Daily Devotionals

Devotional: June 10th

For Reading and Meditation:
     Ruth 4:13-17

The last few verses of the book of Ruth inform us of the birth of Obed, and tell how Naomi cares for the child as Ruth and Boaz continue a normal family life in the agricultural setting of Bethlehem. Where was Ruth while the arrangements to redeem her were being made? She was waiting patiently in the house of her mother-in-law, Naomi. Remember Naomi's words: "Wait – until you find out what happens" (3:18)? We have no reason to suppose that Ruth waited with anything other than absolute confidence in the ability of Boaz to accomplish what he promised. Where is our Savior at this present moment? Yes, of course - in heaven. And what is He doing there? Many things, but one thing in particular - He is attending to the arrangements for the wedding which is one day to take place between Himself and His Church. While this is being done, we, the bride of Christ here on earth, are expected to wait patiently for the day when He will come to receive us to Himself. Just as Ruth waited patiently to hear the voice of the maidens who, as was the custom, came to accompany the bride to her wedding, crying out "Behold the Bridegroom cometh," so we too wait for that same cry that will herald the return of our Lord. We are going to a wedding in the skies which, by the way, is not called the wedding of the Church, but the wedding of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7). And why? Because, as the old hymn so beautifully puts it: "The Lamb is all the glory, in Immanuel's land.'

Lord Jesus Christ, help me wait for your coming down here on earth as You wait for it in heaven. Help me remember that the only reason You delay Your coming is that more might be gathered in. I wait with patience - but also with eager anticipation. Amen.

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