"Before the True KING" -2

"Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth." (Psalms 96:13)
To put it all into perspective, "Before" is a word that speaks of face, faces, or the face of God. Some people get really confused when it comes to serving and obeying the Lord, because it's really not about trying to be good, or trying to keep His commandments; it's really all about resting in the finished work of Christ Jesus. If there is a rest that needs to be entered, then that is the rest we need to seek. I heard a very interesting message yesterday from Pastor Matt, in the context of Boaz and Ruth, and the whole 'Kinsman-Redeemer' aspect to the Book of Ruth. First of all, the closet kinsman, who goes unnamed, represents the law; the law could not redeem or follow through with a marriage to Ruth, as he would mar his own inheritance. The law, although perfect and just, cannot contain that which is unholy and still remain perfect. Boaz, on the other hand, was willing to become the Kinsman-Redeemer; not only was he able to, because the first kinsman declined, but he was more than willing, based upon his love and commitment to Ruth. Another aspect of this very interesting arrangement between the two redeemers, was that Ruth did not participate in the agreement; Ruth was not even present when the deal came down. Ruth's part in the whole thing was to lay at the feet of Boaz; as is our part, to fall at the feet of Jesus! There really is nothing left to be done on our behalf, but to just accept what it is that the Lord has done. Once we do that, then our ability to keep His commands are not in our own strength or ability, but they are in His, His that has already gotten it done! We basically just need to say, I do, and it is done. The problem we continue to fight is the origin of our beginning; a beginning that was neither based in or connected to the power of God. Ruth was not going back to Moab, she was now settled in Israel, in the town of Bethlehem, married to a descendant of Judah, and soon to be the great-grandparent of a king, King David. When God changes your life, you are changed for ever; when we change our life, it really never changes. So, the real test to your preparedness, is not that you are ready, but are you in the One who has already won...
"There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and his people. The LORD has spoken! In the day the people will proclaim, "This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!" For the LORD'S hand of blessing will rest on Jerusalem. But Moab will be crushed. It will be like a straw trampled down and left to rot. God will push down Moab's people as a swimmer pushes down water with his hands. He will end their pride and all their evil works. The high walls of Moab will be demolished. They will be brought down to the ground, down to the dust." (Isaiah 25:7-12) NLT