Famous Through Jesus
READ: Ruth 4:14-15
The phrase "better to you than seven sons" was just about the biggest compliment that could be given to a daughter or daughter-in-law. Ruth had given up her entire life in Moab to come and live with Naomi in this little village in Judah.
As a widow, Naomi had little means of support. But now that she had an heir, she would be cared for. And of course, she not only had a son, but a wonderful, loving daughter-in-law, Ruth, and a wise, God-fearing son-in-law, in Boaz.
The baby may have become "famous throughout Israel," but he is not particularly famous as far as the Bible is concerned. Whenever he is mentioned, it is inside a genealogy which leads either to David or more importantly to Jesus. But this new kinsman-redeemer (the baby) would later lead to a much more important kinsman and Redeemer for Naomi at the other end of the genealogy we've mentioned: Jesus Christ. Jesus truly is famous in Israel and especially throughout the True Israel, the Christian Church. Just as the women blessed this baby redeemer, we can praise God for Jesus, our True Redeemer, who has renewed each of our lives and sustained us far beyond any earthly old age, into eternal life. He is born. He has died. He is risen!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How is being connected to Jesus by faith more important than being connected to him by human relation?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank God for coming into our world in Jesus to pay for our sins. Ask him to help us share this wonderful news with everyone around us.