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PROVIDENCE, OBEDIENCE AND PROTECTION (2)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
Ruth 2:8-12

1 John 5:1-3

 

“…and his commandments

are not grievous.”

 

PROVIDENCE, OBEDIENCE AND PROTECTION (2)
 
Although obedience is key to our walk with the LORD and our safety in this perverse and evil generation, many consider the commandments of God and His instructions restrictive. Boaz, as he addressed Ruth, was not being controlling and restrictive; on the contrary, he was being protective and caring of her.
 
“…Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence…” (Ruth 2:8). This is an interesting statement that highlights the working of providence. Ruth left to go to the field of him “in whose sight I shall find grace” (Ruth 2:2), and “her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz” (Ruth 2:3). Then, out of care and compassion, Boaz urged her not to leave his fields. He recognised Ruth’s relation to him, though she did not. He knew the dangers of gleaning in the days when “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judg 17:6), though Ruth being new to the land might not. Providence had led Ruth to where she would be protected and safe. Then, when she was there, she was to take upon herself the responsibility of staying safe by heeding the words of Boaz. If she would do as she had been charged and “abide here fast by my maidens” (Ruth 2:8), and to let “thine eyes be on the field that they do reap” (Ruth 2:9), then she would save herself from many snares and troubles unknown to her. Her obedience would serve her well.
 
As providence worked, Ruth had the duty to cooperate in obedience. The poor and vulnerable throughout history had been exploited and taken advantage of, being considered helpless, defenceless and unprotected. Nevertheless, James points out that though they may not have an ear in the corrupt courts of men, they do receive hearing in the courts of heaven: “the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth” (James 5:4). The Lord often intervenes providentially on their behalf rather than miraculously. He led Ruth not to unscrupulous men, but to Boaz. Now, she had the duty to remain there.
 
THOUGHT: Heeding godly advice keeps us from temptations and evil.
PRAYER: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” (Matt 6:13).

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