Message:
What is the definition of lineage? A lineage is a direct line of a family's descendants over time. Whether you're of a small family or a large one, your family's ancestry is essential in recognizing your attributes. We may think our past and future generations only carry similar features, personalities, and physical characteristics, but in reality, our lineage plays a much deeper role in our struggles, fears, and spiritual warfare.
Ruth was the great grandmother of David. Although she might not have lived to see David on earth, her godly qualities influenced David's pursuit of God.
1. Ruth showed complete submission even in suffering.
At the beginning of Ruth's story, Mahlon, Ruth's husband, dies. In the eyes of man, her life has now become worthless. No husband, no purpose. But rather than focusing on her present situation and current feelings of sorrow, Ruth turned her focus to her mother-in-law and offered a life of service (Ruth 1). Her selfless act of a. wanting to be with God's people and b. choosing to be a widow and provide for her mother-in-law shows the kind of character Ruth strived to uphold. Her dedication to humble service sparked a legacy in the generations after her.
2. Ruth was willing to lay her life down for the needs of others.
As the younger widow, Ruth did not expect her mother-in-law to provide for her. Instead, she illustrated that it was her duty to provide for Naomi (Ruth 2). In those days, work and payment options were scarce. Because Ruth listened to her mother-in-law and obeyed her instructions, she successfully could fulfill both of their needs and did so with a pure heart. She never indulged or selfishly took. Even being a foreigner, she did not beg or expect special treatment but placed herself as the lowest. How much did David likewise humble himself before God?
"Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed,
'Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And now, O God, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! You speak as though I were someone very great, O Lord God!
'What more can I say to you about the way you have honored me? You know what your servant is really like. For the sake of your servant, O Lord, and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known.'"
1 Chronicles 17:16-19
Although Ruth did not know it at the time, her decision to stay with Naomi brought her into the lineage of David and eventually Christ. Her humble submission to her mother-in-law, husband, and God sparked and continued a Mighty family tree for generations.
Reflection:
Think about your family tree/lineage/ancestry.
Is there a pattern of godliness seen through your grandparents, parents, self, etc.?
Ask God to reveal any to you.
If there are, pray for this pattern to continue to the third and fourth generations after you.
Is there a pattern of ungodliness, habitual sins, struggles, thought processes, etc. through your grandparents, parents, self, etc.?
Ask God to reveal any to you.
If so, pray for generational curses to be broken off of you, your children, and your children's children.
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