Saturday, August 18
We Need Each Other
Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.
The story of Ruth is really a story of interconnectedness and interdependence. Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz each needed the other two to make this story end the way it did.
Ruth needed Naomi. It was Naomi's claim to Elimelech's next-of-kin that opened the door for Ruth to marry into Elimelech's clan. And it was Naomi's plan to seduce Boaz that got the ball rolling in the first place.
Ruth needed Boaz. Without the work and willingness of Boaz, Ruth and Naomi would have been doomed to glean for a living for the rest of their lives.
Naomi needed Ruth. Naomi was too old to marry and bear sons with Boaz. And she was too old to glean in the fields. Who knows what might have happened to Naomi if Ruth had not decided to return from Moab to Judah.
Naomi needed Boaz. Like Ruth, Boaz was critical to Naomi's plan to be reintroduced back into the tribe and family of Elimelech. Without Boaz, she may not have even survived a life of gleaning for long.
Boaz needed Naomi. Without Naomi's relationship with Ruth, Boaz would have had no claim on Ruth for marriage. And it seemed Boaz might never have gotten around to courting Ruth if Naomi hadn't pushed for Ruth to make it happen.
Boaz needed Ruth. Without Ruth, there is no Obed. Boaz might have died a childless bachelor if he had not married Ruth. Remember, he was on the older side -- maybe he thought his opportunity for marriage had passed. Regardless, Boaz needed Ruth to bear him a son.
One of the most charming things about this story is the triangle -- how very interconnected they all are, and how much they needed each other in so many ways. When each one stepped up, everything fell into place, and they all were taken care of. It's a great reminder of just how much people need each other!
Narrative Lectionary Text: Ruth 4:18-22
Now these are the descendants of Perez: Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron of Ram, Ram of Amminadab, Amminadab of Nahshon, Nahshon of Salmon, Salmon of Boaz, Boaz of Obed, Obed of Jesse, and Jesse of David.