Devotional for September 26, 2024
Our next NLX Young Adults event will be on this Friday, September 27th. CLICK HERE for more info!
READ
Ruth 2:5-12
So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”
At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me —a foreigner?”
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.
So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”
At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me —a foreigner?”
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.
REFLECT
Ruth chose faithfulness before comfort. Though grieving the loss of her husband, she chose to stay with Naomi, her mother-in-law, and wholeheartedly worked for the good of others. God noticed this, and so did Boaz. Ruth worked long hours in a field, and others noticed her faithfulness. Her good character shown to God, to her co-laborers, to her family, and to her community. It’s important to note that Ruth did not expect to be rewarded for her faithfulness. Rather, a good outcome resulted from her goodness. Though you cannot predict how today will turn out, living in faithfulness, like Ruth, is more important.
APPLY
Q: In what ways did Ruth “take refuge” in God during her trials?
Q: How can you be faithful to the positions God has placed you in today?
Q: Your workplace, your family, and your church all benefit from your faithfulness. Who can you pray for today?
Q: How can you be faithful to the positions God has placed you in today?
Q: Your workplace, your family, and your church all benefit from your faithfulness. Who can you pray for today?
SING
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for being selfish and complacent. Others are suffering and need the good news of Jesus. Help me shake of the dust and walk in faithfulness today like Ruth did. Grant me the strength I need today through your Holy Spirit. I praise your good name! Amen.
Lord, forgive me for being selfish and complacent. Others are suffering and need the good news of Jesus. Help me shake of the dust and walk in faithfulness today like Ruth did. Grant me the strength I need today through your Holy Spirit. I praise your good name! Amen.