May 7, 2014 (Wednesday)
During the time of the Judges, a woman named Naomi became a wife and mother in Bethlehem. Her husband moved with his family to Moab, because of great famine in their homeland. There he died. His two sons died also, leaving Naomi a widow with two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, who were now also widows. She heard there was no longer a famine in Bethlehem, so she decided to go back home. Orpah stayed in Moab, but Ruth went with Naomi, vowing never to leave her. There she met and married Boaz a wealthy relative of her husband. Their grandson was Jesse, father of David, who became King of Israel. Jesus, the Messiah, was his descendant. This a condensed version of a beautiful story that is presented in a Bible book of only 4 chapters: the Book of Ruth. (Click here to choose a modern easy-to-read version and enjoy reading this short book of the Bible).
Ruth – devotional thoughts
1. Some things happen by God’s permission. God allowed the famine and the deaths of three men, husbands of Naomi, Ruth and Orpah.
2. God sometimes uses trouble in accomplishing His purposes. In this case, suffering and death, although unfortunate and painful, created a family in Bethlehem that would be necessary in God’s plan of salvation for all people everywhere.
3. God blesses loving relationships. Ruth and Naomi loved each other. Boaz loved Ruth and she loved him. Love brought them all together to accomplish God’s great plan for all humankind.
4. God is at work in our lives. Who else could have brought about the union of a wealthy Israelite and a foreign girl that would produce a progeny of greatness that would eventually affect your life and mine?
5. God brings good out of whatever happens. Romans 8:28 holds true: “..we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (NKJV).