DCLM Daily Manna Thursday 10 August 2023
TOPIC: A Worthy Testimony
TEXT: Ruth 3:8-11 (KJV)
8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
KEY VERSE
“And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”
(Ruth 3:11)
DCLM Daily Manna Thursday 10 August 2023 MESSAGE
Challenges and adverse conditions are common experiences of life. They could be in the form of loss of a dear one, job, property, privilege or source of support. None of these is a justification for loss of Christian virtues. Righteousness exalts a nation and virtuousness is the best heritage.
The story in our passage today centres around two main personalities: Ruth, the Moabitess, and Boaz from Ephrathah in Bethlehem-Judah. Ruth had earlier returned with her mother-in-law to the land of Judah, having lost her husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law. She had no child from her previous marriage with Mahlon and needed to be married to a near kin to raise a name for the dead as was the custom then. Naomi, her mother-in-law, had prodded her to take steps to call the attention of Boaz to do the needful. Worthy of the greatest attention was Boaz’s testimony of Ruth’s virtues. Though a stranger in the land, her virtues were like sweet-smelling savour, perceived by people in the city.
READ DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday 9 August 2023 – Prepare for Your Opportunity
Ruth’s virtuousness was in the public and private domains. Boaz testified to it and her mother-in-law was confident of it. Being virtuous and righteous does not lead to loss and deprivation as some people often think. Ruth’s exemplary life left a lasting impression and had a strong impact on Boaz who promised and actualised the needful once the protocol was eventually settled.
There are timeless lessons here. Situations and circumstances will always affect people. A person’s reaction will ultimately determine what the end will be. Furthermore, we must not let adversity to determine our behaviour. If we maintain our virtues, we will surely have a worthy testimony.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Righteousness stands the test of all times.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Esther 6-10
