“Salmon
begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot
David the king.” Matthew 1:3-4
Here it is, the culmination for the
story of Ruth. She was of a despised race, just like her mother-in-law, Rahab.
She was an outcast from Israel, like Rahab. Like Rahab she had thrown herself
on the mercy of God who excludes none who will come unto Him in faith. And what
an outcome it was for both of these outcasts. Here they are in the direct genealogy
of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Savior. (And theirs)
The story of Ruth did not end in the
book bearing her name. It has not yet ended and never will. Ruth “believed God
and it was counted to her for righteousness”. Ruth is still alive and well and
if we know her Son, we will meet her face to face one day. That is a glorious
conclusion to a book that began so dismally. It began with sinful man but ends
with a faithful and loving God. That is how our lives through Jesus Christ read
as well.
Dear Father, Thank You that our
story through Christ will never be done. Amen.
The
Friday Benediction
Until Monday, my friends, may the good God envelop
you with His grace; may you prove the common confession of faith, “I believe in
the holy Christian church and in the fellowship of the saints”, and may you be
enriched with joy and hope as you exercise that confession this weekend. Amen
For quality inspirational,
educational, and fictional Christian books visit www.davidccraig.net
No comments:
Post a Comment