One Year Bible Readings and Commentary for Friday, May 6th

Click Here to Listen to the Readings

Click Here to Read Ruth 2:1-22

We see why Ruth is such a special woman of God. She is a hard worker and she asks Naomi to go out and work the field, which is no small thing for her to take this risk as Moabite woman. The others notice how hard she is working, as she never takes a break. It is no small coincidence that Boaz comes, as we see the sovereignty of God. He owns the field and is also a relative of Naomi's. 

Naomi was related to this man Boaz through her deceased husband, Elimelech. We don’t know exactly how he was related, but he was.

Boaz is not only impressed with her work ethic, but also the fact that she was so loyal to her relative Naomi. He instructs the workers to allow her to pick up wheat after they have harvested it. Boaz quickly takes a liking to her, and Ruth and Naomi are very grateful for the role he might play as a kinsmen redeemer. 

The kindness of Boaz was wonderful. At this time, we have no indication of a romantic attraction between Boaz and Ruth and we have no idea how Ruth looked (even if she was pretty, she was probably pretty ragged from a whole day of hard work). Yet Boaz extended this kindness to her.

Ruth’s attitude was wonderful. Some of us would have said, “Well it’s about time someone noticed! I’ve been working hard all day. Now God will give me the blessings that I deserve.

We never see Ruth asking why all the hard things have come upon her in life. Instead, she asks why this good thing has come. This is a significant difference in attitude. - Guzik

As we will see the events of Ruth are all woven together in a perfect tapestry which will lead to her being part of the lineage of Jesus. Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose." When you think about all the things that have happened to Naomi and Ruth, you see this verse in living color. 

Click Here to Read John 4:43-54

Though Jesus quoted the parable, "a prophet is not accepted in his hometown", his hometown seemed to have changed their tune. After the people had been to Jerusalem for the Passover, they had seen the signs he had done and probably heard about the miracle he had done at Cana turning water into wine. 

Jesus is met by a nobleman, who was probably a royal official of King Herod's court. His child was deathly ill and like any parent he was desperate to see if Jesus would heal him like he had healed others. Jesus remarks how slow the people were to believe unless they saw miracle, but in his compassion he healed the man's son. 

Jesus rebuked those who depended on signs and wonders before they would believe. It might seem that Jesus was harsh towards this man who wanted his son healed, but He encountered many in Galilee who were interested only in His miracles – He therefore questioned this man accordingly. - Guzik

Instead of going back to the man's home to see the boy Jesus merely says, "Go back home and your son will live." Then comes the criticial part. It says, "The man what Jesus said and started home'. 

This man was different than the others who only believed when they saw a sign. This man trusted in Jesus' word before he saw the sign and then went and saw the miracle had been done at the exact same time had pronounced this. His faith became sight. John uses the term "signs" instead of "miracles", because signs always point to something. The signs Jesus does in the book of John always point to who He is as the Son of God. But like any sign either you can heed it or not. 

Jesus severely tested this man’s faith, forcing him to believe in Jesus’ word alone and not in any outward demonstration of the miraculous. Despite the test, the man took Jesus at His word and departed (NIV). The nobleman demonstrated that true faith is simply taking Jesus at His word.

Not only did the nobleman believe, but his whole household did as well. This is one of many instances in the bible where when the head of the household came to faith the others who lived under his authority believed as well. 

Click Here to Read Psalm 105:16-36

Click Here to Read Proverbs 14:26-27

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