19th January 2025

Ruth's Story

There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed.

He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

.  Ruth 4:17

Today's Bible Reading: Ruth 3:1-11.

Widows in biblical times often faced a life of poverty. That’s the situation Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were in after each woman lost her husband. But God had a plan to provide security for them while involving Ruth as an integral part of a much bigger plan.

Boaz, a wealthy landowner, knew of and admired Ruth (Ruth 2:5-12), but he was surprised when he awoke one night to see her lying at his feet (3:8). She asked him to “spread the corner” of his garment over her to indicate that as a close relative he was willing to be her “kinsman-redeemer” (v 9 NIV). This was more than a request for protection; she was requesting marriage. Boaz agreed to marry her (v11-13; 4:13).

Not exactly your typical romantic tale. But Ruth’s choice to follow Naomi’s instructions (3:3-6) set up a series of events that placed her in God’s plan of redemption! From Ruth’s marriage to Boaz came a son (Obed), the eventual grandfather of King David (4:17). Generations later, Joseph was born to the family, and he became the “legal father” of Mary’s child (Matt. 1:16-17; Luke 2:4-5), our Kinsman-Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ruth trusted God and followed Naomi’s instructions even though the ending was uncertain. We too can count on God to provide for us when life is unsure.

Prayer

Lord, grant me humility and sensitivity to listen to advice from loved ones who know You. Show me the right thing to do in my uncertain times and to trust You for the results. In Jesus name, I ask. Amen. Amen.

18th January 2025

Gathering Together

Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some,

but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

 Hebrews 10:25

Today's Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:19–25.

Denmark is among the happiest countries in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. The Danes endure their lengthy, dark winters by gathering with friends to share a warm drink or a gracious meal. The word they use for the feelings associated with those moments is hygge. Hygge helps them offset the impact of enjoying less sunlight than their counterparts at lower latitudes. By gathering around a simple table with loved ones, their hearts are nourished.

The writer of Hebrews encourages gathering together as a community. He acknowledges that there will be difficult days, with challenges far more significant than the weather, requiring those who follow Christ to persevere in the faith. Though the Lord Jesus has made certain our acceptance by God through our faith in the Saviour, we may struggle against shame or doubt or real opposition. By gathering together, we have the privilege of encouraging one another. When we are sharing company, we are able to “stir up love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24), which bolsters our faith .

Gathering with friends does not assure us of a ranking on a happiness report. It is, however, something the Bible offers as a means to bear us up in faith under the common frustrations of life. What a wonderful reason to seek out the community of a church! Or to open our homes, with an attitude of Danish simplicity, to nourish one another’s hearts.

Prayer

 Thank You, God, that I can encourage other believers and be encouraged by them when we gather together. In Jesus precious name, I thank You. Amen.

17th January 2025

The First Missionary

Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

 Matthew 4:19

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 4:18-25.

The Lord Jesus Himself was the first missionary! He did not sit by passively and let those who happened to be interested in His teaching come to Him. He went out where the sick, the sorrowing, and the sad were, and expounded His message of joy, healing, and salvation. Even at a tender age, He went to the Temple and “taught” the doctors and lawyers who were entrenched in the old traditions. He found His way to the seaside and intruded upon the life of the commonest of labourers, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Wherever He went He challenged, uprooted, and changed men. And for this, they nailed Him to a cross because He had upset their selfish, secure, smug way of life. Not only was Jesus a missionary, but He pledged His followers to be missionaries, too!

Today, all Christians are called to be missionaries and evangelists. Have you taken up the Lord's call?

Prayer

Wherever I go, it is a mission field for You, Lord. Help me to be conscious of this, so that I may tell others the joyous message. In the Saviour's name I pray. Amen.