Pilgrims And ForeignersSample

Ruth – Driven by hunger she meets her God (Ruth 1)

We must highlight the God of all grace. In the long term we perceive the plan of redemption. The book concludes with Ruth becoming part of the genealogy of David (4: 18-22) and later we see her as Jesus’ ancestor (Mt. 1: 5). Therefore, Yahweh weaves the events of his eternal counsel of salvation together. Closer is the divine blessing in times of apostasy, as the story of Ruth takes place in the days of the Judges (1: 1). Improbable as it may seem, the Lord acts favourably and we can emphasize two things: A) In his providence, he reverts situations (6: 22). He who allowed the deprivation that made reasonable the emigration and disgrace of Noemi and her daughters-in-law because of death, now creates the conditions for the return to the promised land. B) He leads people to faith (1: 16, 17). To do so he uses personal testimony. Noemi has been the object of harsh criticism for leaving the promised land and somehow leaving her faith. Nevertheless, a) the words of Ruth “your God will be my God” (16) evince that she never surrendered to the dominant religion or culture of Moab; b) she knew how to intercede on behalf of her daughters-in-law (8) and she undoubtedly expected a divine answer; c) she saw the hand of Yahweh in everything that had happened, as she names the Lord four times (20, 21); d) and she does not play the victim claiming the attention of her daughters-in-law, whom she invites to stay in Moab (9-13). Regarding Ruth, what stands out is her very firm resolution: “Entreat me not to leave you…” (16). The fact that it is true faith is seen in the following: (1) she believes in Yahweh in spite of the pitiful circumstances that could have triggered her resentment towards Him; (2) full commitment, a species of discipleship, as she leaves her family and land to follow God; (3) extraordinary sympathy for her mother-in-law (2: 11, 12); (4) a complete identification with God’s people, even if as a Moabite she could have been badly perceived by society. She is a true daughter of Abraham (Gen. 12: 3b).

Antonio Ruiz

Motives of gratitude:

· Thank you for all the brothers and sisters who, with their testimony, have impacted lives, have been your hands, your voice, your feet, a kiss for the soul of those who know you and of those who don’t. 

· Because you make yours all my battles.

· Because you restore us, you return us to our original design

Requests:

· May we lead others to faith in Christ through our testimony

· May we be willing to leave everything to follow God

· That the influences that surround us do not take our eyes away from Christ