April 7
Ruth 1:1-4:12
The book of Ruth begins with all sorts of seemingly disastrous decisions. A family from the tribe of Judah leaves the Promised Land. The Israelite men from this family marry non-Israelite women—what were they thinking? It seems like God is against them. Naomi voices this opinion as she heads back home leaving three dead men in Moab and apparently with no material possessions. Yet, God has not left them and is going to bless them in ways beyond their wildest dreams. He provides food for them through Ruth's hard work and the generosity of Boaz, he provides a guardian-redeemer to protect and provide for them, and he provides them with a son (in tomorrow's reading). How radically God has transformed their situation from destitution to abundance, from isolation to community, and from feeling afflicted to blessed.
This transformation occurs through the redeeming work of Boaz. He buys the land and the women and transforms their lives and their identity. The role of Boaz is a picture of the greater work of Jesus. He has redeemed us out of slavery to sin, isolation from God, and eternal judgment, bringing us into new life. No matter the difficulties, pain, and sorrows of life, if you are in Christ, you have a redeemer who cares for you and gives eternal life.
Father God, thank you that Jesus is my redeemer and that I have been rescued from sin and brought into an eternal, abundant life. Amen.
What causes you to focus more on what is lacking in your life than the blessings you already have?
The book of Ruth begins with all sorts of seemingly disastrous decisions. A family from the tribe of Judah leaves the Promised Land. The Israelite men from this family marry non-Israelite women—what were they thinking? It seems like God is against them. Naomi voices this opinion as she heads back home leaving three dead men in Moab and apparently with no material possessions. Yet, God has not left them and is going to bless them in ways beyond their wildest dreams. He provides food for them through Ruth's hard work and the generosity of Boaz, he provides a guardian-redeemer to protect and provide for them, and he provides them with a son (in tomorrow's reading). How radically God has transformed their situation from destitution to abundance, from isolation to community, and from feeling afflicted to blessed.
This transformation occurs through the redeeming work of Boaz. He buys the land and the women and transforms their lives and their identity. The role of Boaz is a picture of the greater work of Jesus. He has redeemed us out of slavery to sin, isolation from God, and eternal judgment, bringing us into new life. No matter the difficulties, pain, and sorrows of life, if you are in Christ, you have a redeemer who cares for you and gives eternal life.
Father God, thank you that Jesus is my redeemer and that I have been rescued from sin and brought into an eternal, abundant life. Amen.
What causes you to focus more on what is lacking in your life than the blessings you already have?
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