Ruth: lesson 3

Ruth 4:13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife: and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. (emphasis added)

Scripture here and in many other places does not speak vaguely regarding who gives life. It is clearly credited to the Lord. That is an important truth to cling to and search through for those immersed in this present culture. It is contrary to the very basis of all we have learned apart from His Word. It flies in the face of evolution theories. Life is not mere happenstance, a physiological formula to be applied -- and misapplied. I daresay, for those who are bold enough to search it through thoroughly, it may raise questions regarding family planning and the intervention of the creation of life. After all, if He is the one who gives conception, do we really want to deny it? Just thinking out loud...

Back to our text. Little did Ruth or Boaz know, or ever know, that this child would allow them the privilege of contributing to the lineage of David, and therefore of Jesus. It always amazes me to discover what we don't know but what He does know.

I remind myself regularly (well, perhaps not regularly enough) that I am participating in a long line of history. I am who I am in part because of the lines that went before me. And the lines following will be impacted by who I am and what I choose. Generations, even those several steps down the line, follow after me and either gain or suffer.

I am thankful for the grace and mercy of God that brings redemption to me and to those following me. He reigns above all -- even above my choices and yours. But I am also humbled and sobered by the role I play in this grand enterprise of kingdom building. I want to do my part and do it well.

"Lord, help me this day to choose wisely. And hear my heart when I cry out to You saying, 'I want to do my part and do it well.' Amen."