As the disciples look to replace Judas, they are found actively waiting on the Lord. The criteria for Matthias, the apostle chosen to join the others, was that he knew Jesus and was a witness to the resurrection. This is how believers are to live too, as witnesses to the risen Christ.

In continuation from Luke's gospel account, the book of Acts aims to present the historical accounts of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the early church. Knowing Christ will return, but not when, we are humbly not in control. Instead, believers are called to witness the risen Jesus in our daily lives. 

As the Israelites would have sang this Psalm as they ascended to Jerusalem, they proclaimed the dangers and snares that they faced in their lives. David knew this feeling of being surrounded as he wrote this Psalm, and we can understand this feeling today. And even so, the Lord is on the side of His people and He will faithfully deliver.

The book of Ruth ends in a genealogy. A small family that was faithful had no idea how the Lord would work to bring the lineage of His Son through them. God has, is, and will continue to bring about His covenant promises by ordinary, not meaningless, ways. And by His steadfast love, we will walk faithfully in Christ who is our eternal hope.

Ruth and Boaz marry and the Lord provides a son. The focus is now on Naomi, who was once bitter, is now holding her grandson. The women rejoice around her and the neighborhood celebrates, just as Christians today are to do. The Lord takes what is empty and makes it full. So even if our lives seem beyond repair, we look to Jesus, who comes from this lineage, to know that we are full in Him.

Ruth is being redeemed by Boaz in a seal of public display. Redeemed people are claimed people. And from redemption comes an overflow of joy. Christians today are to rejoice in the joy of their salvation and share the hope they have received from their Redeemer to the world.

Redemption always costs something. It's not clean or easy. And for Boaz it looks like legal action. He has weighed the responsibility and is ready to redeem if the nearer kinsman redeemer refuses. This unknown redeemer, concerned with earthly inheritance, isn't willing to pay the cost. By grace, we have a Redeemer in Jesus Christ, who gave up His inheritance in heaven to come pay the cost of redemption for us with His own life. 

Ruth and Boaz exhibit faith in courageous action. Going to the threshing floor meant putting everything on the line, yet Ruth goes and makes a proposal to Boaz. In knowing he is a redeemer, they both understand the Lord's provision here, and the matter will be settled in the morning. These two point the greater love story of Christ our Redeemer sheltering us under His wings. However this life plays out, we are to be faithful, knowing that the Lord's faithfulness endures forever.

Naomi's attitude has gone from bitter to hopeful as she guides Ruth towards Boaz. Knowing he's a redeemer, Naomi encourages her daughter in law, and Ruth listens. Often God can feel distant, we can feel in the dark, but the Lord is always at work in His providence. Noting happens apart from His will and plan, even when we can't see it.

In ordinary ways, Ruth and Boaz are experiencing God's providential kindness. They both witness to others and to one another of the Lord's faithfulness. The redemption isn't just words or a rescue, but communion. By God's grace we don't glean on the outside but are welcomed to the table and into His family.