On the Road to Bethlehem

Dear Pastor,
With our focus on the birth of our Savior this month, I wanted to share a short story and reflection with you.

Not long ago, I was leading a tour in Israel and we were at Shepherd's Field outside of Bethlehem. This field is considered to be the most likely place where the shepherds were first given the announcement of Jesus' birth by the angel. While the group was taking photos, I took a short walk and began looking out at the mountains of Moab far to the east. The mountains of Moab, in modern-day Jordan, are the mountains from which Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem. It was a distance of about fifty miles, and the trip would have been treacherous. As I gazed at the distant mountains, I began to think about what those shepherds in the field heard from the angel:

"Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-12) Bethlehem is known as the "City of David" - but why? As I thought about the shepherds and Bethlehem, it suddenly dawned on me that the road to Bethlehem (which literally means, "The House of Bread") was important not only because of Joseph and Mary, but also because of Ruth and Naomi. David's lineage - which culminated in Messiah - was dependent upon the courage of two widows who made the dangerous walk from the mountains of Moab to Bethlehem and submitted themselves to the will of God.

When Naomi and Ruth came back to Bethlehem, they did so with no real prospects other than the law of gleaning, which allowed people who were unable to care for themselves to pick up the scraps of the harvest (Lev. 23:22). As Ruth risked her life to glean in the fields of Bethlehem to provide for Naomi and herself, she ended up in the field of Boaz, the son of Rahab and Salmon from the tribe of Judah.

Through a wonderful series of events, described in the book of Ruth, Boaz turns out to be a close relative who becomes the Go-el, the kinsman redeemer who would bring life to the family of Naomi and Ruth. The book of Ruth recounts their marriage and the birth of their son Obed, and the book of Matthew reveals Ruth and Obed as part of the genealogy of the Messiah.
As you prepare to celebrate Christmas this month, remember to reflect on Naomi and Ruth, who made the dangerous trip from the mountains of Moab on the road to Bethlehem - their courage and trust in God changed the world. "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity." (Micah 5:2)

May the One who was born in the "House of Bread" be your portion and joy during this season and each and every day!

In Messiah,
Rich Freeman
Chosen People Ministries

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