Although this is the end of the book bearing Ruth’s name, it is far from the end of her story. The words of “redeemer” and “restorer of life” in chapter 4 of Ruth echo forward, giving us at least three perspectives in time: the immediate, the future, and the eternal.

The immediate understanding? A son was born! Obed! He was a sign of God’s faithfulness and provision both for Ruth, a gentile, and for Naomi, a Jew. After their trials in Moab and return in anonymity, we see a hope. The glimmer of hope shown in Boaz taking Ruth as his wife, and hope demonstrated in the birth of their son. They were redeemed in the eyes of their people and their culture, as a son would continue their family line. He restored “life”, as the family would live on in future generations.

The future understanding comes in King David. His lineage is shown at the end of Ruth, how Obed led to Jesse led to David. David’s line is critical to the messianic promise; a descendent of David would be the Messiah. David’s reign was the pinnacle of Israel’s history, providing redemption and restoration to the nation. Now a force in the region, David led Israel’s days of prominence, a final destination from the exodus started so long ago. But we also know how temporal the prominence of Israel was. Even in David’s life, he (and the nation) faded from faithfulness to God at the end.

Which brings us to today’s Scripture. Ruth, being in the Davidic line, is an ancestor of our Lord Christ Jesus. In Him, we have the fulfillment of redemption, not just in the eyes of man or any worldly sense, but before our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ resurrection, He conquers death once and for all, restoring life to all who believe in Him. This is once for all, never fading, never ending. The greater David has come to redeem and restore His people.

As we take in Ruth, may these perspectives sink in: the truth of the narrative and its details and implications, the redemption and restoration of the line to David, and the extension of this family line to Jesus. Restoration and redemption to those who believe.

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Where do you see other places in Scripture where the present implications of the Word also extend to the eternal implications of Christ? We have so many examples!
2. How do you see your work, the work the Lord has the Spirit doing in and through you, in an eternal perspective? How do you see the Kingdom going forth from your obedience to Christ’s call on your life?

Missions Prayer
Pray for high school and college students who will serve in missions this summer, that God would move their hearts to see the world through His eyes and respond to His leading above all other voices in their lives for future things.