Daily Bread

1. Naomi's son (13-17)

The book of Ruth began with the story of Naomi's tragedy. She returned to Bethlehem such an empty, sorrowful woman that she changed her name to 'Mara' (bitter). But now her sorrow turned to joy. She was full. Ruth was better than seven sons, and God gave Ruth and Boaz a son. His name was Obed. He was called Naomi's son. Ruth, a Gentile woman who lived by faith, became a source of blessing to her mother-in-law and to the nation.

2. Israel's king (18-22)

Ruth's son became the grandfather of David, the great king who unified Israel and extended her borders and brought in her golden age. David was greatly loved. He was called a man after God's own heart. He was the man to whom God promised the Messiah. It is amazing grace and a sign of God's redemptive purpose for all people of the world that he chose a Gentile woman to be the direct ancestress of Jesus (Mt 1:4,6).


Prayer: Lord, thank you for blessing the faith and faithfulness of one woman. Help me to learn Ruth's faithfulness.

One Word: God blesses faithfulness