Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Matthew 1:5
Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.
I want to bring your focus to Ruth, the Moabite woman, a pagan whose name became worthy of mention in the book of Matthew in chapter 1. King David and Jesus Christ came out of the lineage of Ruth.
A famine had struck in Bethlehem Naomi with her husband Elimelech and two sons had left for Moab, Moabites were idolators.
Bethlehem means house of bread; they had left to look for bread in Moab. They lacked faith to dig in their heels and stay in Bethlehem. Her sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth.
Little by little her joy eroded and she lost it all.
Naomi lost her husband and two sons in Moab, this plan was certainly not from God although she said, God had dealt treacherously with her.
Life had become chaotic and her name had lost the meaning from sweet to bitter. Her goals, plans and all of it had gone haywire.
God has said in, Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
When troubles come don’t let the enemy make us run away, but God will give the grace to withstand that challenge and see us through victorious.
Naomi had heard that the famine was over and she decides to return to Bethlehem, she lets her daughters in law to return to their homes as it is customary. Orpah returns to her home but, Ruth decides to hold onto her mother- in law and her God with grit and determination. She had no clue as to what her future would be or what could be expected but she decided to be a risk taker, loyal, committed, humble and caring. It’s better that some people leave for their destiny is not tied with you. Naomi arrived back in Bethlehem along with Ruth during harvest time.
The city was excited to see them for the devil tried to destroy them, they went through the wind and the storm but here they were with the city celebrating. They all probably praised away. Destiny has it that Ruth walks into the field of Boaz, a very wealthy man, in whose eyes God grants her favour, the whole town knows of her as a virtuous woman and Boaz ends up being a kinsman redeemer.
Ruth who was gleaning among the sheaves was now the owner of the field, overnight a wife and a wealthy woman. Little did she know that the best season of her life was awaiting here in Bethlehem, but she decided to cling onto the Lord God of Israel who changed her life forever (Ruth 4:21-22) Ruth gave birth to Obed. Ruth 4:22 Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David. God also made this pagan Moabitess, the great grandmother of Jesus Christ.
Under all circumstances, even when you can understand nothing, hold onto Jesus and His promises, nothing is over as long as God is on the throne!! He will turn it all for your good beyond your expectation and imagination.
Loving heavenly Father, give us the grace to withstand the wind and the storm, for as long as You are in charge of our life, all is well. May we know that deep in our heart at all times, in Jesus mighty name!!
Amen!!!
