Day 73

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Ruth Gleaning for Naomi

Ruth Introduction

Against the dark backdrop of the time of the judges in Israel—filled with apostasy and judgment—the story of Ruth is a cameo of love and redemption. A young widow who leaves her native Moab to help her mother-in-law, Ruth gleans in the fields belonging to a relative, Boaz, who grows to love this faithful woman. The two marry and become the great-grandparents of King David, ancestor of Jesus Christ. By marrying the widow and redeeming the family's property, Boaz is a picture of Christ as the "kinsman-redeemer."

Scripture

March 12—Ruth 1-4: A Great Love Story!

Observation

Ruth is a story of romance and redemption set in the period of the judges. In an era dominated by apostasy, unrest, wars, and judgment, Ruth provides a ray of hope and happiness. Historically, the book describes the experiences of a godly family of Bethlehem during the period of the judges. Symbolically, it portrays a redeemer (Boaz) coming for his bride (Ruth), a beautiful picture of Christ coming for his bride, the church. Theologically, it reveals the character of God in his gracious dealings with men. Genealogically, it explains how a non-Israelite (Ruth the Moabitess) could become a member of the royal lineage of Christ the Messiah.

Application

"Why do so many bad things happen to me?" Have you ever been tempted to ask God that question? If so, you're in good company in the days of the judges there lived a family from Bethlehem that virtually went through it all. A famine hit, the family was forced to leave their homeland, the father died, the two sons married; then they died, leaving behind a mother and two widowed daughters-in-law.

But behind it all, God was at work—using the joys and tragedies of that family to put the right people in the right place at the right time. So that one cold, crisp morning during the barley harvest in Israel, a faithful alien named Ruth would take a chance to glean in the field of a faithful kinsman named Boaz. And eventually they would parent a son, Obed, who would have a grandson, David, through whom would be born the Messiah.

Our personal and family crisis we are facing today can be handled by one of these two things: entrust it to God who leaves nothing to chance, or worry about it. Following Ruth's example, which will it be?

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, we entrust all our concerns and crisis to you for we know you are the only one that can take care of them. We want to always follow the example of Ruth and serve you all our life. Thank you for loving and caring for us. In Jesus name, amen!


We Trust in You Lord!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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