Toy Stories: Barbie — Sacrificial vs. Self-Serving - Thursday
Today’s Verse
Ruth 3:9-11
He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. (ESV)
Today, we will tackle the main turning point in the story of Ruth. In the middle of the night, full of vulnerability, exposed, and uncertain, she approaches Boaz. This scene reminds me of another story we see later on in the Old Testament, Esther. In Esther 4-5, we see a similar scenario play out; she approaches the king without being summoned, risking her life in a moment of obedient courage. Neither women do so because they are selfishly headstrong; rather, they do it out of selfless obedience, trusting the character of the one they’re approaching.
Both stories have similar pivotal moments displayed:
Ruth says, “Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer” (Ruth 3:9).
Esther says, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
We see that neither woman is demanding rescue or redemption. Neither manipulates the outcome. Both surrender to what the moment demands and are met with grace, honor, and redemption.
These stories remind us that God often works redemption through moments when we choose to trust Him with our vulnerability. In my life, if I’m still firmly attempting to control a situation begging for redemption, it often doesn’t arrive until I surrender. Once I place hope in the goodness of the One who can restore what is broken, I finally start to see restoration.
APPLICATION
Where are you hiding from, or retaining control of something, that needs to be redeemed? Redemption begins where secrecy ends, so who can you approach for honesty? Vulnerability feels risky, but healing can’t happen without it.
PRAYER
Jesus, thank You for redeeming what I cannot fix on my own. Give me the courage to be honest, and the humility to receive grace. Teach me to trust You more than my fear.
