Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, ‘Blessed be he by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!’ Naomi also said to her, ‘The man is a relative of ours, one of our nearest kin.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, August 26, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Bum bum BUUUUUMM!!! So dramatic! Ruth comes home with barley and a story and Naomi gets to drop the big bomb: Boaz is my relative! Now I don’t know all that much about Jewish tradition, but I do remember that if a man dies, his brother marries the widow to provide for her protection and care. Does that mean Boaz has some obligation here?
From what happens next, it’s clear that it’s not nearly that simple. But in the mean time, Naomi’s faith in God’s care is suddenly restored. She sees this coincidence as not-a-coincidence and knows God has a hand in it. That being said, as we’ll soon see, she doesn’t leave the outcome up to God, but instead takes the lead in making absolutely certain this story has a happy ending.
God calls us to do this, too. We can see where God is active in our lives and the world, but we’re also invited to have a part in bringing about God’s reign every day. If we keep our eyes open, we’ll find lots of opportunities to show love and service to our neighbors so that all might flourish.
When have I taken the initiative to let God use me for the good of others?
