my new life. If I will refrain from dragging up my old life in this new life, it will help solidify the bond I have in this new life in Christ.

It is noteworthy to read and understand the actions of Boaz as he set a prime example of redemption before us to understand why our Lord redeems us.

Examples are for learning.

Genesis 29:8 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.

Yesterday I spoke about hidden passages that reminded me of the Lord. Here today is another that reminds me of the Lord. I am sure you can see why. The words flock, rolling the stone and watering the sheep all bring our memories of scriptures surrounding our Good Shepard. It is understandable.

But, and I say that with caution, is there a teachable moment here? Is this memorable moment different in any way than yesterday’s example? As I examine the surrounding elements within this chapter I find interest in trying to explain why the word cannot was used. I am sure there must have been some relevant understanding within that time but it is not explained.

Here we have Jacob about to meet Rachel, the love of his life. Here we have Rachel bringing her father’s sheep to be watered. Jacob performed the duties of a servant and rolled the stone away so that the sheep could be watered. Jacob kissed Rachel and she took him to meet her father. A bargain was struck for the hand of Laban’s daughter. It was only after many years of service to the father that Jacob got to marry both of the daughters of Laban.

We await the marriage feast. There is but one bridegroom. He will marry the daughters of the Father. Is this is not a teachable moment? I ask you to meditate on the examples of the past and the promises of our future and see if perhaps the Lord will show you a connection.

I will offer nothing more than opportunity here. I can lead the sheep to the well but it is not for me to roll away the stone that you might drink.