Remembering Ruby...

 

"Who can find a virtuous woman?

For her price is far above rubies."

(Proverbs 31:10)

Ruby Justice has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember; first, as the mother of my "best friend," Shirley, then, as a close friend of my mom, and later, (after mama died) she became a friend to me. My general conference buddy, we traveled back and forth, sharing hotel rooms, plane rides, food and fun. We always had fun, no matter who else was with us. Count on Ruby to bring joy and laughter into any and every situation. No one could sit in the mulligrubs long when Ruby was around.

Jesus took Ruby home with Him on May 3rd. It's remarkable that her transition was so close to Mother's Day and that it was reuniting her with Shirley and Gene, as well as Eugene and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What a reunion that must have been! 

Mother's Day always makes me think of the Proverbs 31 woman. And as I sat in her funeral service the following Friday, it came to me that Ruby was a Proverbs 31 woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great, great-grandmother! To illustrate what I mean, let's look at the Proverbs list with Ruby in mind...

• The heart of her husband safely trusts in her -- What loving care she took of Eugene, life-long!
• He lacks nothing of value -- Eugene oozed pride (the good kind) in his godly wife.
• She will do him good (not evil) all her life -- In sickness and in health, no matter what!
• She works willingly with her hands -- A spotless house, an open door, and a friendly welcome. 
• She gets up early and provides food for her family -- Truth, Lord!
• She's diligent, thrifty, careful, capable, and strong -- Ruby's life example was good stewardship.
• She was aware of her responsibilities and did them to the best of her ability.
• She was compassionate, reaching out to those who are hurting.
• When hard times came, she was not afraid for her family. She had provided for them.
• She dresses herself well -- Neat as a pin and twice as pretty (with help from Jim).
• She makes her husband look good. He is respected -- No wonder he was so proud of her!
• She's wise and kind, her instructions are faithful -- Were you listening? Do you remember?
• She takes good care of her house -- Oh, My! Need I say more on that score?
• She's not idle, nor is she a busybody -- My mom loved that about Ruby.
• Her children rise up and call her blessed -- More truth, and she deserved every word.
• Her husband "sang" her praises -- His heart and his home overflowed...
• Others do well and are virtuous, but she excels them all -- Ruby was a good example!
• Because she honored and feared the Lord, she shall be praised -- She was, is, and will be!

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise..."

(Proverbs 31:30-31a, NIV)

 

Servant, Friend, Steward, Son

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: John 15:14-15 – “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends: for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.”

God's Word uses many examples to illustrate levels of service in His Kingdom. He speaks of bearing fruit and bearing much fruit. He also speaks of of a harvest yielding thirty, sixty, and a hundred-fold and vessels of honor and dishonor. Talents are disbursed as five, two, and one – each recipient is expected to work with what he's been given. Diligence and faithfulness add to that and reward or punishment is administered accordingly. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, works are divided, depending on whether they survive the fire of His scrutiny; gold, silver, and precious stones, versus wood, hay, and stubble. Let's compare servants, friends, stewards and sons...

Servant – The American Heritage Dictionary says a servant is: 1.) One who is privately employed to perform domestic services, [cook, butler, housekeeper, maid, etc.] 2.) One who is publicly employed to perform services, as for a government [civil servant]. [Elisha was servant to Elijah. Gehazi was servant to Elisha.]

1. Jesus said a servant doesn't know the mind of his master. (John 15:15)
   
2. Jesus came to serve – He made Himself of no reputation. (Philippians 2:7-8)
   
3. For Kingdom servants, the way up is down. (Matthew 20:27; I Corinthians 9:19)
   
4. Kingdom servants do so by love. (Galatians 5:13) Old Testament – Love-slaves (Exodus 21:2-6)
   

Friend – A friend is a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. [David and Jonathan were friends.]

1. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatsoever I command.” (John 15:15)
   
2. Friends are informed about what's going on; they hear and heed. (John 15:15; Romans 12:2)
   
3. Friends learn to be of one mind (unity) with each other. (Philippians 2:5)
   
4. A friend loveth at all times. (Proverbs 17:17)
   
5. Abraham was God's friend. (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23) Moses too! (Exodus 33:11a)
   
6. Friends Believe Friends. (Romans 4:3; James 2:23)
   

Steward – A steward is one who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs.

1. At one time, Abraham asked if his steward, Eleazar, would be his heir. (Genesis 15:2-6) Later, faithful Eleazar was sent to bring back a wife for Isaac. (Genesis 24)
   
2. A steward must be faithful. (I Corinthians 4:1-2)
   
3. Faithful stewards are rewarded. (Luke 12:42-44)
   

Son – A son is one's male child; one's son may be so by blood or by adoption. [Solomon was David's son.]

1. Isaac, not Ishmael, was Abraham's son of promise. (Genesis 21:12; Romans 9:7-9)
   
2. A son inherits, he is his father's heir. (Galatians 4:7; I John 3:1-3) We are too! (Galatians 4:28-29)
   
3. A son learns obedience. (Hebrews 5:8; 12:7)
   
4. A son is disciplined (with love) while learning obedience. (Hebrews 12:5-13; Proverbs 3:12)
   
5. Sons love fathers. (John 5:19-20) Fathers love sons. (John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10)
   
6. Sons of God are those who are led by His Spirit. (Romans 8:14-17)
   

Amazing that we need not be limited to any single one of these categories! James says we can be “perfect and entire, wanting [lacking] nothing.” (James 1:4b) Peter speaks of an “abundant entrance.” ((II Peter 1:11) This is how it's done: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrew 13:20-21)

May we each hear Him say, “Well done!”

A Friend is a Lovely Gift

By Marjorie Kinnee

 

True friends are like the spice of life,
We’ve often heard folks say;
And spice enlivens everything,
Including a cloudy day.

Faithful friends who’re kind and steady,

Are few and far between;

They choose to go the second mile,

And work behind the scene.

They give in generous measure,

Gifts of talent and time impart;

A willing hand, a listening ear,

And a loving, gentle heart.

Such friends like rarest treasure,

Are gifts from heaven above;

They illustrate in human form,

Our Blessed Savior’s love!