OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: Ruth 1 (Focus vs. 3–8, 15–21)
MEMORY VERSE
“Don’t call me Naomi…Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.” Ruth 1:20
BACKGROUND
Jen remarried after her first husband died. The children of her new husband never accepted her, and now that he’s passed away too, they hate her for remaining in their childhood home.
Her husband left a modest sum to provide for her; his kids say she’s stealing their inheritance. Jen is understandably discouraged, and she’s grown bitter.
Naomi’s husband moved the family to Moab, where he and their two sons died. Years later, Naomi returned to Bethlehem empty-handed, except for her daughter-in-law Ruth. The town was stirred and asked, “Can this be Naomi?” (Ruth 1:19).
She said they shouldn’t use that name, which means “my pleasant one.” They should call her “Mara,” which means “bitter,” because “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty” (vv. 20–21).
Is there a chance your name is Bitter? You’ve been disappointed by friends, family, or declining health. You deserved better. But you didn’t get it. Now you’re bitter.
Naomi came back to Bethlehem bitter, but she came back. You can come home too. Come to Jesus, the descendant of Ruth, born in Bethlehem. Rest in His love.
In time, God replaced Naomi’s bitterness with the joyful fulfillment of His perfect plan (4:13–22). He can replace your bitterness too. Come home to Him.
By: Mike Wittmer
INSIGHT
The story of Ruth, which tells of the ancestry of David, Israel’s greatest king (Ruth 4:18–22), starts with great-great-grandfather Elimelek relocating his family to Moab to avoid a famine (1:1–2).
Elimelek lived “in the days when the judges ruled” (v. 1). We’re not told the exact time, but it was within the three-hundred-year period (about 1380–1050 bc) between the death of Joshua (Joshua 24:29) and the beginning of Saul’s reign as king (1 Samuel 13:1).
It was a time characterized by political instability, decadent immorality, and spiritual idolatry (Judges 2:10–13; 3:5–6) when “everyone did as they saw fit” (17:6; 21:25).
By: K. T. Sim
APPLICATION
What name describes you? What does it mean for you to live out the name that describes who you are in Jesus?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“As we pour out our bitterness to God, He pours in His peace (blessings)” Adapted – F.B. Meyer
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
Is there a chance your name is Bitter? You’ve been disappointed by friends, family, or declining health. You deserved better… Come (back) to Jesus…”
PRAYER
“Father, I’m coming home to find my rest in Your Son.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS” Paul Baloche
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful?
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
You will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded
There will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE DAILY IN 2023
EXODUS 34-35
Matthew 22:23-46