Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2:6–7
Ruth is a story of refugees returning to Israel. One, Ruth, makes a vow to Naomi and her God, Yahweh: “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us’” (Ruth 1:16–17)!
Ruth’s vow to Naomi, a reflection of the divine nature of lovingkindness, records a human DNA. Her freely given commitment sustained Naomi’s life and prompted a landowner, Boaz, to extend safety in the harvest field and meals with his harvesters (2:8–9). Boaz, recognizing Naomi’s need, accepted the role of kinsman-redeemer (4:6), re-purchased Naomi’s field (4:9), and married Ruth (4:13). This union, which birthed a child, restored Naomi’s citizenship and brought joy to Bethlehem’s women, who proclaimed this child as a redeemer for Naomi’s family (4:14–15). He was a descendant of David and in the lineage of Jesus.
Similarly, Christ’s vow expressed the heavenly DNA of lovingkindness (Phil. 2:6–7). Jesus, in keeping his vow, was born in Bethlehem (2:7) and, in his death (2:8), brought redemption (Heb. 9:12), salvation (9:28), and citizenship in heaven (Eph. 3:20). Through faith, we have come into the lineage or sonship of God, a lineage that includes Jesus, a descendent of David and our ultimate redeemer (Heb. 2:10).
Thank you, our Father, for the redemption we enjoy in Christ, the holy lineage we incredibly share in your Son, and the divine lovingkindness we receive by your grace.
Brian Seim
* Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, ©The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1995. Used by permission.
** The above was taken from Glory to God in the Highest: A Christmas Devotional (Oakville: Proclamation, 2024).
By job title, Alice is the office administrator at Oakridge. But her behind-the-scenes efforts go far beyond that! She is actively involved in the leadership team for the Tuesday evening women's bible study, she is on the mission committee, and she has recently both stepped into the leadership of church bridal and baby shower celebrations, and started teaching in our Ozone kids program. Oh, and if you see any special seasonal or holiday decorations around the church, it's a safe bet that Alice was involved!