Reset Your Life: Wisdom From the Book of RuthSample

Making History

Long lists of names might not be your favorite parts of the Bible, but maybe today, you’ll start liking them just a little bit more.

The Bible has a lot of lists of names called genealogies, and they’re super interesting if you take the time to dig into them.

The Book of Ruth ends with a mini-genealogy showing the generations between Perez and David. Near the middle, you’ll notice Boaz, who had a child with Ruth named Obed.

Why does this name list matter? Remember how, at the beginning of this Plan, we talked about how Ruth’s story changed the trajectory of God’s people? That’s because Boaz and Ruth were the great-grandparents of King David.

King David is a towering figure in the story of the Bible. He’s able to unify God’s people and bring stability and peace to their country. His life was a kind of reset for God’s people, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Ruth.

Our Choices Have a Ripple Effect

When we choose to reset our lives by letting go of an old habit or stepping into a new calling, our choice has a ripple effect. As we choose kindness and sacrificial generosity, we get to pass on to others what it looks like to follow Jesus, creating a legacy that lives on long after we’re gone.

Glancing through Matthew 1, we find another thrilling genealogy that reveals not only the links from Boaz and Ruth to King David (verses 5-6), but from David on down to Jesus Himself (verses 16-17). Ruth couldn’t have known what was at stake when she made the choice to leave her home and follow Naomi back to Bethlehem—but God did. And Ruth never knew how her story would be passed on thousands of years later to you, reading this Plan—but God did.

We don’t know how God will use our story to impact future generations, but it will have an impact, one way or another. So in the moments when life is hard, or even just ordinary, and you wonder how God might possibly be using your situation for good—remember the story of Ruth.

And in moments when life feels impossibly difficult, or you feel stuck in life—return to the Book of Ruth for fresh boost of wisdom and encouragement.

Pray: Dear God, thank You for the story of Ruth. I’ve seen how faithful You were in her story, and I know You’ll be faithful in mine. Please remind me of this story when I need fresh encouragement and motivation to pursue You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: For more wisdom from the Book of Ruth, check out this message series from Pastor Craig Groeschel.