Day 57 – Ruth: Theme

“The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor.” Ruth 3:10 NLT

When we first get to know Ruth, she is a destitute widow. We follow her as she joins God’s people, gleans in the grain fields, and risks her honour at the threshing floor of Boaz to whom she later marries. What a beautiful picture of how we come to faith in Christ. God sketches a Biblical framework for family relations and loyalty by highlighting faithfulness, kindness, integrity, protection and blessings in prosperity. I see these as pillars for the foundation of unshakable family values. You know those famous boards, “In this house…”? I imagine Ruth’s would read: In this house we are faithful, kind, have integrity, protect each other and thrive in God’s blessings.

The Book of Ruth is one of encouragement and all the anatomies of love. It sketches God’s work through people and inspires you to know He could use you too. Like Naomi, God wants to bring family and friends to Him through you. Your family are your ministry too. When we are loyal and loving in our relationships, we imitate God’s faithfulness.

Prayer: Father, there was a time when I thought the Book of Ruth was just a love story. However, through deeper study, I discovered the various aspects of love and how it should be practiced. Even during Israel’s dark times, there was love and hope, which continued the generational line of Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness. Amen.