Lessons Learned

“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. 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. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” Ruth 4:13-17

We have looked at the story contained in the Book of Ruth from the perspective of different people. There are so many lessons we can learn but to complete the week, we will look at these:

• From Naomi we learn that survival is worth everything it takes, and that God is always able to redeem. In Moab she felt that God had deserted her. In spite of her heartbreak and bitterness, God wanted to bless her and use her. And we can be sure that He is waiting and willing to do the same for us. It is never too late to change our direction and take steps toward the Lord.
• From Ruth we learn lessons of loyalty – to Naomi and to God. She modeled humility, willing to take the lowly job of gleaning, in order to support her and her mother-in-law. Even after she had the attention of Boaz, she still kept on gleaning, showing that she was industrious. She modeled integrity in everything she did. She did not murmur nor complain but trusted the God she had come to love.
• From Boaz we learn lessons of faithfulness to God, obedience to His Word, and a life of generosity and compassion for the less fortunate. He manifested the example of a true neighbour that Jesus expressed in His parable of the Good Samaritan. May the Lord help us to manifest the same spirit to the world, showing compassion and generosity to all.
• From the people of Bethlehem, we learn the lesson of forgiveness. As Naomi returned, they welcomed her with open arms, and also accepted the stranger, Ruth, as one of their own. May we be like them in welcoming returning prodigals and strangers in our midst.
• We learned that there are steps we must take to prepare ourselves if we want to be in the bride of Christ. Signs are being fulfilled daily of the Lord’s soon return and the bride must make herself ready.

I hope these devotions have been a blessing to each one over the past week. Take time to read the Book of Ruth, and let the Lord speak to you.

Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus for your great love for us, and for the provision you have made for us to be part of your bride. Help us to be ready and waiting, labouring in the harvest field until you come.

Devotion by Anne Johnston