“And she lived with her mother-in-law.” – Ruth 2:23b

Scripture reading: Matthew 1:1-6a

It’s almost a perfect picture now. We just need to wait for Christ to come. Wait for Pentecost and all the “Ruths” of this world will be gleaned in. Almost picture perfect … but … something is still not right. It’s all caught up in those last few words of the chapter “And she lived with her mother-in-law.”

Naomi and Ruth are now physically provided for. But without a husband there is no prospect of children. And that means they are still a dead-end branch of Israel’s family tree. Their genealogy will end without a husband or without children. There’s no possibility of them participating in the line to Christ either

But, knowing what we know of this story so far, gives us confidence that there’s got to be more to it. And there is! Reading those few verses from the beginning of Matthew’s gospel just makes us even more eager to hear how God is going to tie it all together. Because we read it previously, we see Ruth’s name is in the genealogy of our Saviour.

Stand in awe of our God’s redeeming work. In the genealogy of the Redeemer is someone who has been redeemed from the darkness of Moab. Stand in awe of God’s power in your life and in the lives of so many others. If He can insert into His Son’s family tree someone like Ruth, there is no one who is beyond the reach of His grace, should He will it.

Suggestions for prayer

Thank God for His redeeming work in your life and in the life of others, even as you pray that He continues that work in your life.

Since 2019, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen has served the Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church near Dunnville, 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.