Watchword
(Proverbs 2:1-8; Mark 2.1-12)
Ruth 4:13-22
The marriage was consummated and the resulting child was one more step toward the eternal consummation of God’s plan for the universe in Christ Jesus. This plan is one that will not be stopped. All world events advance it, be they wicked or blessed. All things bring us a chapter forward in God’s redemptive narrative.
The story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz is one with a very happy ending. Naomi has a grandson, Boaz and Ruth a loving marriage, and Bethlehem has another child. The women of the Bethlehem sing the glad tidings, “A son has been born to Naomi.” Years later a far more glorious choir will visit Bethlehem to sing these good tidings, “For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “
Yes, the little child Obed is truly the central character in the book of Ruth, for he is the fulfillment of the longing of Naomi. He is the outcome of the redemption which Boaz brought about. And he is the result the faith and faithfulness of Ruth. Yet even Obed points forward to a greater central character - Jesus Christ. For it is that child, the son of both God and men, who is the ultimate basis of our greatest longing. He has provided our truest redemption. He, and no other, is the object of our dearest faith and faithfulness.
Bible Reading:Hebrews 13: 10-16
The life of service is the only reasonable life a Christian can lead. God asks for all our best, all the time. Sacrifice is not only the ground of our redemption, but it is the basis of our practice and life. Sacrifice is more than an isolated act; it is an all encompassing life principle. Sacrifice is worship.
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