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THE TIMES OF THE JUDGES (1)
MONDAY, JULY 1
Ruth 1:1-3

Proverbs 4:20-27

 

“Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it are the issues of life.”

 

THE TIMES OF THE JUDGES (1)
 
The period of the Judges presents to us a period, in the history of God’s people Israel, when the nation groped in the dark and walked without direction; and her sins separated her from her God and repeatedly caused her to fall. This period highlighted the frailty and depravity of man.
 
The Book of Ruth is set in the period of the Judges, presenting to us the realities and pictures of life. In its pictures, it points out the light of providence in the darkest hours of the life of God’s people. The Book presents to us matters and realities of life, matters of providence and faith amidst the uncertainties, and the difficulties of daily life. Like the Book of Judges, the Book of Ruth looks into times of emergencies; but unlike Judges, which looks at the emergencies from a national perspective, Ruth focuses on them from a personal one. Like the Book of Judges, Ruth points out God’s grace, compassion and longsuffering. But unlike the Book of Judges, which points out God’s grace compassion and longsuffering extended to the nation, Ruth points out the same, as extended to the family, and the individual.
 
As we seek to look at “God’s Providence in the Daily Issues of Life,” we begin by defining the meaning of “Providence.” The Westminster Confession of Faith, states: “God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose and govern all creatures, actions and things, from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence, according to His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness and mercy.”
 
“…in the days when the Judges ruled” (Ruth 1:1a). The story of Ruth is set in the background of the period of the Judges. Personal responsibility and piety are not to be excused by the lack of righteous and godly authority and example among the people. Understanding the providence of God begets the responsibility of man in life despite circumstances.
 
THOUGHT: Providence requires responsible living within God’s will.
PRAYER: Help me, Father, to trust in Thy providence and plans for my life.

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