December 29, 2023 - Ruth 4:13-22

So, Boaz and Ruth get married and a son is born:  “Then the women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!’” (4:14)  For Naomi, there was an immediate and historical blessing, that is, the child would provide restoration and blessing in her remaining years and would look after her in her last years; the women said to Naomi:  “He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age” (Ruth 4:15 ESV).

But, oh my, there is so much more here in these closing verses.  This son who was born, “They named him Obed.  He was the father of Jesse, the father of David” (4:17).  I have to tell you, though I know this story well, my heart leapt when I read these words just now.  Obed the father of Jesse, the father of DAVID!  And to David, we know that the Lord promised, “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-13).  It’s happening!  God is fulfilling his promise begun in Genesis 3:15!  I love the way the King James translation gives us Peter’s words, concerning David, on the day of Pentecost:  “God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne” (Acts 2:30).  The “fruit of David’s loins!”  This descendant of Ruth, the Moabitess, is the long-awaited Son of David, the King of all creation!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns,

The God of truth and love;

When He has purged our stains,

He took his seat above;

Lift up your heart,

Lift up your voice!

Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!   --Charles Wesley (1744)