Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Woman’s Faith and Formation of a Legacy

Bible Reading:    Ruth 4:1-12
Key verse:  “May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.” (Ruth 4:11)


DEVOTION

The story of Ruth starts in great tragedy, has bold moves of faith, and ends with the formation of a lasting legacy. Ruth experienced great tragedy in her life: her husband, brother-in-law and father-in-law all died. She could have chosen to go back to her family and start anew; however, she chose to leave her homeland, leave the familiar behind and go alongside her mother-in-law Naomi. “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). This bold declaration was more than just loyalty to Naomi. It was Ruth stepping out in faith. It was a move that took great courage.
 
Ruth continued to obey Naomi’s instructions, gleaned leftover crops in Boaz’s field, and followed Naomi’s guidance on how to approach Boaz. She obeyed faithfully and continued to trust in the God of Israel. In the end, God honored that faith through her marriage to Boaz, the family’s kinsman-redeemer. Ruth allowed God to write her story. And through her faith, a great legacy was formed. In verse 11, the people of Bethlehem bless her, comparing her to Rachel and Leah—the women through whom God built the nation of Israel. This blessing comes to fruition as Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David, and is named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
 
As we go about our day, may we be inspired to be bold like Ruth, to step out of our comfort zones, to obey even when the way forward is uncertain, and to trust that God will use our small acts of faith for something much greater.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, embolden us like Ruth to step out in faith and follow Your will even when the path forward may seem unclear. We offer up control of our stories to you. We pray that our small acts of faith may one day form into our legacies. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” Ruth 1:16

Riya Varughese
St. Andrews MTC, Yonkers, NY

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