Our Actions Affect the Future

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! Ruth 4:14 (NKJV)

In order to give Ruth redemption and to perpetuate the name of her dead husband and sons Naomi has Ruth, who has served her faithfully, go to Boaz, so that he could marry her. Boaz buys up all the property that belonged to Naomi's husband and marries Ruth. Because of Ruths faithfulness throughout the book of Ruth, God gives them a son, Obed, who would be the grandfather of David and be in the genealogy of Jesus. The faith of one woman, who was a gentile, was redeemed by God, and led to the birth of the One True Redeemer who saved us all.

The story of Ruth's faith and redemption is a model for Christians today. When we serve God faithfully, he uses our actions for his good purpose. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” God uses us to raise up new believers when we serve our family and show His love in the community when we volunteer in shelters, food banks and community clean-up projects. He uses our talents for His glory when we apply them to service of others, He uses our contributions for the growth of the church, and He uses our prayer and support for those who are struggling and in a time of crises. Whatever you do to serve the Lord, do it faithfully so that your actions will affect the future in a positive way.

Choose to be like Ruth and serve the Lord faithfully in whatever he calls you to do. You may be called to bring Jesus to a troubled youth who has never known Jesus. He may choose to become a pastor, who in turn will bring many more souls to Christ. By following God faithfully in one act, no matter how insignificant it may seem, you will change the future for the better.