January 26 Daily Devotional

From No King to the Great King

Peter G. Feenstra

Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. Now this is the genealogy of Perez: Perez begot Hezron; Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab; Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon; Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed; Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David. (Ruth 4:17–22)

Bible Reading

Ruth 4:17–22

Devotional

The concluding verses of the little book of Ruth take us full circle. The author informs us twice that Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. Obed was born “in the days when the judges ruled.” (Ruth 1:1) This was a time of individualism and self-willed worship. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25) In those same days the Lord performs a wonderful deed of redemption. A woman of heathen background is grafted into the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. She becomes a mother in Israel and bears a son. This son will become the grandfather of David. In the darkness of deformation a light shines in Bethlehem. A glimmer of hope arises for all who are looking for the consolation of Israel. Yes, in Bethlehem the Lord begins the restoration of His church. In the home of Boaz and Ruth we are given an indication of what the Lord will do with Christ’s incarnation. When Jesus was born the situation was similar to the time of the judges. There was no king in Israel and the people, in many ways, did as they saw fit. But God in great mercy will work restoration and redemption.

The book of Ruth is a very small book but it is brimming with comfort and hope. Each chapter uncovers the grace of the Lord at work as He prepares the way to the throne of David and to David’s great Son, Jesus Christ. The King, whose name we are professing, takes the same road Ruth and Naomi took to Bethlehem. He comes via the fields of Ephratha and the threshing floor of Boaz. He makes use of the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. He makes His way through the generations of Obed, Jesse, and David to the Bethlehem of Luke 2.

Today, Jesus our King is working toward His second coming through you, me and generations to come. He is on His way, making use of our engagements and marriages, our regular daily work done in obedience to Him and the preaching and the study of His Word. This King calls you and me to be loyal in His service. He has drafted us into His army. Therefore, let us fight the good fight of faith in humble obedience. Someday soon, Jesus our King will be revealed in all His glory and you will receive a crown of glory from the Restorer and Redeemer of life.

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