Boaz said to Ruth, "I hope the LORD, Israel’s God, will show you some of the same kindness that you’ve shown to Naomi. I hope you find in God the protection and security you want."
HEBREWS 11:6 (MSG)
It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
THE ESSENCE
God responds to those who show they believe in him by trusting him while making the practical decisions of life.
DAILY FODDER
Ruth threw her lot in with her mother-in-law Naomi, escorting her home to Israel. God rewarded her kindness with a new husband, Boaz, and a spot in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). There must have been lots of other great women who Matthew could have included but he chose Ruth, a non-Jewish relative of Jesus. What makes her so special?
PRAYER
Kind God, thank you for responding to our steps of faith. I confess that I get discouraged and think about giving up when the tide turns against me. Show me how to be like Ruth, who took an incredible step of faith during a moment of incredible grief. She prepared the way for Jesus and received the care that truly reflects your kindness. Amen.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen
