Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Women: Witnesses of the Gospel

Bible portion: Ruth 2:18-22

Key Verse: “The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” (Ruth 2:20)

  

Devotion

In Ruth chapter 2 we see, in spite of all the hardships Naomi has experienced in her life; God ordained her tragedy to set the stage for great triumph. Mosaic Law allowed for widows, foreigners, and orphans to gather from the fields what was left over from the harvest. The hand of the gracious God led Ruth to a field owned by Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband.  Boaz, heard of all what Ruth has done for Naomi and responded with grace and kindness towards her. He made sure Ruth stayed with the other women and worked alongside them. He also made sure that no men tried to be immoral towards Ruth.
Ruth was faithful and loyal towards her commitment. She was also a women of great character, hardworking, loving and brave. She did not do what she did in order to win praise from the people. She never tried to get credit or recognition for doing the right thing - not forsaking Naomi in her days of trouble. But it was noticed by Boaz, the one appointed by God to redeem her. In life’s journey when we are faithful even in small ways God notices us. When we truly love God if flows in the choices we make and it reflects in our actions. In this passage, we can also see the unconditional love of God towards Ruth and Naomi reflected by the love of Boaz towards Ruth and Naomi. True acts of love can make a big difference in the lives of others. This passage also reveals Naomi’s great faith and trust in God’s providence. This is reflected in verse 20, where Naomi says to Ruth “he has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” Despite her sorrows and bitterness of life, Naomi trusted God and acknowledged his providence. God rewarded her and redeemed her household and took her to great heights. God is faithful to us, no matter what our circumstances may look like. Naomi’s and Ruth’s life was thus a powerful witness of God’s power, love, and redemption.
 

PRAYER

Heavenly father, we thank you for your Unconditional love and Providence, we enjoy day after day. Help us as women, to reflect that same love and be a blessing to others and thereby be the witnesses of your Gospel in this world.

Thought for the Day 
 

Ancy John, 
Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston, Texas

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