RTW April 8
Our Dedication Effects Our Descendants
The neighbor women said, ‘Now at last Naomi has a son again!’ And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.
Ruth 4:17
My Takeaways
Something Old
The Moabites were a tribe descended from Moab, the son of Lot, born of an incestuous relationship with his oldest daughter. (Genesis 19:37)
The Moabites refused passage to the Israelites, but they didn’t fight against Israel. They lived as neighbors. Scripture mentions they lacked hospitality, and hired Balaam to curse Israel.
The Moabites might have been considered too friendly. They sent their daughters to cultivate friendly relations with Israelite men and to entice them into idolatry. (Numbers 25:2)
Something New
The portrait of a family tree is something to behold. Today’s reading served as blessed reminder that lineage matters.
- David, a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) was from the lineage of a Moabite woman named Ruth. Ruth is one of only three women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
- Ruth and a man named Boaz who honored and obeyed the laws of LORD.
- They did not forget their inheritance.
- Did not fail to pass it down to the future generations of their family line. (We know this is to be true or David would not have been the type of King that he was.)
When I think of words such as heritage and legacy my eyes flood with tears. I think of the lame man Peter healed. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (ESV) (Act 3:6-7)
My dedication can direct my descendants.
Something to Do
Direct my descendants toward Jesus.
Thank you Wendy for the history listen. I feel like it was much needed in putting together the pieces in todays lesson.
My Takeaways: Ruth is such a short sweet book, but what a powerful message. God is always there orchestrating our lifes for his purposes when we are faithful and obedient to him. Every life is important in fulfilling God’s plans.
Something Old: 1 Samuel 1:1-8 Brought back memories of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. Jacob, Leah and Rachel. Now we have Elkanah, Hannah and Peninnah. Hannah is childless. God’s timing is not always in compliance with our timing. But rest assured that his plans are best. Like Hannah, I must always, remain faithful and obedient. Not crying in my self-pity, but enjoying the loving relationships that God has given me.
Something New: 1Chronicles 4:10 “He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, ‘Oh that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!’ And God granted him his request.” I love this prayer. Jabez didn’t do any heroic acts, but he acknowledged God and made him the center of his life. He prayed for God’s blessings in everything he did. Scripture says that God granted his request. Oh what I can learn from Jabez!
Something To Do: Ask God to keep me safe in my everyday activities. Don’t allow me to fall into the evil ways of this world and what is inside of me. Keep God and his ways in the center of my life at all cost!