Ruth 2-4 / John 4:43-54 / Psalm 105:16-36 / Proverbs 14:26-27
The story of Naomi and Ruth is such a beautiful and familiar story. Even though Ruth is not related to Naomi except as a daughter-in-law, they have taken one another as family and have refused to be parted. In this commitment to remain as family, Ruth receives the blessing of a new husband along with the larger blessing of being in the lineage of King David and Jesus the Christ.
Ruth didn’t see the blessings that were ahead; she simply followed her heart and her convictions and that brought the promise of God into her family line. I was so overwhelmed as I read of the kindness shown to her by Boaz and Naomi. And the concept of the Kinsman Redeemer is a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ and His determination to make those who were not His into family.
For those of us who are Gentiles, not of Jewish descent, our adoption into the family of God through our Redeemer is an especially beautiful truth. God did not have to make us His, but He chose us. Our adoption into the family of God has given us the same rights as the naturally chosen children through Israel.
Some might make a distinction between their natural born children and those who are adopted, but God has made no distinction. This conversation reminds me of John 15 where Jesus is talking to His disciples about the Vine and the branches. Please read the whole chapter, but here is one verse to get you started. John 15:16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.
I chose you. God didn’t choose us because we were beautiful or smart; He chose us because He created and loves us! All of us are imperfect and finite, but the Creator of the universe, the One Who is perfect, hand picked us to be in relationship with Him through Jesus Christ His Son. I don’t know that any of us fully understands the kind of love God has shown.
How many of you are watching the series called The Chosen produced by Dallas Jenkins? If you have not watched, I highly encourage you to download the free app and watch. The episodes are the most well-done series on the life of Christ I’ve ever watched. You will be forever changed. In season one, episode one this portion of scripture from Isaiah 43 is pivotal.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
I, I alone, am the one who wipes out your wrongdoings for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.
You have been CHOSEN.
