Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wed.'s Devo - God Sees

Read Pr. 23:10,11
God is very protective of the widow and the orphan. He will punish anyone who tries to swindle them from their rights and inheritance. Today I read about Ruth. Ruth was purchased by Boaz, the most eligible bachelor, to bring up children for Ruth's late husband. What you might not remember is that Boaz comes from the lineage of Rahab the harlot of Jericho who became an Israelite to save her life and the lives of her family. Since Ruth and her husband had had no children the person next of kin was to marry her and the first born son would take the name of the late husband so that his name would not be erased from history. The next of kin said that to marry Ruth would mar his inheritance, but Boaz wanted to marry Ruth and did. It didn't mar his inheritance because Jesus came from his line.
Boaz also came from the lineage of Pharez. Pharez was the son of Judah and Tamar. Now that's a story! Tamar had been the wife of Judah's firstborn Er. Er was so wicked that God killed him so Er's brother Onan was suppose to marry her and bring up children in Er's name. He didn't want to so God ended up killing him also. When Tamar realized Judah was not going to give her Judah's third son she disguised herself as a harlot and enticed Judah to sleep with her. He did and she had Pharez. All that to say, God took care of each one of these women in a time when women were property and only good for having sons. God always comes to the defense of the destitute and mistreated. He is a strong protector and we can trust in his judgment.
Lord, show us the poor and destitute and help us to reach out and be God's hand extended.

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