Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:3
"And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s:"

Elimelech was Noami's husband. If Boaz was his brother then he was an older man. That was the first I realized Ruth and Boaz were not of the same age. Boaz would have been Ruth's husband's uncle. That makes it more understandable why Boaz mentions she hasn't gone after young men.

"And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
(Ruth 3:10-11)

So if Boaz was closer to Naomi's age why didn't he marry her? It had to do with the Levirate marriage law. It was a question of raising up children. Naomi was a widow but already mentioned she could not have more children. Ruth however as a childless widow could have children and preserve the deceased's family line.

Day 3823

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:14-15

"And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him."

Through Boaz and Ruth, a son was born, for an inheritance for Naomi's son Mahlon. He would take care of her in her old age. The women's words were so prophetic for the restorer of life was not just this babe, but who would descend from this line, the Savior Jesus Christ.

Day 2395

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 3:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 3:18

"hen said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."

I pondered on this advice is the very best of advice. I have learned to sit still and wait in so many instances where I have no control in the matter. The next move will only come after the free agency of any other comes into play. There is no sense in worrying about what happens next, or what the decision to be made is. When I trust that the Lord will make sure either way that it will be for my good, I then leave it in his hands. Life is much more peaceful until it is known which way the matter has fallen. Often I am pleasantly surprised by how perfect the outcome was for me.

Day 2394

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 2:11-12, 20

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 2:11-12, 20

"And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen."

As I read this story of Ruth and Boaz's kindness to her in gleaning the fields, I could not help but think of this great stock that Jesus Christ will come through on his mortal mother's side. It takes a good person to recognize the goodness found in others. He did not look upon material wealth, but looked upon Ruth's heart. He saw her goodness and faithfulness to her mother-in-law, desire to work and provide for them, and her dedication to the Israelite God.

Day 2393

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 1:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 1:16-17

"And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

It is so refreshing to read the story of Ruth after reading of the wickedness in Israel in the book of Judges. What I love in these verses is Ruth's testimony. She has been converted to the Israelite God. She gave up her former gods, life and family. She wishes to remain with Naomi, and be in a household of faith and serve the God of Israel. I love thinking that David will be one of her descendants, as well as Jesus Christ.

Day 2392

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:14-15
"And the woman said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him."

After the relative that had first rights of marry Ruth refuses Boaz then marries her. He raises up seed to her dead husband and his family. So Naomi now has a grandson. As Ruth says these words to Naomi she is prophesying. These are more than words meant for Naomi. For from this line will come the Savior, the restorer of life, the nourisher, and redeemer. Never was a child more cherished. Never would the earth know a line that showed greater love for humankind.


Day 811

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 3:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 3:18
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."

I really love how Naomi now tries to take care of Ruth, advising her in how to have Boaz marry her. After all was done now she had to sit still and wait. I thought about how that is so like what I have needed to do. I do all the Lord tells me and then I have to leave the rest in his hands. Not really knowing how it will work out, but that the way it works out will be the Lord's way.


Day 810

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 2:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 2:11-12
"And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."

The story of Ruth, and how Boaz sees her is so touching. I have no idea of her beauty, but I can see that what Boaz recognized in her is a beautiful soul. He sees her good works, and faith. What he does to support Ruth and Naomi by having his reapers leave extra for her tells of his good heart too. No wonder the line of David and then Jesus Christ come from them.

Day 809

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 1:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 1:16-17
"And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

These are such beautiful words. I always thought it showed how much Ruth loved her mother-in-law Naomi. She could not dear to part with her, and see her left all alone. This time while reading these words I felt something different. They were spoken because Ruth loved the Lord with all her heart. She had been converted to Naomi's faith and her God. She would forsake all her family just to be with God's people. She loved Naomi too for she was part of her conversion. Where Naomi would go would only be where God's people were. How many countless converts have followed these same words and example as Ruth once having been converted.


Day 808