Old Testament | Ruth 3:1–5; 4:13–17 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Altogether Good by Brian Eichelberger and Zach Bolen

Lyrics:
How could we recount the ways
That You have multiplied our faith
The wisdom of Your ways
The currents of Your grace expressed
In every moment every wave

In the longing of our souls
In the darkness where we go
You are there You are love
You are altogether good
In the weakness of our faith
In the silence where we wait
You are here You're enough
You are altogether good

Through our joys and in our griefs
You have led us to believe
The wisdom of Your ways
The currents of Your grace express
Our only hope for all our days

You are altogether good

I love You Lord I love You Lord
You are my more
Wholly present and pure
(You are altogether good)

Passage:
1 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” 5 And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. 17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

(Ruth 3:1–5; 4:13–17 ESV)

Musical Reflection:
Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury

Reflection Notes:
This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer’s church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

Prayer:
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.