THE STORY OF JESUS: Ruth 1-2
“Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me — a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10)
The story of Ruth is a teaching story, to impress a great truth on God’s people.
Ruth stands out as a model believer, even though she is not a Jew.
Her example of humility and loyalty sets her up as a symbol of God-pleasing faith.
As we will see, God uses Ruth to bless the future of Israel, and to ultimately lead to Jesus.
Again and again God uses surprising people to reveal His grace through weakness.
This is also seen in Jesus’ family tree, where for ‘questionable’ women are included.
According to Matthew 1:2-16, Jesus’ heritage includes Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba.
This shows how God uses sinners and outsiders to bring the Saviour into the world.
God is NOT only interested in the Jews; He chooses the Jews to reach the world!
Jesus Himself was often more impressed by the faith of ‘foreigners’.
“I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” (Matthew 8:10)
God shows His favour to all people, yet often His own people resist it.
The humble, grateful attitude of this immigrant makes God smile.
This is the posture that impresses Jesus, that opens the way for God’s blessing.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, teach us as Your followers to see all people like You do, with grace, mercy, peace and love. Help us build bridges of welcome, not walls of exclusion.
God moves in mysterious ways – contrary to the ways of the day as shown in the story of Ruth. The place of women was very different then as it is today. All people are part of His kingdom and play a role in the coming of the Kingdom in full. God is in charge and moves in ways that mankind would not. God’s ways are inclusive and man’s ways are exclusive. Just look at the people He choose to be ministers of His peace bringing in the Kingdom – the women, the disciples, those He healed, etc – – – He came to serve and not to be served. He was a foot washer, humble and used people like that in building His kingdom.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sov’reign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.