This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Pentateuch into the second section of the Old Testament, the Historical Books.
What Is Ruth? The book of Ruth tells the story of a widowed Moabite woman named Ruth whose marriage to Boaz brought hope and a legacy to both herself and her widowed Israelite mother-in-law.
How Ruth Fits Into the Story: Ruth’s covenantal faithfulness to Naomi and to God showed that those who were not born as Israelites could, by faith, still become one of God’s people (Is 56:3–7). The book of Ruth demonstrates how the Lord shows His covenant faithfulness to His people, often in surprising ways. God’s provision for Ruth, an ancestor of David and Jesus, was also a provision for His people’s need for a king.
Reflection Questions:
1. How have you seen God meet your needs? How does God’s provision for you equip you to meet the needs of others?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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80 thoughts on "Ruth"
It’s crazy reading this while it’s literally illegal to be Christian or speak of Jesus Christ in Israel right now. Like, wow.
It is amazing to see Gods redemption included in the genealogy leading to David’s birth. Also that women are mentioned in this passage. Not sure if this is accurate but once heard a pastor share in that time it was not common for women to be named in family trees but here it was. A reminder all people matter to God and he can use everyone to carry out his kingdom work here on earth!
It is amazing to see Gods redemption included in the genealogy leading to David’s birth. Also that women are mentioned in this passage. Not sure if this is accurate but once heard a pastor share in that time it was not common for women to be named in family trees but here it waa
It is amazing to see Gods redemption included in the genealogy leading to David’s birth. Also that women are mentioned in this passage. Not sure if this is accurate but once heard a pastor share in that time
(Hit post too soon!) when Naomi was sad and a little bitter. God is provider and faithful, always!
We love to praise Ruth for her faithfulness and connect how God blesses her for that, and we should. But God also provides for and blesses Naomi, even when she was sad and a little
Such a beautiful story! Boaz foreshadows Christ as our redeemer.
I love the story of Ruth, and feel it’s one of the best representations of God’s faithfulness. Both she and her mother in law, Naomi were widowed and poor and had nothing. But what Naomi did have was faith, and bringing Ruth into that faith, God redeemed them! It makes me realize how much I love that God weaves together all of humanity’s intricate story of salvation. Through one person, everything can change for everyone – Ruth is an ancestor of Jesus! If she had not acted in faith, who knows where we would all be. God is always at work in all of our lives, even if it takes time. Remember He will never leave or forsake you, and your redemption story is being written. ❤️
Ruth’s story feels familiar – gain, loss, gain, loss again…until redemption. But her grit and perseverance prove His faithfulness. Keep us hung forward…we’ve no idea the beauty from God that is to come.
God meets my needs everyday by releasing my mind from anxiety.
❤️
God is my redeemer! Going through great difficulty right now but I know my story is not finished and God is working everything together to show his power and grace. Ruth went through great hardships and had a great story in the end. God was with her through everything.
God is no respector of persons for sure, we can all be God’ children. Ruth was blessed because she blessed Naomi, God in turned blessed them both. I love the story of Ruth.
I just noticed that the baby is not Naomi’s blood grandchild. What a beautiful picture of being grafted in ti God’s family and adoption as well.
@Mari V indeed !
I to like Ruth. It’s sort of a love story. Ruth losses her husband and God bring her another man who happens to be of the lineage of Jesus. With this she gets mentioned in the genealogy in Matthew. She is one of the non Jews in the line of Jesus. Thus shows to me that God will use anyone to fulfill his message of redemption.
Keep strong keep praying big hugs to you.
Wow!!! Yes, I didn’t notice that.
Good question
Never thought of it before, but Ruth was with Mahlon for 10 years and never had children?? Gods plan for Ruth was so great, he saved her motherhood for Boaz—so that Ruth would be in the lineage of Jesus ❤️
Yes! What a beautiful story and reminder that God is always a million steps ahead of us in his plan.
I have always loved Ruth (mostly because it was about a girl). Her huge heart and self-sacrifice now challenges me because it isn’t a story about any girl. This woman saw something in Naomi’s God that drew her.
God has been so faithful so many times in my life as He lead me from step to step. There were times when I though the tough times were mistakes, but looking back I see how beautifully it wove together. God used those “mistakes” to lead me into a new major. That lead to study abroad, meeting new friends, and then they worked at Bible camp with me. Since then students have come internationally to work there! All because I needed to get a degree in four years. Only God could do that!
I’m thankful for the wisdom of perspective that I can offer to my sister and friends who are in college or finishing. They have the ability to gain from my story to know God will lead them too.
God’s desire for us is as lovely as Boaz and Ruth. He made a way to redeem us. He desires relationship with us regardless of our history.
I learned so much with today’s reading, thank You Jesus
My church just had the most amazing short series on Ruth – I’d encourage all to listen. http://Www.MercyCharlotte.com.
The story of Ruth shows me God’s faithfulness to us and that He always has a plan to care for us. He is our redeemer.
God has been there so many time to provide for my family. When I took a huge leap of faith and left my job of 14 years, then was fired from the one I had moved to from it only less than 2 months later. We didn’t know what we would do, He provided everything we NEEDED. Maybe not everything we wanted, but our needs never went unmet.
I just want to take a moment to say how grateful I am for these amazing daily messages. These have allowed to grow closer to god and gain a better understanding of his core message of salvation through him. Thank you and God bless!
@MariV—Talk about a small world! My husband and I both went to Biola and now live about an hour from Sacramento in the Central Valley.
My daughter is starting at Biola this fall!! ❤️
I know it’s late and most wont read this. But let’s collectively thank God that the pandemic is slowing and that our churches are open to worship him. God is still in control.
Tbis stood out: 14 The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name become well known in Israel.
The ladies discuss that they were prophesying, and Hos Name certainly cane to pass! Thank You, Jesus!
I could tell story after story about God’s provision, help, protection and goodness! I just read another devotional that said our hope isn’t in tbis chamging world, but I our never changing Savior! Thank You, Jesus!!!Here is a link to read this: https://myf5.co/514073
I’m in awe of God’s provision. He has provided for me in so many ways. Most recently He found someone to buy our house. We also found out today if we get the house we put an offer on. Please pray that God’s will is done. ❤️ thank you ladies! Have a great Wednesday!
I think he wanted to have his child be his child. When you do this, that first born is the other person’s and you are taking care of it. That is why the brothers in the story of Tamar didn’t do right by her.
God has been faithfully provided all my needs throughout the years, when I first moved to Canada as a young student with no families or friends or support, through years of loneliness and struggles, through confusion, long waiting seasons and walking in the wilderness, He was there leading me. He embraced me through the goodness of strangers. By His mercy and rich compassions, He built me up spiritually, personally and professionally. He has rewarded me abundantly by His goodness and not by what I deserve. He has placed people strategically in my path now so that I could extend my encouragement and story to them to also build them up, by the same way He comforted me that I can comfort others. Praise Jesus. And lately, He has called me to remain kind to people who are ungrateful and wicked (Luke 6:35) in various circumstances, which is so hard to do, but I have been leaning on Him to do that instead of keeping the distance as self-protection. God has been so faithful to lead me, provide me with wisdom, solutions for workplace, soothing family conflicts, marriage hurdles, parenting, finance managing, navigating church politics to bring peace/unity and subdue unnecessary judgments/gossips, etc. God has been incredibly faithful to point out the right way when I seek His counsel in prayers. Seek GOD first in all things, always always seek Him FIRST!!! You will find the immeasurable treasure. He is soooo good. He is the Way, the Truth and the Light. He is my everything. He is all together lovely, all together worthy, all together so wonderful to me.
God is faithful to His people in suprising ways ;) and that is so true when I think back to some of the situations He has redeemed me from.
I don’t know if I have really thought about Boaz being the son of Rahab (Matt 1:5 in our reading today). I bet Boaz did understand redemption. I do like how the different passages are given to us to see more of the story!
Ruth is one of my favorite books. It shows how two strong women of God helped to shape the future of two nations — the Jewish nation and the Christian nation. Ruth’s love for Naomi needs to be seen more often. Unfortunately I’ve have seen where children don’t even love their natural mothers the way Ruth loved Naomi.
Lord, God allow us the unending love for our family and friends that Ruth had for Naomi. Allow us to treat each other with respect and gratitude, with happiness and hope, with pride and to be there when needed. Amen.
Please continue to pray for my sister, after talking with her yesterday she needs all the prays she can get. She is turning to God and Jesus but with not being able to get out much (she’s 67) until now it has been rough.
Have a blessed mid-week day sisters.
Oops meant to say Phil 4:7!!
Hope and Taylor – I am praying for you both. Breakups are difficult for so many reasons. I have such tenderness in my heart for you both. I am praying that God comfort you and bring the right friends and support system into your life during this time that can be so very lonely. Please know that you are being held close to the Lord, and He will continue to draw close to you as you draw near to Him. In your situations, there are many logical reasons for anxious thoughts, what ifs, questioning, and uncertainty to take hold. May Jesus trade these for His peace, which doesn’t make logical sense, but is it real. You are being lifted up in prayer today, sisters. “And the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” -Phil 4:6.
Thank you to those who took time to pray for my Grandma, Lillian. She is out of surgery and it went better than could even be expected. I have so many amazing prayer warriors in my life that are generous in joining me in lifting up prayer requests to the Lord. Isn’t it so powerful? I am so thankful for those who encourage me through their devotion to prayer and intercession, and I am thankful for the opportunity to do that for others and be a part of God blessing their unique situations. Please keep sharing your prayer requests here, ladies. It is a blessing to be part of this prayerful community. PRAYER MATTERS.
Just thinking… why do you think the original family redeemer changed his mind when he heard the land he was buying also included Ruth?
Just thinking… why do you think the original family redeemer chose
@Victoria E. Thank you. I am north of LA an hour and 15 minutes from Sacramento (the capital). My son was attending BIOLA, but when the pandemic hit he came home. Small world.
1. One time that God met my needs two years ago was when I turned down a job offer. I wasn’t sure I’d find another and was nervous but God brought me the one that is now my dream job. At the time it wasn’t exactly what I wanted – I thought I wanted to teach Pre-K but I got a kindergarten position. God giving me this job brought me to a school that has given me love and support and made me able to give love, grace, and support to students who may not be getting this at home. I am so thankful!
2. God gives us what we need. It may not be what we think we need but He has a plan for each of us. I’m excited to see what else He has in store for me.
I love the book of Ruth. It makes me see God’s love and provision so beautifully. I’m literally in awe of how perfectly he orchestrated his plans; how powerfully he moves to make sure his protection and provision is in our lives. And I am in awe of how he shows us whom he uses is not partial. I’m not sure if I’m saying that right but how he can and does use anyone to make his purpose happen. I just love how he loves and always has loved.
@Mari V what a beautiful testimony! Thank you for sharing. I will continue to pray for your job. Ps I am also on the West Coast, outside of LA :)
@Sarah D I am sorry to hear about your friend but glad to hear you are able to have a conversation with her. I will pray for these conversations and for you after getting the vaccine. As a physician and as a believer I personally think it is the right thing to do to protect others more vulnerable than we ourselves may be. @Taylor I will continue praying for you, I know the pain of a breakup can bring up so many issues and hurt and I also know God can redeem the situation as He has redeemed us all for eternity! Great call on the women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus- thanks for pointing that out !
1. God has met my needs especially when it comes to my anxiety. When I have felt scared or alone, God always reminds me that He is right there with me, and He will continue to walk on this journey with me. It has gotten me through some of the toughest times in my life. I think this can be a testimony that I share with others about how God is provided for me and hopefully give them encouragement. ❤️
Praying for your momma heart Laura & for your children… you are loved.
God always provides a way in every situation, good or bad. Earlier this year, I was in desperate need of a job and He ended up giving me a job that pays more than I would have settled for and also in a place that does so much good for the world in the name of Christ. What a miracle! That was the jackpot for a 20-year-old Christian. But He didn’t just meet my needs by providing me a job, he provided me comfort through that period of waiting. Comfort through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. I thank God. Now, I am better equipped to pass on that comfort to others through my story and pointing people back to His truth.
This reading shapes the story of redemption in that God has been working from the beginning to bring our Savior into the world. He was making the stars align for it to happen. Jesus Christ was not our last-minute resort, He was the predestined Savior for mankind.
When we are faithful to God, He is not only faithful to us, but He is EXCEEDINGLY compassionate and fatherly towards us! Ruth received way more than she needed or could have imagined. And we, as children of God, have received way more than we deserve or could imagine, by the grace of God, through Jesus Christ! This is a very humbling comparison.
@ Jill. Amen! So well said. Our understanding doesn’t negate God’s faithfulness.
God provides! Always love seeing how Ruth’s story connects directly to Jesus. The Old Testament points to him!
SRT family, prayer requests for today…I reached out to an old friend from my old church life group who added me on Facebook. She is now Muslim, so I have been able to ask her her story and now starting to ask about Islam itself. Please pray for openness as I share the truth I have found in Christ, and address some things she mentioned (that we all worship the same God, the Bible lost its’ original meaning, and the New Testament was written long after Jesus/by people who didn’t know him). Thankfully I have been learning more about most of these things recently and know the answers! Please pray that I would rely on Christ as I message back to her and that he would speak through my words to her heart.
I also decided to get the vaccine today, so please pray I would not have too many side effects and that God would use it to protect my family from getting sick. This was a hard decision to make, as my parents are not getting it, my sister has though. Although this isn’t the only reason, I feel that if I did not get it, my sister would become even more bitter than she already is towards us/me. She is an unbeliever and I think is struggling with the fact that we have a lot of differences, based on the convos I had with her last year. Anyway, God’s will be done, praying that I would continue to surrender to him and follow his lead. I just want to honor him in all I do. Have a great day sisters!
There are so many ways God has provided for me over the years, I can’t begin to tell of them!…In today’s reading, one thing that stands out most in this beautiful book of Ruth is God’s providence. He brought Elimelech and Naomi and their sons to Moab for His purpose – that Ruth could be brought into the picture and into His glorious plan. Through His providence He also brought Ruth and Boaz together to then be in the line of King David and most importantly – Jesus Christ. God has a way of perfectly putting everything together, right where He wants it and when He wants it. His plan is perfect and it’s always the best!
@Hope and @Taylor – I am praying for you both. Break-ups are never easy, but sometimes so needed. We can’t always understand why, but God knows exactly why, and that’s why His Holy Spirit leads us to hard things like breaking off a relationship. God will give you both the grace to continue on His path, wherever it may lead.
Years ago I was in a relationship that many times I felt God saying, this is not right, this is not good – even though he was a believer too. I couldn’t imagine a break up, I thought I would never be able to handle it so I ignored the prodding of the Holy Spirit. God stepped in to do what I couldn’t, He ended the relationship by having my boyfriend of 3 years break up with me. I was so totally devastated and didn’t know how I’d get through each day. But I did, and a few years later God brought someone else into my life. Someone so much better for me, someone who loved God with all his heart! He was handsome & funny and perfect for me!…that first boyfriend, the one who broke my heart – married someone else and a number of years later broke her heart by cheating on her with someone he was counseling – they later divorced…Sad story, but true. I am so thankful for God’s providence! Keep trusting, keep following and God will guide you right where you need to be, and to who you should be with.
P.S. Thirty-five years ago this June 21, “Ruth’s Song” was sung at our wedding and I had the scripture reference Ruth 1:16 engraved on the inside of my husbands wedding ring!
A blessed Wednesday to you all!
I’ve read Ruth several times and even done a study on the book. It’s one of my favorite books of the Bible, but today was the first time I realized the significance that Ruth was not an Israelite and how God used her as such a big part of his story and she was part of the lineage of Jesus. It’s easy for me to overlook things like that because the customs of the Israelites are typically so foreign to us in this day and age. However, it shows how God’s love and plan supersede customs and backgrounds. The second thing that always stands out to me about the lineage of Jesus is that only three women were named. Rahab, Ruth, and Mary and how significant they were.
Amen
And thank you for praying for me for yesterday‘s interview. It went so well. Now I just wait. The assistant CEO who was part of the interview panel also happens to be a Christian. And of course my boss is a Christian as well. I know it doesn’t guarantee me the job but this was for me. I got out of my comfort zone and went for it. And I am OK if I don’t get the position because at least I got myself out there. But of course it would be great if I did as it would be an increase in pay and most of all I love my job. It would mean also extra training and stuff I don’t know but I know God will help me.
Good morning SRT sisters.! It’s a gorgeous and cool morning in the West Coast, watching the sunrise and a short break from the heat.
I so loved today’s reading.
1. Even though different from Ruth’s story I have seen God meet my needs through other people. From the moment I left a 20+ abusive marriage and came to live with my mother, God has provided in the most amazing grace through God‘s people. food, monetary gifts, and I’ll never forget, and I still get choked up, my mom‘s friend, brought my daughter and I to bag full of clothes. God has been so good! so whenever I see I need that I can meet, I do it. Even if it’s just, “my time“ I want to get back because so much has been given to me and my children. I am a testimony that God meets our needs.
2. For me God‘s redemption story, is that God has never left me or forsaken me even during those dark ugly days that I faced before leaving God was there for me.
I had a lot of working on myself and started celebrate recovery. Praise God I am not the same person anymore. Still getting choked up. I’ve never been one to expressive good words but I say how I can say it. I am grateful to our God and God‘s people, my mom and brothers and sisters and my very close friend G and my celebrate recovery sponsor.
This study of the Old Testament has really spoken to me in a way that it never has before. I have read through the Bible many times in my lifetime, but I am currently experiencing watching two of my children blatantly turning from their childhood faith and going in the complete opposite direction. Everything I read in the OT about how the people were influenced by the non-believers around them and wanting to follow what their hearts thought was right (in their own eyes) is feeling all too true in my family. My heart is broken because my kids grew up as pastor’s kids, missionary kids, with grandparents and family who are all strong and active Christians, yet they still were woed by the world and what it has to offer. I have not lost hope – it makes me fall to my knees every day crying out for them – but it has also caused me to be more bold in what I say to my children. My husband and I have both been very bold in confronting our children in love – but they did not take it as loving but instead judgmental. One child has completely cut us off – no communication at all. The other is still communicating with us but shares very little with us and simply tolerates our comments when we bring up anything spiritual. It is heartbreaking. Seeing how God continued to pursue, continued to forgive, continued to love throughout the OT is a comfort for me.
It’s so encouraging to me when I read the genealogy of Jesus and see the people that God used- specifically the women listed- Rahab, Tamar, Ruth. God used these women that were not Israelites, not socially accepted, and He used them in the lineage of Jesus! It’s just proof that God can use anyone that will submit to Him! If God can use them, then He can use me. My past mistakes don’t define me, but can be used to mold me into who God wants me to be.
* If you have not read “Lineage of Grace” by Francine Rivers READ IT!!!*
Good Morning Sisters, So good the book of Ruth. I love Ruth’s strength in doing what is right by Naomi, the stand she takes and I wonder and think that she must have seen Naomi’s faith in God and love for her family. To commit herself to Naomi’s God and people He must have revealed Himself to her. We just started Ruth at church this past Sunday. I love how God weaves His words His messages into our lives. Praying restored health for you Christina Z, and praising God for the ways you shared He has watched over you in this time. He is faithful and meets our needs with such love. Praying for you Hope, for God to bring you to a church and a community, maybe a women’s Bible study, where you will find friends and not feel so alone. A new place can be hard, praying for the ending of your relationship, His strength and peace in it for your heart. Lean into Him. Taylor, praying for your time with your friend and her family which I know is your family too. May God bless this time together as you share your sorrow for he Mom and bless you all with His comfort and love as you remember all the beauty of her life. Hugs to you.
ERB I loved Isaiah 35 also. It just refreshed my soul. Right the Highway to Holiness. We who follow the Way, Jesus. It seems so clear and I wonder at Isaiah’s awe that God revelations to him. How much faith he must have had in God but also just awe! And that this High Way is only for the redeemed, seems to me that it is speaking of us walking with the Lord in our salvation, which yes only the redeemed those who now can see and hear can walk. So so good. The part that really spoke to me today ERB was the restoration of the land, the healing of the people, and the message to those with fearful hearts. verse 4 “say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear, your God will come with vengeance, with divine retribution, He will come to save you.” This reminder I need. It is definitely all needs to be highlighted. Sisters, if you have a chance today read Isaiah 35, it is short and will delight your soul. Lastly ERB the return of the ransomed, the singing as they march into Zion, I hope His everlasting joy will crown our heads, that sounds like the best crown ever! And to be overtaken by gladness and joy and sighing and sorrow flew from us. Oh how wonderful is the Savior’s love for us. So glad for reading Isaiah with you ERB. May His joy beam from us all Sisters, that all may know His love!
God has brought me joy in ways I never thought could happen, I noticed when the gifts were brought to me were in the moments of when I said yes and amen! Staying true and obedient to his commandments!
I love how you point this out @churchmouse!! I have seen first hand the impact and importance of generational faith. My grandpa passed in December 2020 and he left an incredible legacy. Him and my grandma love/loved Jesus so much and watching them live that out has impacted our family (and those in their community) so much. It is the most important thing we can leave our families!
Such a rich word Churchmouse – as one who is a recipient of this form of legacy (limited financial resource but a bountiful legacy of faith stretching back through countless generations, this is what matters most). And this is what will be remembered.
@Hope I too recently left a relationship, because I knew it was not where God wanted me to be. I understand the fear. Praying for you.
God provides! He never ceases to provide no matter what the circumstances.
1. God has met my needs by dying on a cross and taking my place when I should be charged as guilty for all of my sins and summoned anywhere but Heaven. God has a perfect way of giving us what we need when we don’t deserve it. This provision given to us by God equips with the ability to share our story of salvation with others so that they too may be faithful in God and be forgiven of their sins.
2. Ruth was a Moabite woman who had married to an Israelite man who had transplanted from the Promise Land to Moab. An Israelite marrying a Moab was forbidden by the Lord. However when Ruth’s husband had died God used Ruth to bring about the bloodline of Jesus Christ. How beautiful a story that is.
Hi Hope, I just did the same thing two weeks ago of breaking up with a boyfriend based on God’s calling. To be honest it took me months of feeling God’s nudging to take that step of faith but procrastinating out of fear. Make sure you reach out to family and friends and really lean on them during this time. It feels like such a void when you no longer have that person, but God is big enough to fill that void and I trust and believe He is able to provide for us and restore us in and through our sadness and singleness. I also just moved in April back to my home town so I understand the feelings of uncertainty and loneliness of being in a new environment. I am absolutely praying for you and empathize with you in this time. Please reach out on here or I have Instagram if you want to connect on there. God loves us so much and He is walking with us each and every day! Praying for strength and courage to surrender your will to His
Reading Ruth reminds me of the importance of steadfast faith in the moment. We do not need to know the end of our story or current assignment, we only need to trust the Lord is with us at every turn and He orchestrates every facet of our story. The Lord is so good to me. He has sustained us and kept me in a job that saw a 75% loss of employees. I have been able to work from home during a year when my husband had a significant health crisis and needed my help and now as I face my own health crisis, I am able to take the time I need to care for myself during the workday. Our lease was renewed at the same rent with no increase. My children and grandchildren love Jesus and our two children who are still seeking the Lord I know will not remain lost and that Jesus is actively working in their lives. He seeks our good and I trust Him.
Hi ladies, thank you for always leaving comments. I love to read what everyone else is learning and how God has been faithful to each of you.
I would like to ask for prayer today as I need to break up with my boyfriend of 2.5 years this weekend. I know it is the right thing to do but it’s going to be really hard, especially because I recently moved to a new city on my own and have been really lonely. I pray that God would give me strength to go through with this when I know it needs to happen, wisdom to know what to say and when, and that he would comfort us both with his presence.
Loved the verses in Titus today!! Especially Titus 2:12 a good reminder that we are in this world but not of it, and that we should be living to please God alone. May it be so Lord… ❤️
MAURA, Isaiah 35 is short, but oh so sweet!!! Filled with so much LIFE and HOPE!!! I highlighted the WHOLE chapter!!! Haha!! The verses that stood out to me were the last part of 2, 3 and the first half of 4:
“…they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come…”
and I LOVED verse 8 “And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it.” …notice how Way is capitalized!!! To me this means it is referencing God Himself!!! He is the Way, the Truth, the Life!!! And there is definitely LIFE in this chapter!!! May we walk on this highway Lord…Amen!! Many Blessings to you Maura and to ALL my dear sisters at SRT!!!
Jesus “does not leave us without”. He is our PROVIDER. Our REDEEMER. Our SUSTAINER. We lack nothing.
These passages remind me that God’s ultimate plan of salvation is not changed by peoples understanding of why they are experiencing the circumstances they are (were) in at the moment. How could Naomi, Ruth, the family redeemer, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David… have ever guessed the legacy of God’s unstoppable grace that would follow their lives. Amazing.
Love seeing God’s sovereignty throughout this story: God leading Elimelech and Naomi to Moab where their son married Ruth; leading Naomi and Ruth back to the land of Judah; leading them to Boaz; working out the details so that Boaz wanted to and could redeem them; leading Boaz and Ruth to be married and blessing them with a son…who was the grandfather of David and an ancestor of Jesus, the Savior! So many little details had to fall into place but God blessed the whole situation. God turned what seemed a hopeless and sad situation into one of joy, hope and a future!
I haven’t actually read the book of Ruth in so long I’m not sure I even knew it’s purpose of highlighting the genealogy of King David, how cool!
I see God meeting my needs in the daily things of life but also taking time to remember and rejoice in His meeting of my greatest need on the cross as Kelly said.
Asking for prayers as I leave on Friday for an annual vacation I take with my best friends family each summer. This is the first year since her mom passed away from cancer and we will be spreading some of her ashes there because the Outer Banks was one of her favorite spots. That will be a sad moment but hopefully we can all find joy in being at the beach and being with people who are my second family
Ruth was not an Israelite yet God chose her and she chose Him over her own family!! I want to believe that her family was awful and abusive making it an easy decision to follow Naomi BUT I bet it wasn’t easy- it was probably really hard and scary. Nonetheless, God was calling Ruth and she came running with a servants heart!! Oh how I pray I can be more like this in my everyday life!! Peace and love SRT sisters!
Faithfulness.. Ruth committed herself to her husband, his family, and their God. She would have witnessed her father-in-law’s death, brother-in-law’s death, and the death of her own husband. There was also famine to deal with. Apparently neither woman had conceived during the marriage, which would have carried it’s share of heartache. Naomi’s family were transplants into an area that wasn’t even their home so they didn’t have family and friends around to offer support. Yet, Ruth remained faithful to Naomi and her God. God’s saving wasn’t quick and effortless. Naomi guided, while Ruth obeyed. Boaz too, step by step acted in integrity and righteousness to faithfully fulfill the laws regarding redemption.
Faithfulness. God is undeniably faithful, redeeming us in the everyday journey- the life and death, food or famine, loneliness and isolation, the healing and help. He is eternally faithful as well, guiding us step
by step in righteousness and integrity Home. He knew we needed a Redeemer and gave His Son.
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness, our shield. May we be found faithful to You. You are…everything.
1. God met my greatest need through the Cross – Redemption from a life of destructive choices and eternal separation from Him.
God instructs me “to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age.” If I am faithful tothe guidance of His Spirit then He will show me how to be His hands and feet in this world.
2. Looking at Matthew’s genealogy reinforces God’s love for all people. Boaz is the son of Rahab (of Jericho fame) and of course Ruth was not an Israelite. Also, Uriah’s wife, Bathsheeba, was not either. God drew them to Himself and called them to be a part of His salvation plan.
Oh Churchmouse I totally agree with you. I love to share the love of our Lord, the beautiful Bible stories and testimonies with our grandsons when they visits. We may not have finances to leave then but the love of God is so much more valuable.
The account of Ruth always makes me think about the importance of generational faith. While it’s fine to leave a financial nest egg for my children and grandchildren, leaving them a legacy of faith is the highest priority. Who knows, maybe someone in my family tree will be the next great evangelist. That’s a grandiose possibility. I will be content if I’m faithful to point the Way and my family keeps the faith.