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Bible Verses for all that the Spring Season Encompasses

As the warmth sets out to defrost the earth, the birds begin to grace us with their merry songs, the fauna brings about new life, and the vegetation begins to sprout. Restlessness dissolves into a newfound sense of energy as humankind starts to venture outside to delight in the rebirth that springtime initiates. Cheerful laughter fills the air as families gather at parks, and the sidewalks begin to fill with brightly colored masterpieces; chalky residue smear tiny fingertips. Bees buzz diligently about, and soft breezes whirl and carry off fallen seeds of trees; gently transporting them to their new homes where they will settle and flourish. Brilliant colors paint the hillside as fragrant flowers bud and blossom, while the nooks and crevices at home are spritzed and wiped down; the dust bunnies cleared away. Old clothes get sorted and donated to those who have more use for them, and winter attire is neatly packed away. The serene murmur of rivers is heard as they reawaken from their icy confinement. Twigs and grass are collected as hopeful avians build their nests for their eggs. Spring marks the end of hibernation, the beasts wake from their restful slumber, and the heat of the sun fills life with zeal and excitement. Soft giggles echo through the atmosphere while toddlers run and splash through puddles, triumphant applause roars as colorful kites soar across the sky, and iridescent bubbles float freely away as they depart the loop of a plastic wand. Butterflies flitter garden to garden alongside the cherry red ladybugs that casually stroll among the greenery. Rosy cheeks balloon before the exhale of breath is vigorously released, prompting the tiny white seeds of dandelions to dance around the man-made zephyr, while the culprit gleefully makes a wish. Red checkered blankets are laid across freshly trimmed grass as couples leisurely slow down and bask in one another’s company; holding hands and sharing their aspirations with one another, as wispy clouds lazily saunter above. 

As Christians, we know spring represents more than the pleasant sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, a feeling far more prominent than the welcomed touch of the sun kissing our skin. Spring signifies a deeper and greater appreciation for new life, transformation, rebirth, renewal, growth, new beginnings, hope, restorations, promises, progress, and cleansing. Spring symbolizes God’s promise of eternal life. It is a reminder of Christ's love and sacrifice. It is the time to rejuvenate our spiritual health. It’s the time to start anew. 

That is why we have collected scriptures from the Bible that capture the remarkable beauty and transformation of the season. The verses will encourage the spiritual meaning that embodies springtime. 

Bible Verses for Springtime

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;  it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me. Songs of Songs 2:11-13

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Isaiah 44:3-4

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. Proverbs 16:15

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. Deuteronomy 32:2

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:1-10

Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. John 3:6

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old. Lamentations 5:21

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign,  that will endure forever. Isaiah 55:10-13

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-26

Praise the Lord, my soul,  and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:2-5

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22

Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches. Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. Joel 2:22-24

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:4-7

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7

Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. Hosea 6:3

Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death— they are like the new grass of the morning. Psalm 90:5

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12

A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. Zechariah 10:1

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, or his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. Psalm 104:30

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul—then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. Deuteronomy 11:13-14

All Things Considered

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5

Christ assures us that He will make everything new. This includes those eager and willing to listen and live by His teachings. It is through Him that we will be restored!

-Torrance Church of Christ

27 Insightful Proverbs to Frame Your Life Around

Over the past couple of months, we have shared assorted Proverbs that provide great wisdom and guidance as to how you can effectively live your life. Because there are so many good Proverbs out there, we are sharing some more that we think are constructive as well as worthwhile to not only read but also apply to your life. 

The Proverbs

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Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

Proverbs 20:13

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Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Proverbs 12:25

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The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Proverbs 14:1

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An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.

Proverbs 18:1

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A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

Proverbs 13:17

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A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

Proverbs 18:16

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The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Proverbs 15:3

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A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

Proverbs 19:13

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Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32

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One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

Proverbs 11:24

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A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:13

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Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

Proverbs 12:24

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The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27

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Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong! Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.

Proverbs 20:22

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Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

Proverbs 16:8

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The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

Proverbs 13:9

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A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

Proverbs 10:23

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A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

Proverbs 11:13

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To End…

If you enjoyed the Proverbs above feel free to check out other Proverbs we have collected and compiled here and here. 

Remember, God and His Words can help you reshape your life so that you will be on the path of righteousness. 

-Torrance Church of Christ

The Legacy of Ruth

The Story of Ruth

The record of Ruth can be found in The Book of Ruth chapters 1-4. 

Albeit a quick read, the condensed version is as follows:

During the time of the judges' reign, there had been a famine in Israel, leaving many of the residents in a dire need of food. Desperate to feed their families, many of the natives fled in search of sustenance. One man, Elimelek, made the decision to leave his home of Bethlehem with his family. He brought his wife, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. The family found food in Moab and there they established a new life. 

Misfortune struck when Elimelek passed. Still, Naomi, Mahlon, and Kilion agreed to stay in Moab. Mahlon and Kilion eventually married Moabite women, Orpah, and Ruth. Tragically, affliction rose and claimed the lives of Mahlon and Kilion; leaving Naomi with her two daughters-in-law. 

Word spread that God had blessed the people back home with an abundance of food. Naomi concluded it would be best to return to Judah. No longer legally bound to the family, Naomi urged both Orpah and Ruth to go back to their own families, as she could no longer offer them the security and promise of a family of their own. She had no other sons and felt like she was robbing her daughters-in-law of the opportunity to have children. 

Reluctantly, Orpah left, but Ruth couldn’t be convinced. 

Naomi surrendered, and the two women made the journey to Bethlehem. Once in Bethlehem, the hardships continued. As embitterment enveloped Naomi, she informed others to now call her Mara.  Seeking stability, Ruth was reduced to gleaning crops in barley fields. 

In time, the proprietor of the field which Naomi worked, stopped by to greet the harvesters. His name was Boaz. Noticing Ruth, Boaz probed the overseer of the harvesters about her identity. Worried he would make her leave, Ruth spoke up, asking him to allow her to glean what the harvesters had left behind. Graciously, Boaz informed Ruth she could stay and extended the invitation to drink from the jars of water whenever she thirst. In spite of being grateful, Ruth couldn’t help but wonder why Boaz was being so generous. 

Boaz continued to show hospitality toward Ruth. He even instructed his men to pull out some stocks for Ruth to collect, and ordered them not to reprimand her. 

Upon returning home that evening, Ruth had collected more food than expected. Impressed, Naomi questioned Ruth. Ruth debriefed Naomi, detailing the kindness the landowner had shown her. Naomi was delighted when she recognized Boaz’s name and excitedly disclosed Boaz was a relative of her deceased husband. Moreover, Boaz was a guardian-redeemer. Naomi suggested to Ruth that she should continue working for Boaz on his field, assuring her that he would keep her safe; something that was not a guarantee on other fields. 

Ruth worked for Boaz throughout the harvesting season. Sometime after the crops had been harvested, Naomi proposed an idea to Ruth. Naomi knowingly understood that Ruth would still have to one day move on and begin her life with a mate and start a family. Reminding Ruth that Boaz held the position of guardian-redeemer, Naomi advised her to clean up, dress in her best dress, and garnish herself in perfume. Naomi proceeded to tell Ruth that Boaz would be winnowing the barley on the threshing floor that night. She encouraged Ruth to go to the threshing floor and stay hidden until Boaz had finished eating and drinking. She was to only reveal herself once Boaz had retired for the night and laid down to sleep. Naomi indicated to Ruth that she would then need to uncover his feet and lie down. Naomi assured her that Boaz would know what to do next. 

Obediently, Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions. At some point during the middle of the night, Boaz was jolted out of sleep. Startled, he realized a woman was at his feet. Puzzled, Boaz asked the identity of the intruder.  Ruth revealed herself and her intentions, saying, “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”

Ruth stayed the night and slipped away early in the morning, returning home to Naomi with six measures of barley that Boaz had gifted her. She laid out the events of the night to Naomi. Naomi confidently guaranteed that Boaz would settle the matter and have an answer for her that day. 

Although flattered, Boaz was obligated by law to offer Elimelek’s land and the prospect of marrying Ruth to the guardian-redeemer first in line. True to Naomi’s expectation, that day Boaz met with his relative and a group of ten elders who would serve as witnesses. Boaz extended the offer of Elimelek’s land. His relative openly expressed his interest in becoming the proprietor of the land. Boaz continued, stating that the day the purchase was finalized, he would have to marry Ruth in order to maintain the name of the dead on the property. 

At the mention of marriage to Ruth, the man declined; ultimately allowing Boaz the right to the land and to marry Ruth. 

Boaz and Ruth married and they quickly conceived a son. Once born, they named the baby Obed. As a direct result of the baby, the resentment Naomi had built up melted away. 

Noteworthy Details and a Breakdown of the Significance of Ruth’s Story

There are several incredible aspects that build upon and fuse together to ultimately embody the significance of Ruth’s story. There is a lot to unpack, so let’s jump right in and start to dissect. 

First, Let's Start with Some Quick Definitions 

Gleaning:

Merriam-Webster defines glean(ing) as: to gather grain or other produce left by reapers.

Leviticus 19:9-10 outlines the idea behind the word. Here, we read that God gave Moses specific instructions stating: 

When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.

Again, we see this instruction under Mosaic Law in Deuteronomy 24:19:

When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Therefore, per law, the harvesters (reapers) and the master of the crop were to allow the needy to gather what had been left behind. 

Threshing

Threshing is simply the process of separating the grain from the husk and stalk of the plant. 

Winnowing

Winnowing follows threshing. The purpose of winnowing was to sift the grain; separating it from all of the different parts of the crop. During the threshing process, the pieces of grain were mixed with the husks and the stalks. The task of winnowing involved throwing the crop mixture into the air. The idea behind it was the wind would effectively blow away the light pieces of stalk, while the weight of the grain would cause it to instantaneously fall to the ground. 

Naomi/Mara

When Naomi arrived home in Bethlehem, she requested to be called Mara. This is because Naomi means pleasant and Mara means bitter.

Guardian-Redeemer

Based on the instructions and examples given in the following verses, we can conclude that Guardian-Redeemer is a close relative that holds the duty of redeeming their family members from dire circumstances. Suppose the family bloodline was at risk or any possessions in danger of being lost. In that case, the family members could reach out to their Guardian-Redeemer and it would become the Guardian-Redeemer’s responsibility to fix the situation and bring forth a positive outcome. This could be done through buying family possessions, including land, purchasing enslaved relatives, providing an heir for a relative who has passed, and general care for family members experiencing hardship. 

Guardian-Redeemer is also known as Kinsman-Redeemer.

Leviticus 25:25 says:

If one of your fellow Israelites becomes poor and sells some of their property, their nearest relative is to come and redeem what they have sold. 

Furthermore, Leviticus 25:47-49 reads:

If a foreigner residing among you becomes rich and any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to the foreigner or to a member of the foreigner’s clan, they retain the right of redemption after they have sold themselves. One of their relatives may redeem them: An uncle or a cousin or any blood relative in their clan may redeem them. Or if they prosper, they may redeem themselves.

Deuteronomy 25:5-10 reiterates the concept:

If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her. The first son she bears shall carry on the name of the dead brother so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.

However, if a man does not want to marry his brother’s wife, she shall go to the elders at the town gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to carry on his brother’s name in Israel. He will not fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to me.” Then the elders of his town shall summon him and talk to him. If he persists in saying, “I do not want to marry her,” his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, take off one of his sandals, spit in his face and say, “This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother’s family line.” That man’s line shall be known in Israel as The Family of the Unsandaled.

Ruth's Character Traits

• Devoted
• Faithful
• Obedient
• Compassionate
• Diligent
• Humble

A Brief History of Moab and Moabites

After fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his two daughters settled in a cave in the mountains. Having lost her husband in the destruction of the wicked cities, Lot’s oldest daughter devised a plan that she proposed to her sister, who had also lost her husband. In order to preserve their bloodline, she suggested they get their father drunk and sleep with him so they could conceive. Lot was unaware of his daughters’ actions. Both became pregnant and birthed sons. The youngest daughter gave birth to Ammon, who became the father of the Ammonites. The oldest daughter named her son Moab and he became the founder of Moab and consequently, the father of the Moabites. 

The land of Moab’s incestuous beginnings ran parallel with the wicked and immoral conduct of its citizens. Moabites worshiped the pagan god, Chemosh. 

Israelites Were Not to Intermarry with Non-Believers 

We see in Exodus 34:10-16 that God commanded the Israelites to not marry those who were not a part of His covenant:

Then the Lord said: “I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you. Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles. Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

“Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same.

Additionally, Deuteronomy 23:3-6 teaches us that the Ammonites and Moabites are excluded from the Lords’ assembly:

No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord, not even in the tenth generation. For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim to pronounce a curse on you. However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them as long as you live.

Does That Mean the Marriage Between Boaz and Ruth was Forbidden?

In reference to Boaz’s ability to marry Ruth, a Moabite, we can turn to Isaiah 56:1-8. Here we read that if a foreigner commits their life to Him, they will be forgiven of their evildoings and welcomed into the fold:

This is what the Lord says:

“Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.

Blessed is the one who does this— the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.”

Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.” And let no eunuch complain, “I am only a dry tree.”

For this is what the Lord says:

“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant— to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever. And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices  will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

The Sovereign Lord declares— he who gathers the exiles of Israel:

“I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.”

If we quickly circle back to Chapter 1 in The Book of Ruth when Naomi was encouraging Oprah and Ruth to return to their mothers, Ruth’s reply in verse 16 states: 

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

In the last sentence of the verse, Ruth denounces the Moabite god and commits herself as a servant of the Lord. 

Against All Odds...

• Ruth was not only a foreigner, she was a Moabite, a sworn enemy of Israel.
• Ruth was a woman.
• Ruth was a widow. 
• Ruth was poor. 

In spite of all the odds Ruth had stacked against her, God knew her heart, saw her goodness shine brightly in her associations, her work, her actions, and her words; and He implemented her in His divine plan to bring salvation to the world!

Chapter 4 of Ruth ends with the genealogy of King David. It is here that we discover Ruth is his Great Grandmother. 

However, I’d like to share the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew:

As you can see, Jesus Christ is a direct descendant of Ruth and Boaz. The faith Ruth displayed was so strong and pure, that all the marks against her didn’t matter. God didn’t care that she was foreign, it didn’t matter to Him that she was a widow, and her financial status meant nothing. The marks against her are only considered marks in the eyes of man- they are not flaws in the eyes of God.

The True Guardian-Redeemer

God is our Guardian-Redeemer. He redeemed Ruth, who had a questionable upbringing, and blessed her greatly because of her devotion, faith, and love.

He can, and will, redeem us too. God gave the world His Son. Christ took upon himself all of our sins; ultimately paying off our debt, and paving the way for redemption and forgiveness.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

Ephesians 1:7

Wrapping Up

Ruth’s story shows us that God uses people from all walks of life to fulfill his promises. He does not discriminate. He does not judge based on the same judgment scale as man. Just the opposite: it is He who sees you, knows you, loves you, protects you, blesses you, and redeems you. 

- Torrance Church of Christ