|
|
|
A God-Inspired Marriage
|
|
2/13/2010
|
|
|
"Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife...and she gave birth to a son. Then the women said to Naomi, 'Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel.'"
- Ruth 4:13-14 NASB
|
|
No scenario could be more unlikely. In fact, the marriage of Boaz and Ruth sounds like fiction--a relationship no one could have anticipated. Yet their story demonstrates the sovereignty of God and proves how He can shape families and relationships.
A respected Israelite with property and stature, Boaz never would have imagined marrying a woman from Moab. The Moabites were longtime enemies of Israel.
The story begins when an Israeli woman, Naomi, and her family moved to Moab to escape a drought. When her husband and their two sons died, Naomi determined to return to Israel. Ruth, the widow of one of her sons, decided to move to Israel with her mother-in-law. There they faced a seemingly impossible situation: two women, with no means of support.
But through providential circumstances, Ruth found herself gleaning in a field that belonged to Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi and "a man of great wealth" (2:1). The miracles continued as Ruth gained his attention and then became his wife. Little did they know that they were establishing the family that would lead to the birth of David and the kings of Judah.
This great story of romance shows how God brought together a man and woman in marriage through very unlikely circumstances. It confirms the mighty things God can do to shape our lives: Barriers can be overcome. Impossible mountains can be climbed. Overwhelming problems can be solved. And unlikely couples can be united in marriage.
This story should inspire you to believe in the impossible. You can trust God with your life! If He could bring this Moabite woman together with this Israelite man, what can He do for you?
|
|
| Prayer |
|
Father, I commit my life to You. I don't trust in my own understanding, but I'm counting on You to direct my path. Nothing is impossible with You! In Jesus' name. Amen.
|
|
| Extended Reading
|
|
Ruth 4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|