RPG Adults
PROVIDENCE AND THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE (2)
MONDAY, JULY 22
Ruth 2:13-17
James 2:14-20
“If a brother or sister be naked,
and destitute of daily food…”
PROVIDENCE AND THE BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE (2)
The power of the Christian’s testimony is in the harmony of word and deed. The apostle John said, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). The message of the Gospel is to be combined with the life and conduct of the preacher and believer. The believer’s influence is in the life-changing message of Christ coupled with the selfless service following the example of Christ. Boaz not only spoke gracious, pleasant, and encouraging words to Ruth, he went a step further with practical and helpful deeds that were needful for Ruth in her situation then. He invited her to share the food that had been prepared for the reapers. A gleaner treated as a reaper!
“…and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed…” (Ruth 2:14). The parched corn was made from grains of barley or wheat that were not yet fully dry and were hard. They were roasted over fire in a pan or iron plate probably like how peanuts are roasted. Ruth was conscious of her place. Ruth 2:13 reveals how she saw herself: “I be not like unto one of thine handmaids.” She was grateful and satisfied with the grace shown her through the pleasant words and the opportunity to glean. She knew that she was not more important than them, yet kindness was extended to her beyond just the words. An invitation was extended to her to have a share in the provisions made by the master for his servants. What a gracious picture for us to learn from; one who was in the fields not by invitation, but only because of the gracious provisions of the LORD, who was allowed to pick only that which was left behind or forgotten, was invited to sit with those whose presence and work in the field was recognised by the master, and partake of the meal that was prepared for the reapers.
Christian service and good deeds are to be extended, according to the teaching of Christ (Matt 5:43-48) and His example (John 13:13-15). And they are to be done when providence presents us with the opportunity to do so (Gal 6:10).
THOUGHT: (Meditate on the hymn “Something for Thee.”)
PRAYER: “Give me a faithful heart – likeness to Thee,” O Lord.