Monday Morning Encouragement -- God Always Has A Plan

 

"He said, 'Who are you?' And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.'" Ruth 3:9

Last week I read once more through the Book of Ruth. Although it's a short read, with only four chapters, it's packed with encouragement for facing life's challenges. Here we find Naomi, a woman living in a foreign land due to a famine in her home country of Judah. She has lost everything: her husband, her two sons, and now she faces the journey back home to Judah where she foresees a life of poverty. She has two daughters-in-law -- both Moabite women -- who want to go with her, but ultimately only Ruth stays by her side. And this is where the story really gets interesting.

Soon after the two women arrive in Judah, Ruth goes to a nearby field to glean grain for them to eat. It turns out that the field is owned by Boaz, a relative to Naomi's late husband Elimelech, and who according to Mosaic law is a "kinsman redeemer." In other words, Boaz can buy the property that Elimelech owned, marry Ruth, and provide for the two women. There's one obstacle in that there is another kinsman redeemer who is first in line, but he opts out and Boaz steps in.

The theme of the story is redemption, and Ruth is the instrument God uses to accomplish His purpose in bringing redemption not only to Naomi, but to generations to come. Ruth and Boaz have a son together named Obed, who is the grandfather of King David, and so they establish a bloodline that eventually leads to the birth of the Messiah Jesus. All orchestrated by an amazing God through a series of events: from a famine that forces Naomi to Moab where Ruth is, to their return to Judah where Ruth happens upon Boaz's field, to her marriage to Boaz and the birth of Christ the Savior, God is behind it all.

God always has a plan, and He will see to it that it comes to fruition. Ruth and Naomi's story is just one example, and we should feel encouraged as we consider it, and give glory to God for His infinite wisdom and power. We can trust Him with our lives, even when we don't understand our circumstances.

Today's music video Trust His Heart by Babbie Mason reminds us that God is wise and good, and we can trust Him.

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.