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TUESDAY — Aspire to Nobility
Today’s Big Point: Nobility means more than being of noble or kingly heredity. It also refers to the exaltation of elevated character, ideals and conduct; characteristics of Naomi and Boaz.

As Lee pointed out, we are shown examples of nobility in Naomi and Boaz that are worthy of both our admiration and aspiration. They were both well-known, important people. Naomi was originally from Bethlehem, where she was respected and wealthy when she left with her husband to go to Moab. Her standing in her hometown was evidenced by her greeting from the women upon her return: the entire town was excited! Similarly, Boaz was a wealthy, accomplished, and influential man in Bethlehem. In the story we see that Boaz knew all the ins-and-outs of successfully doing business in the Bethlehem of his day. However, their nobility is demonstrated more in their character than in any community standing.

Naomi’s character is displayed time and again throughout the book of Ruth. In the face of extreme adversity, she generously releases her daughters-in-law from any obligation to follow her home to Israel, because she genuinely believes that they would be better off at home in Moab. Her generosity is rewarded by God with the blessing of a lifetime: joy, along with Ruth’s unwavering love, loyalty and devotion. Even in her hardship and suffering, Naomi remained faithful to God and ultimately gave thanks to God for His blessings.

Boaz was a man of unquestioned integrity, a good employer, and kind to all— particularly the poor. Indeed, his kindness to Ruth, who was living in poverty as she gleaned the fields of Boaz, directly led to his securing a wife and a son. As a result of their character, both Naomi and Boaz assumed key places of noble significance in the lineage of David…and ultimately Christ Jesus.

READ…What does the Bible say?
Ruth 1:19 (New Living Translation)
So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked.

Ruth 2:1 (New Living Translation)
Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.

2 Peter 1:3 & 10 (New Living Translation)
3By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. … 10So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.

THINK…Find the answers

When Naomi returned home with Ruth to Bethlehem, how did the town’s women react?

What was Boaz’s standing in his hometown?

In 2 Peter, what has God given us, and what does He ask of us in return—to prove we are His?

LIVE…What will you do now?
Take a moment to identify some elements of your character that are noble:
Noble character is something we all want, but frequently fall short of. What things in your life interfere with your attainment of a noble character?
God has given us so much, including the opportunity to choose to live a Godly life. Nevertheless, time and again we choose to live in ways that satisfy ourselves— ways that may not satisfy God. What excuses do you use when making selfish choices—ignoring the Godly life that He wants from us, and empowered us to live?

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know & do?
Take a moment to reflect on all that God has given you, and how little He asks in return. Ponder the extent of the gift He has given you, and the opportunity to live as He would have you—in His service as an example to unbelievers. Ask yourself if you’re prepared to fully serve God and make decisions to live a Godly, noble life.
“Heavenly Father, I ask You to help me search within to evaluate my true response to the gifts You have given me. Help me find the strength and courage to accept those gifts and use them to Your eternal glory. Help me prove to myself and those who are seeking You that I am one of Your called and chosen. Amen.”

DAILY BIBLE READING COMMENTARY: Luke 11
11:1-4 This section is similar to Mt. 6:9-13 (Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount). Known as the “model prayer,” Jesus set a way for us to communicate with God – not by rote, but rather by including a heartfelt dialogue that includes: Adoration (acknowledging God for who He is and what he has done), Confession (admitting our faults and asking for forgiveness), Thanksgiving (giving thanks for all that God has done in our lives), Supplication (asking God for the things that are on our heart). The first letter of each area spells ACTS. For Christfollowers, the idea of asking God to forgive our sins isn’t about the act of salvation, but the act of restoring our daily communion with God, which is broken whenever we sin.
11:5-6 Since it was hot during the day, travelers tended to move during the night. In that culture, hospitality was huge! If midnight visitors arrived, they must be fed! While the daily bread supply was likely used by nightfall, neighbors would know which friends would still have food left over. The ultimate act of hospitality was offering visitors a fresh, unbroken, loaf of bread.
11:9-11 We must come to God with boldness and confidence. However, we must not only ask, but seek as well. We must be persistent – God is not upset with our persistence. If He doesn’t answer our prayers right when we pray them, He will eventually answer them, in His time – in His way – when we continue to pray.
11:14-22 The “prince of demons” was Beelzebub. The term was used in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the name was used for Satan.