A reward that restores past glories.


Day 34

Ruth 4:11-12

May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel.

A reward that restores past glories.

They say that any time in the past was better. Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on so much. What is true is that when faced with adversity and an uncertain future, as humans, we tend to look back, and even though the rearview mirror shows us other hard times we have gone through, it also shows the results. That is where testimonies are born. It is those moments that reinforce our faith. If any time in the past was indeed better, it is only because we have seen the results and how our current life is better thanks to them.

Ruth’s life had been difficult. But we can assume that at least, for a time, it may have been pleasant. If we return to the movie metaphor, maybe the director would show us a slow motion scene, with soft background music showing a young and happy Ruth, running hand in hand with Mahlon through the fields of golden wheat, looking for a hiding place to kiss and talk and plan a future full of kids playing with their grandparents in those same fields…then the camera goes to black.

The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges, when everyone did as they thought was right in their eyes. Many had forgotten the past glories of their people, the time they lived in Egypt under Joseph’s protection. They forgot when they crossed the Red Sea guided by Moses’ staff. They forgot all the victories in the battles to reconquer the promised land under Joshua’s leadership. Now. All these memories were brought to life.

When God rewards us, He reminds us that even though it is true that we have gone through rough times, He has always held our right hand, guided us with his counsel, and afterward will receive us to glory (Psalm 73:23-24). God had always been with us, through the trials and after them. The rearview mirror not only shows us the hard times and the results; it shows us His glory, His love for us, His protection, His care, His unconditional love. My friend, #getittogethergirl, look back and remember God’s past goodness to you. Then you can look forward and hope for his goodness in the future. His mercies never fail, they are new each morning, and great is his faithfulness.

Lord, thank you for reminding me of past glories. Thank you for showing me that you have always been faithful, and that no matter what I am going through now, you hold my right hand and will not abandon me. Thank you because I can have the protection of your grace each day, and I know that you will not forsake me. Thank you because I can have a new portion of your grace each day to sustain me. And most of all, thanks upon thanks that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.

My reflection:

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven”

Matthew 5:12

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