Daily devotional

July 30 - The need for an immediate king realized

““A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” - Ruth 4:17b Scripture reading: Ruth 4:13-22 We said right at the beginning of the month that the story of Ruth is a bridge. It’s a bridge between “In those days there was no king in Israel” (Judges 21:25) and David’s anointing as king in 1 Samuel. Israel shouldn’t need a king. And yet, God permits it. His sinful people need an earthly leader. Hence the instructions for kingship in Deuteronomy 17. And so, as we come to the end of this story, we need to notice the details. Verse 13 states, “and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.” Previously she had been married for about 10 years. Ten years but no children. But now there is conception. God is putting everything in its perfect place. The women of Bethlehem understand something of the enormity of the moment. Because they turn their attention, not to Ruth, but to Naomi. To her they say, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer…”  And they follow that with, “A son has been born to Naomi.” And then we learn his name and the name of his son - David! God provides the much-needed king. But as we look forward in history we see that David, despite being the king after God’s own heart, cannot bring about the ultimate redemption from sin because he too is a sinner. Full redemption will only come through one from David’s line, Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for always directing things, also in our lives, according to His perfect and good plan. Ask that He always direct our attention, ultimately to the great King, Jesus Christ.

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.