The Bible On Destiny And Fate

By: Hanna Henderson

It is believed that a man's destiny can never be changed. However, consider
the following biblical example of one woman's destiny changed by God.

Ruth was the mother of a man named Obed, who was the father of a man named
Jesse, who was the father of King David (Ruth 4:13-17). David is an ancestor
of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 1:6-16). Therefore, Ruth is also counted as an
ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5-6).

What is so significant about Ruth being one of Jesus' ancestors? The answer
lies in the fact that Ruth was a Moabitess. Born through incest (Genesis
19:36-37), the Moabites were forbidden to enter into the congregation of the
chosen people of God, the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3).

Note that it is God who determines when we are born, into what land, and our
nationality (Acts 17:26). On the surface, it may appear as though Ruth,
being born a Moabitess, was destined to be excluded from the blessing of
being a part of Israel. Her destiny was changed by God because she first
chose to cling to him.

Ruth's mother-in-law, Naomi, was an Israelite. Naomi had lived some time in
the land of Moab, but the time came for her to return to Israel. However,
she would not be returning alone. Ruth's heart toward God is revealed in her
words to Naomi.

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following
after thee, for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I
will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Ruth 1:16

Naomi's people were the Israelites; her God, Jehovah, the God of Israel. We
see the beautiful, living example of the adoption of a soul (Ruth) into
spiritual Israel.

Born a Moabitess, Ruth was destined to remain outside of the Lord's
covenant. Still, she became a part of Israel, entered into covenant with the
Lord, and even into the congregation. She willingly turned her back on the
idols of Moab, and turned to serve the God of Israel. Spiritually, she
became an Israelite and was counted among the ancestors of the Lord Jesus!
There is Israel (Jews) and there are the "nations" (gentiles or all others).
All of the gods of the nations are idols (Psalm 96:5), but the Lord is the
God of Israel.

Edited by: Diane Jandt

Article Source: http://www.articles.narrowisthepath.com

The above article is an excerpt from Saved By Destiny, Lost By Fate?, an in-depth Bible study divided into sections, dealing with the role of destiny and fate in relation to an individual's salvation. The study will soon be available in its entirety at: Heavenly Manna

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