Mar. 20 - Ruth 1-4

Today's story was pretty cool, and furthermore it was also pretty cool that we read a whole book in one day!  Today's story was about Ruth.  She is a young girl that was widowed.  She was very devoted to her mother-in-law, Naomi.  (Ruth was married to Naomi's son.  He died while he and Ruth were young and had not yet had any children.)  She was told by Naomi that since she was widowed she could and should go back to her hometown and make a life for herself.  She would still be able to find a husband and start a family.  No matter what Naomi said, Ruth was determined to stay with her mother-in-law and live her life out in Naomi's home. 

While in Naomi's home land she became fond of a young man named Boaz.  They started "dating".  Boaz was a family member of Naomi.  Naomi said that Boaz was a very honorable man and encouraged Naomi to pursue him.  (She actually gave her tips.)  Once Boaz was aware of Naomi's fondness, he was ready to marry her.  The problem was, there was one relative that was closer in kin to Ruth's deceased husband.  He would technically be in line to inherit his land and wife.  Boaz wanted to make sure he did the honorable thing.  Yet, he set it up to land in his favor.

He approached the next of kin, and told him that he was in line to inherit the land of their deceased relative.  The man immediately accepted.  (I'm sure Ruth was CRUSHED!)  But then Boaz added that the land comes with a wife and she is still of child bearing age.  After hearing that, he didn't want his inheritance to be messed up so he declined.  This then put Boaz in line to marry Ruth.  Which was PERFECT b/c they were in love. 

After they were married they gave birth to a son.  This son was handed over to Naomi to help care for him.  Naomi's encouragement to Ruth paid off.  She now had a new baby who was considered her grandson.  This new baby's name is Obed. 

Obed would become the father or Jesse.  Jesse would become the father of David.  David is a direct descendant of JESUS!  Thanks for the great advice Naomi.......You have paved the way for the King!!