Belonging to a Greater Plan
Throughout my life, I have always enjoyed connecting pieces of information together to better discern the larger objective. Taking a “bird’s eye view” when considering situations helps me gain insight into how everything is linked together.
The book of Ruth provides an incredible example of a storyline that is part of a much bigger plan. Naomi and Ruth are faced with heartbreaking challenges in the aftermath of the deaths of their family members. We are inspired by Ruth’s dedication to Naomi and her willingness to serve God and return with her to the land of Judah. As the well-known story unfolds, we are introduced to Boaz who serves as the kinsman redeemer and takes Ruth as his wife. The notion of a kinsman redeemer was outlined in Leviticus and provided a way for something that was lost, such as property, and the opportunity for an inheritance to be redeemed by a relative. The book concludes with a genealogy pointing to the birth of Christ, providing a glimpse into the larger story yet to unfold.
We belong to a heavenly Father who is sovereign and is providentially working. Providence is the truth that God is continually involved with his creation, overseeing history as it progresses for the purpose of fulfilling His “good plan.”
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians describes the providence of God, stating, “God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan” (Ephesians 1:9-11, NLT).
God’s plan of redemption with Christ serving as our Kinsman Redeemer is easy for us to see centuries later as we read the book of Ruth. Like Naomi and Ruth, we belong to a greater plan as recipients of redemption from our Kinsman Redeemer.
When we face challenging circumstances and life feels chaotic, it is common to question how everything fits into God’s plan. While we cannot have the full perspective that He has over our lives, we can be confident that He is in control, and nothing can thwart His “good plan” of redemption.
