Daily Devotions

From the seeming horror story of Judges we now move into the quieter waters in book  of Ruth, with its pastoral theme of gathering grain. I encourage you to read the whole of this heart warming story.

It centres on the way that obedience in everyday life pleases God. When we reflect His character through our interactions with others, we bring glory to Him. Ruth’s sacrifice and hard work of providing for Naomi reflects God’s love. Boaz’s loyalty to his kinsman, Naomi’s husband, reflects God’s faithfulness. Naomi’s plan for Ruth’s future reflects selfless love.

The book of Ruth reveals to the Israelites the blessings that obedience could bring. It points them towards the loving, faithful nature of their God. The unfolding narrative demonstrates that God responds to His people’s cry. He practices what He preaches, so to speak. Watching Him provide Naomi and Ruth, two widows with little prospects a future. We learn that He cares for the outcasts of society and He asks us to do the same.

The book of Ruth came along at a time of irresponsible living in Israel’s history and appropriately called the people back to a greater responsibility and faithfulness before God—even in difficult times. This call applies just as clearly to us today.

We belong to a loving, faithful, and powerful God who has never failed to care and provide for His children. Like Ruth and Boaz, we are called to respond to that divine grace in faithful obedience, in spite of the godless culture in which we live. Are you willing?

I suppose the most well known text from the book of Ruth (1:15-16) “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

Ruth demonstrates great faith with her insistence to go with Naomi to Judah. She trusts in the Living God of Israel—Naomi’s God. She trusts Naomi’s confidence in God’s provision although she has not seen it. I wonder what it was that Ruth saw in Naomi?

Heavenly Father, how blessed we are to have Your Word which reminds us, in so many ways, what a faithful God You are. It is so necessary to trust You in all things. Help me to examine my own life so that I may set my house in order. I want to be in the middle of Your will, moment by moment, and day by day. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.