Reading 37 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Monday, October 20, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Ruth 4:13–22

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David. Now these are the descendants of Perez: Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron of Ram, Ram of Amminadab, Amminadab of Nahshon, Nahshon of Salmon, Salmon of Boaz, Boaz of Obed, Obed of Jesse, and Jesse of David. (NRSV)

Reflection

In Margaret Laing’s devotion yesterday, she beautifully commented on how Ruth is a book of family history, a story of love and devotion. She elaborated on that concept, paired with the declaration of “Where you go, I will go,” by stating that we can all turn to the characters in this story as models of “God’s devotion — and how it should go both ways.”

Margaret also noted the prevalence of the theme of going/traveling in this story. What caught my attention in reading Margaret’s devotion and the passage for today is the transition from going to putting down roots that grow into the family tree that leads us to the likes of David and Jesus (through means of birth and marriage into the family). Margaret comments, “Returning could not have been easy, even for food when none was available. Going back isn’t easy — unless you’re going back to someone you’re, well, devoted to.”

In this passage, we see that devotion between Ruth and Naomi transformed into a lasting genealogical connection through the union of Ruth and Boaz in the birth of their son Obed. The women of the neighborhood saying, “A son has been born to Naomi,” highlights the significance of the relationship between Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth.

As a transplant to Chicago from Pennsylvania, who is surrounded and supported by so many incredible family members with bonds by blood and by choice, I thank God for these examples of love, devotion, and connection from the book of Ruth. May I take inspiration from them to be as dedicated to those with whom I journey.

Prayer

God, as head of this ecclesiastical family, you connect and unite us in your love. You have not left us without next-of-kin, because you have given us to one another. Restore us and nourish us as we hold one another through all of our lives’ journeys, devoted to the well-being of all creation. Amen.

Written by Katrina Buchanan, Editorial Associate

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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