July 1 - Introduction to Ruth
We find the story of Ruth between the books of Judges and Samuel. You might say it’s a bridge-book. It is a story that illustrates what it was like to live in the time of the judges while also making clear the need for the leadership of a king. Moreover, the story of Ruth re-introduces into the Biblical story, the biological family line from which the king after God’s heart (King David) was to be born. At the very same time the story of Ruth paints in beautiful colors and vivid detail the contours of the Great Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who came from the very same family line.
This story is a story that fits into, and illustrates beautifully, the grand narrative of Scripture, the narrative of redemption. But it’s also a story that is about the nitty gritty of daily life, and the incredible impact that redemption has on every moment of our existence. To say it this way, the story of Ruth is your story; it’s my story.
Your story, my story, in that it confirms for us our need for redemption while at the same time holding out for us the promise that redemption is always possible. It also assures us that redemption is a blessed reality.
So, as we make our way through this month of devotions, make a point of looking into the mirror of this story and seeing yourself, yes, also your sin. But never stop there. Look closely into the canvas of this grand painting and see the vivid contours of your Redeemer, Jesus Christ. And once you have seen Him and embraced anew, the gospel of redemption, see in this story many little pictures of how to live as one who has been redeemed.
Bad days, bad weather
“In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land…” - Ruth 1:1a
Scripture reading: Judges 2:6-15
The verse paints a dark picture. The previous verse in the Bible is Judges 21:25. It reads “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” That’s a damning description. Without godly leadership, even God’s own people tend to follow their sinful hearts. So much so, that Judges 2:10 characterized that generation as those who “did not know the LORD.” What’s the result? Verse 11 says, “The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.” If you really want to know how evil it got, read Judges 17-21. It won’t leave you with a good feeling.
Bad days and bad weather! There was a famine in the land. There’s a connection between the behaviour of God’s people and the weather. Deuteronomy 28:15-16 says, “But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD” then “cursed shall be … the fruit of your ground.”
Each of us needs to ask ourselves, where in my life am I just doing what’s right in my own eyes? Because living in that way is never going to go anywhere good. It wasn't for God’s people back then, and it won't be for you or I today. In fact, it’ll always turn out badly. Right here in the very first verse of this story we have a clear signal of the need for redemption. And praise God, that redemption happens in this story. But before we get to that, things first get worse.
Suggestions for prayer
Ask God to show us in what areas of our lives we are living in a way that’s right-in-my-own-eyes, and then thank Him for making that clear to us.
Since 2019, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen has served the Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church, Ontario, Canada. He, his wife, children and grandchildren are deeply grateful for the blessing of daily living under the shelter of God’s wings. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....
