Day 81

God in the midst of Evil

Read: Ruth 1-4

The story of Ruth takes place during the period of the judges. It was a time of immorality, but in the midst of such a setting we see that family life can yet be noble and beautiful. So also in our day. Our headlines are full of crime and violence. Yet it is possible for a family centered in Christ to express the same kind of love and loyalty we find in the book of Ruth.

This is not a picture of perfection. It is not wise for this family to leave the environment of God’s covenant people and go to a pagan land for the sake of food. There the two sons marry pagan wives, yet God overrules and brings good out of the situation.

Both daughters-in-law are good to Naomi, but because Ruth is especially loyal, with time good things happen in her life by the kind providence of God.

Ruth works hard caring for her mother-in-law and this does not go unnoticed either by God or by Boaz. We see here some strange customs that we do not fully understand, but the bottom line is that the good and rich Boaz marries Ruth. David becomes one of their descendants and therefore ultimately Jesus springs from their line.

No matter how much evil is around us, let us express love and loyalty to our family members and trust God will bless us as seems best to him in his time.

PRAYER
Father, give us the grace to treat our family members lovingly and may this provide a good witness to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.