The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

GOD AND THE WORLD

Ruth was determined to remain by her mother-in-law’s side. This was important since her assertion that Naomi’s God would be her God is an affirmation of her faith in the one true God of Israel. She was choosing to cling to God, to Naomi and to Naomi’s people, forsaking all that she had ever known to follow God. Ruth had an opportunity to choose between making a new life with God or returning to her old way of life and the idols of her people. She decided to fervently and stubbornly remain by her mother-in-law’s side to serve God and stay true to the faith she had come to know.

It is amazing that God chose someone (a woman no less) outside of the Jewish faith to not only follow the God of Israel but also to become a part of the lineage of the Messiah (Mt 1:5). This was a shadow of the reality that would be the redemption of the entire world first for the Jew and then for the Gentile (Ro 1:16). Jesus would not only be the Savior of the Jews but of the whole world. He actually had Gentile (non-Jewish) blood running through his human veins, thanks to “outsiders” in his family line such as Ruth. When he came to earth, he made it abundantly clear that salvation was offered for the whole world.

Similar to Ruth, who was brought into the family of God through her Jewish family and her faith, followers of Jesus are brought into the family of God through faith in Christ and grace given by God. “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Eph 2:19 – 20). John writes in John 3:16, which has become an epic anthem for the worldwide church epitomizing the gospel message, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus, thank you for the example of Ruth and her faithfulness. Thank you for including both Jews and non-Jews in your bloodline. Thank you for including me in your household. Amen.