Ruth was another non-Jewish female that made Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus in chapter 1. Read the short book to get the whole story. Here are three quick takeaways from the story:
- When we align ourselves with God we are never without hope.
Ruth and Naomi found themselves widowed and without hope. Things looked bleak for both women. The pain of grief was heavy. Remember, Naomi not only lost her husband, but both of her sons as well. When they left Moab for Bethlehem, they were broken and destitute. But God. God was at work to give these two women a hope and a future. They couldn’t see it, but God was making a way for them. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Believer, at the end of your pain is the unfolding of God’s plan. Your story isn’t over. Let the hope of Christ, the hope of Christmas move you to align yourself with Him and to trust Him to bring your though.
- When we align ourselves with God, we will be given favor.
God led Ruth to the right field to glean grain. She didn’t know it was the field of Boaz, a relative of her late husband and potential kinsman-redeemer. That is the favor of God. God led her not only to the right field, but He led her there at the right time. When you read chapter two, the story highlights the timing of the events. 4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!” Boaz just happened to arrive on the scene at the right time to be able to catch a glimpse of Ruth. He was intrigued. She caught his eye. He wanted to know more. Chapter 2 is all about how Ruth found favor with Boaz. Verse 10, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” Ruth knew she had been given favor. Special treatment. Goodwill was being extended to her. Special kindness was being given to her. Boaz gave her extra help. She didn’t deserve it, but he paid her extra attention. She didn’t ask for it. She couldn’t have produced it, but God gave her favor through Boaz.
This is what God does for those who align themselves with Him. Mary, the Mother of Jesus was called “Blessed and highly favored,” by the angel who visited her in Luke 1 to tell her she would give birth to Jesus. Mary was a virgin. Virgins didn’t have children. It was because of God’s favor that she conceived and gave birth to Jesus. Favor comes with provision. Favor produces miracles. Hear me, you want the favor of God. He can cause people’s hearts to open to you. He can open doors no man can shut. He can elevate you in situations that create opportunities for you that you could never have maneuvered. He can create a stream of provision in your life that will keep you going. He can cut through red tape. He can create space for you when you need that appointment, when you need access to someone. He can cause people to treat you kindly, to go above and beyond for you like Boaz did for Ruth.
- When we align ourselves with God, we will be redeemed.
Boaz serves as a “type” of Christ. Boaz was a preview of what Jesus, our Kinsman-Redeemer would accomplish for us on the Cross. The Hebrew word for kinsman-redeemer is “goel,” which refers to a kinsman who has the “right to redeem” someone. Jesus has the right to redeem us because He lived a sinless life, qualifying Him to die as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. I love this verse in Hebrews 2:11, “Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” Jesus, our Brother has redeemed us all! Is Jesus your Kinsman-Redeemer?
Ruth and Naomi were in the middle of a mess, but God turned it around and from that mess, the Messiah, Jesus, descended. Ruth and Naomi started the trip to Bethlehem empty, and God filled their lives with provision, purpose and enabled them to be part of His plan to bring redemption to the world. Wow!
Might you be bitter in this moment toward the very God who wants to bless you? Do you need the hope and favor that come from aligning yourselves with God? Have you been redeemed by God through Christ? If not, you can be today. Those are the Christmas messages from the mess Ruth and Naomi found themselves in. Let what God did for them lead you to let God do the same for you.
