As we study the Bible, we
will often notice that God works in very natural ways, and such is
the case with Naomi and Ruth. We left off in our study with Ruth
asking permission of Naomi to go to the field to glean corn (or
wheat) and perhaps find grace there. As Naomi sent her out, neither
she nor Ruth knew exactly what they would find. They simply applied
faith, and their expectations and hopes for discovery were not
disappointed. We read more of the story in chapter two and verse
three:
And she went, and came,
and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light
on a part of the field [belonging] unto Boaz, who [was] of the
kindred of Elimelech.
It is
important to note, “And she went, and came, and gleaned...”
There was activity attached to Ruth's idea. Many people talk of
venturing, but never take action. Ruth was unlike this. She ventured
to the field, came to the field, and began working by gleaning. In
other words, Ruth's actions followed her words.
Let us
note that she “gleaned in the field after the reapers:” As
we studied in previous verses, field owners were only to reap their
fields one time and leave the rest to the poor. We see that Ruth is
following these reapers, and when they miss some part of the harvest,
she gleaned it. Though her position was one of poverty, it did not
stop her from working. She gleaned as she could.
Not only
did Ruth go and come to the field and begin gleaning after the
reapers, we see “and her hap was to light on a part of the field
belonging to Boaz”. This portion of the verse should excite
anyone who reads and meditates upon it. “Her hap” or “it
just so happened” as if by mere coincidence that she would choose
the very field that was owned by Boaz. This is more than coincidence.
This is what some might call a “Godiwence”. This speaks
specifically to an incident that God is providentially overseeing. As
far as Ruth was concerned, it just sort of happened, but as we shall
see in future verses the sovereign hand of God was at work.
Let us
note as well that Boaz once again “was of the kindred of
Elimelech.” Of all the fields that Ruth could have chosen, she
just happened to choose the field of a man who was a kinsman of
Elimelech. Over and over again we see the scriptures of Ruth
emphasizing the importance of this kinsman redeemer. Boaz was indeed
kin to or a relative of Elimelech, Naomi's husband, and since Ruth
married one of Elimelech's sons, a kinsman redeemer and the law
concerning him applied to Ruth's life.
Let's
remember that all this time both Naomi and Ruth have no idea what God
is doing, and although they don't, He does. Could it be that there
are plans and developments that are working in our lives that we have
no idea about as well? Perhaps there are “Godiwences” that are
awaiting us if we will only go to the field that God has prepared for
us. We don't have to know everything that God has planned for us, nor
do we need any less than expectation and hope from God Almighty. God
is proving Himself to be a wonderful, caring and loving God even when
Naomi and Ruth do not see it, and we can expect can expect that He
will be that way with us as well.
Next
time we will see the entrance of Boaz to the field and watch what is
the beginning of a match truly made in heaven, so read ahead, and we
shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment