Daily devotional

July 10 - A perfectly timed return (II)

“And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.” - Ruth 1:22c Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 There’s more to be said about this perfectly timed return. Stand amazed. God works everything out perfectly. Yesterday we observed that the barley harvest gave rise to the Feast of First Fruits. And that feast is three days after another feast, the Passover! Naomi and Ruth return right in the middle of Israel’s party season, right in the middle of the celebrate-redemption season. Passover also recalls deliverance from Egypt. Moreover, it points forward to our deliverance from sin through our great Redeemer’s death on the cross. And then, get this: on which day did Jesus get hung on the cross to pay for our sins, for Ruth and Naomi’s sins too? Yes, it was the feast of Passover. But what does that mean? It means that the Redeemer arose from the dead on the Feast of First Fruits, the one being celebrated when Ruth and Naomi return! It’s why 1 Corinthians 15:20, which we read, says “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Perhaps Ruth and Naomi didn’t understand it all. But with the blessing of God’s complete revelation, we can! Ruth and Naomi return on the day that points forward to Christ’s resurrection from the grave. It is to tell Ruth and Naomi, and you and me, that redemption has been accomplished and has been secured. The Feast of First Fruits has been fulfilled too. Christ has been raised. Redemption has been accomplished. What a gospel to encourage each other with! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to see how all of Scripture points to Christ. Further, pray that He also works faith in our hearts to embrace the work of redemption as accomplished through his Son.

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.