The Lineage of Christ

Wednesday, October 16

The Lineage of Christ

Ruth 4:18-22

"This then is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron was the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David."

So here we are, after a 7 week journey, we come to the last passage of Ruth. Before, I go further with todays's post, I want to encourage you to be thinking of the book as a whole. TOMORROW, we the leadership team, are asking you to help us "write" tomorrow's post by simply commenting on something that impacted you over these past 6 weeks. Think about this today, and then please share it with the Soul Sisters tomorrow. Your words may impact somebody who needs encouragement in the exact way you shared.

Now, back to the last verses of Ruth. Commentary from Proverbs 31 Ministry says this, “Typically, genealogies find themselves in the beginning of a book because they set the framework for the rest of the events. In the case of Ruth, all the events in Ruth lead to this pivotal outcome—the lineage and line of David being formed. A line that would ultimately lead to an even better David—King Jesus."

The purpose of the book of Ruth, and of Ruth's life, as well as Naomi's and Boaz's life, is to point to Christ Jesus. By their faith and obedience, they participated in the Master-plan that was completely unknown to them, but sovereignly plotted out by the Lord. Only from heaven's vantage point, could they see their part in the lineage of the Messiah.

My take-away from these verses, and really all of Ruth, is this: keep walking in faithful obedience, day by day by day. I am not to worry about the outcome of this obedience; I am just called to obey, trusting the Lord each step, like Ruth did. Also, like Ruth, I may never know the full impact my faith walk has on other people, because really, the knowledge of this "success" is not the purpose at all. The point and purpose of my life, and of yours, is to continue pressing on in faithful obedience to the Lord who loves us. From His love that is poured into us through His Spirit, blessings will certainly flow to others, in God's time and in God's way. What a privilege to be a part of the Master-plan of life!

When looking at genealogies such as this one in Ruth, I feel both small and big at the same time. By this I mean, we are told in Scripture that our lives are like a "vapor" or a "mere breath"; we are here for such a brief time in progressive history. However, this is also true: the Lord God Himself dwells in us through His Spirit! Now that's a BIG deal! In our small dot on the timeline, let's walk in faithful obedience, and pour out His BIG love the way our fellow heirs Naomi, Boaz, and Ruth did long ago; because, Soul Sisters, it's our turn to push history forward to Christ.

For further reading: Psalm 145:1-4; Isaiah 59:21; Matthew 1:1-16

Dear Lord,

Thank You for Your divine word that we can glean from each and every day. Speak to our hearts concerning our place in redemptive history. Help us to walk in faithful obedience. Make us willing vessels to pour out Your love each and every day that You give us breath. In Your name. Amen.