Good Standing

Saturday, June 27

Ruth 4:11 (NIV)

“Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.”

Devotion

Can you imagine receiving multiple blessings that held the promise of a savior through restoration of family lineage that seemed impossible? Through Naomi’s commitment to her people and to return home after the loss of her husband and Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law and her God after the gut-wrenching loss of her own husband, God promised just that!

Today’s scripture is steeped in two promises, which included a matriarchal and communal blessing. Both Ruth and Naomi were blessed by Boaz’s purchase of Naomi’s land and his taking of Ruth as his wife. Boaz represented the kinsman redeemer. Out of this came King David and forged the line straight to Christ, our true redeemer! His blood purchased our rightful standing, reconciled our relationship back to the Lord, and gave us a forever home.

This truth can be as equally overwhelming as it is comforting. What Christ did for us on Calvary is not something we will ever fully comprehend, yet the above passage in scripture reminds us that we were bought with a price on purpose for a purpose. Be encouraged that we are the heartbeat of God. We are His top priority. We all too often are run by our to-do lists of so-called priorities, yet we forget we ARE His priority! May this encourage us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Just as Boaz was highly intentional concerning protection of the house of Israel, Jesus was the perfect example of intentionality that literally redeemed all mankind. In closing, let us never forget: “So, if the Son sets us free, we are free indeed” (John 8:36)!

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for making a covenant with us through the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ, a redemption, a reconciliation to You of good standing that will never end! I ask that You open my eyes to understand the blessings of this covenant and the newness of life that You gave me, so I may walk in it. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

Apply It Today

Righteousness is a very powerful quality that God has provided to us through Jesus Christ. It is only through His righteousness (not ours) that we can have good standing with God and access to His Presence. To learn more about this, meditate on Romans 1:16,17 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. 

Resources

• Watch this powerful short clip: “If You Seek Him, He Will Show Up.” No matter where you are, God is near and ready to meet you when you turn your heart toward Him.
• Jesus, our Redeemer, is still calling today—offering forgiveness, new life, and hope that never fails. If you’re ready, surrender your heart to Him and let Him be your Savior and Lord. Salvation