The story of Ruth, written about, preached on, portrayed in many venues--still blesses me each time I read the account in Scripture. One of the reasons I love this story is because it again reveals the heart of God toward ALL people of ALL races.
His covenant and promises to Abraham were with the purpose to bless ALL nations of the world, to give deliverance and salvation to all people. He is not willing that any should perish. ALL have the privilege and opportunity to serve Him and become part of His family.
Israel was simply the conduit, the avenue God used to reconcile us to himself. When Ruth spoke the words: "Intreat 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." She was choosing to become a part of God's covenant with Abraham.
Through acceptance of Christ's provision on the cross, we choose to become a part of that same covenant--with yet the glorious added provision of the blood of Jesus cleansing us from sin and restoring us to communion with God the Father.
To me, that is the beauty of this story--the heart of God to include Ruth, or anyone who chooses to have believe on and have faith in Him. It doesn't matter if they are a submissive daughter-in-law like Ruth, or a harlot like Rahab--they become part of the family of God when they surrender to Him!
Then, there is the beauty of the devotion of Ruth to Naomi and her obedience to her as the story unfolds. She rises from the poverty of Naomi's house to become the wife of the wealthy Boaz. More importantly, she--as the great grandmother of King David-- becomes part of the line into which Jesus is born.
Again, with the record of the generations from Ruth and Boaz--we clearly see God's familial theme as the line is traced to the birth of Christ. Ruth's choice had generational consequences for good. Our choices will determine how our children, grandchildren, and succeeding generations will respond to serving or rejecting God's mercy and grace.
What a story! What a stellar character of choosing right, was Ruth! What a God we serve who extends His mercy and grace to any and all who accept it.
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